Originally Posted by Verbena

Bob, I had a similar experience with chickens (for eating) many years ago. Our budget was slowly expanding, and I had graduated to buying "somewhat better" chickens, rather than "really cheap". Had been buying these for a couple of years, but one day the store was out of them, but we were planning chicken for that evening's dinner so I bought a different inferior, brand. Even my husband noticed the difference in flavor (a man not renowned for his discerning taste). With the amount of rosemary I use with roast chicken you wouldn't think anyone would notice, but we both did. I have only moved up the quality scale with chicken, and most other things, since then, never back down. I would rather eat better quality, though perhaps less often.