Red meat is a large part of the daily diet of many people. Reports are showing that the sales of unusual meats have been going up about 20% to 30% annually. Most contribute the rise in consumption of these alternative meats to the changing taste of customers looking for something different to eat. The main reason many are choosing to try eating game meats or exotics meats is for their health benefits.
Since most exotic meats are farm raised to be produced for the public they are raised naturally in a calm environment. That means a high quality organic meats that is free of growth hormones, antibiotics, medications or preservatives. Game meats are also high in protein but lower in calories, fat and cholesterol than more well known traditional red meats.
You will be surprised to since with these unusual meats gaining popularity they are much more commonly found at local butchers, grocery stores and readily available online. In the past these exotic meats where only find in high proceed higher end restaurants but many are surprised to see some on the menus of popular chains like “Ruby Tuesday’s” Bison Bacon and “Fuddruckers” Buffalo Burger. Below are just a few of the many unusual and daring meats for the adventurous eater to try.
Ostrich
This unusual meat is one of the more well known and has almost exactly the same color and texture as beef. It can be a great choice for those wanting something not too different but still lean and healthy. Popular for its low fat and low cholesterol and for its versatility it is known to cook well with many different ingredients. It has also been approved by the American and British Heart Associations and the American Diabetes Association. You can visit this companies website here to read more about it and even order online.
Bison (Buffalo)
Perhaps the most widely known of the unusual meats Bison or also called Buffalo meat is a very readily found game meat. As you can see here it can be purchased as ground bison, bison patties, bison skirt steaks, bison flank steaks, buffalo sausage and more. Known for its lean quality and rich flavor Bison is not gamey tasting but resembles the taste of beef and is a very subtle tasting meat. Bison is lower in cholesterol than skinless chicken and very high in Iron and protein.
Alligator
Many who have attend a local fair or festival might have had the chance to try Alligator on a stick since this unusual meat is becoming more easily accepted. My husband tried some and loved it and gave me the old tastes like chicken comment. At this website the sell Alligator Tenderloin Fillets that have been farm raised on a diet of frogs and fish. Alligator is a pure white meat and can be cooked slowly like in a stew or if you like you can cook them quickly searing them over high heat. Alligator has even been featured in “Men’s Health Magazine” as a healthy poultry alternative.
Yak
Many have heard of a Yak but did not know it is one of the most popular of the unusual game meats. It is well liked since it is extremely low in cholesterol, lean and very low in fat. It is similar in its look to beef and has a red meat flavor that many think tastes like traditional steak. As you can see here its also very versatile it is available in flat iron steaks, patties, tip sirloin roast and rib eye steaks. With its mild pleasing flavor and versatility it can be made into a large number of recipes.
Iguana
Here is a unusual meat many of us only think of as a pet or in the jungle when we hear its name. For many years Iguana has been a popular to eat in Mexico and South America. It is slowly gaining more popularity and visibility in other locations. This very lean meat taste very much like chicken ad could probably be passed off as so if you were not aware of what it was.Here you can order it in 2 pound packages many think of it as a delicacy due to its cost and availability.
So if you are looking for a alternative meat that is lean, healthy and good for you these are some great options. Once you look around you will see how many game and exotic meats are offered you never even dreamed of. With a open mind you might just find some wonderful new additions to your everyday diet.
