The benefits of eating game

The importance placed on provenance, sustainability and health implications of our food has meant that wild British meat has seen a rise in popularity with diners. We’re lucky as Scotland is home to an abundance of game, some of which is considered the best in the world, yet some still wrongly assume that game meat is tough, strong tasting or unpleasant. However, the popularity of game meats being served in top hotels and restaurants is slowly dispelling these myths.

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The benefits of eating game

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The importance placed on provenance, sustainability and health implications of our food has meant that wild British meat has seen a rise in popularity with diners. We’re lucky as Scotland is home to an abundance of game, some of which is considered the best in the world, yet some still wrongly assume that game meat is tough, strong tasting or unpleasant. However, the popularity of game meats being served in top hotels and restaurants is slowly dispelling these myths.

benefits_of_eating_game

What meats are classed as game?

  • Pheasant
  • Partridge
  • Grouse
  • Rabbit
  • Pigeon
  • Hare
  • Wild duck
  • Wild Geese
  • Snipe
  • Woodcock
  • Squirrel
  • Venison – Red, Sika, Fallow, Roe, Chinese Water Deer and Muntjac

So what are the benefits of eating game meat?

  • It’s one of the healthiest meats available as it’s very low in fat and cholesterol and one of the healthiest sources of good fat in Omega-3. Game is very high in iron and contains higher levels of many beneficial nutrients including vitamin E, beta carotene, zinc, vitamin B(6) and selenium.
  • It’s wild and natural – therefore hormone and additive free thanks to the animals having a natural diet from roaming free in forests, farm land and moorlands.
  • It’s easy to cook – as it’s a lean meat it doesn’t require a lot of cooking, meaning you can enjoy it as a tasty, quick dinner.
  • It’s good for your carbon footprint – game meat is often locally sourced so there are relatively few miles from field to fork.
  • It’s a delicious alternative to your typical meat dishes such as beef and chicken. Venison and pheasant can replace beef and chicken respectively, and pigeon and grouse are stronger tasting meats when you’re looking for something different.

If you’re totally new to cooking game or just need a helping hand with some new ideas, our Game Day is the perfect class for you. Our chefs will demonstrate how to prepare different types of game, the best way to cook the meat and you will also learn what food compliments the game.

Check out the menu for our next Game Day:

  • Five-spiced duck with orange, fennel and rocket salad
  • British game pie with lemon and parsley gremolata
  • Khad khargosh, garlic chutney and pilaf rice