Growing up, I used to visit my grandfather's farm... we would hunt and we would eat... as grandpa passed and I got older, I stopped hunting. I just didn't have a need for it. Everything I needed to eat I could find at the supermarket or online, or almost everything. Game meats became delicacies I would only eat at a restaurant. Not something I would eat at home. Until recently.. over the past few years, demand for "Game Meats" has boomed. So lets talk about it!
Game Meats refers to meat from animals that are hunted in the wild, rather than raised on farms... it is important to note that many "game animals" are still raised in "farms" its just that these farms are basically private land where they roam free.
Anyway...
Why eat Game Meats?
Despite being a less well-known option, there are many good reasons why people should try game meats at least once.
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Unique flavors: Game meats have a distinct taste that sets them apart from more commonly consumed meats like beef, pork and chicken. This unique flavor profile is due to the animal’s natural diet and lifestyle, which can be quite different from that of domesticated animals.
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Health benefits: Game meats are often leaner than traditional meats, and are a good source of protein and minerals like iron and zinc. Additionally, some game meats like venison have been found to have a higher ratio of healthy unsaturated fats compared to saturated fats.
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Sustainability: Hunting wild game helps to control populations of certain animals and prevent overgrazing, which can be a problem in some areas. This makes it a more sustainable source of meat compared to traditional farming methods, which can put a strain on natural resources.
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Ethical considerations: For many people, game meats are a more ethical choice because the animals are hunted in the wild and do not experience the same conditions of confinement and stress as farm-raised animals.
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Adventure: Trying new and different foods is a great way to expand your culinary horizons and experience new flavors. Game meats can offer a new and exciting taste adventure that is unlike anything you have tried before.
In conclusion, game meats offer a unique flavor profile, health benefits, sustainability, and ethical considerations. So consider trying game meats like venison, bison, or wild boar for a unique and flavorful dining experience.
Check out this video of one of our customers cooking an Elk Rib Rack he got from us:
Where to start?
There are a lot of different meats to try, but we recommend starting with the five below. Why? They are relatively easy to cook and will ease you into a world of new flavors!
- Bison: Bison meat is becoming increasingly popular and is often seen as a healthier alternative to beef. It is lower in fat and calories, and higher in protein and iron compared to beef.
- Wild Boar: Wild boar meat has a rich, robust flavor that is often described as being similar to pork, but with a slightly gamier taste. It is a popular choice for sausages and cured meats.
- Venison: Venison is the meat of deer and is often considered the most popular game meat. It has a rich, slightly sweet flavor and is often described as being similar to beef, but with a more tender texture (we made this guide and video on how to cook Venison)
- Elk: Elk meat is known for its lean, tender and juicy texture, as well as its rich, nutty flavor. It is often compared to beef, but is slightly sweeter and more flavorful.
- Rabbit: Rabbit meat is lean, tender and has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that is often described as similar to chicken. It is a popular choice for stews and braises.
These are some of the most popular game meats, but there are many others to explore including alligator, camel, pheasant, quail, duck, and even wild turkeys.
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