Some information on Ostrich Meat
and the best way of Cooking it.

Why eat ostrich? Ostrich Meat the healthier Red Meat

Ostrich has found a place on the world's menu, delivering red meat flavor with 40% less fat
than beef. Already a popular menu item at top rated European and American restaurants,
ostrich is poised to become, "the premier red meat of the next century," according to the
The National Culinary Review. The reason is simple. No other meat combines the
flavor, versatility and nutritional benefits of ostrich. Ostrich is the healthiest red meat available.
Try it and you'll agree.

People becoming more health conscience, and are looking for alternative sources of
meat protein that are low in cholesterol, fat and calories. Ostrich are a viable alternative
they produce a red meat that is low in fat and calories, while maintaining a high protein content,
and with a taste that is similar to that of beef and of top quality roast. Ostrich meat also has the
potential to be low in cholesterol, depending on the feeding regime used.

Table 1. Ostrich Meat Comparison based on 85 gram cooked sample

Ostrich Meat Nutritional Information
(3 oz / 85 gm)

 

 

Calories

Protein
gm

Fat
gm

Cholesterol
mg

Calcium
mg

OSTRICH

97

22

2

58

5

Chicken

140

27

3

73

13

Turkey

135

25

3

59

16

Beef

240

21

15

77

9

Lamb

205

22

13

78

8

Pork

275

24

19

84

3

Ostrich meat color is a deep red - a little darker red than beef. The major muscles of the carcass
are located in the leg and thigh of the bird. A majority of the lean meat will come off in the form
of large muscles which can be used as steaks and roasts. There is very little trim, and most
trimmings will be used in sausage, value-added delicatessen meats, and burger processing.
All ostrich muscles are not the same - some are more palatable and tender than others.
Carcass lean meat is about 60 -63% of the carcass weight. Carcass fat is very low.

        Ostrich Meat Features

        Low fat, high in iron and protein, low in calories.

Tips for Cooking Ostrich Meat

Ostrich meat is best when served very hot or chilled. Avoid serving it lukewarm.
Ostrich meat is very lean. It has no fat marbling and very little fat trim.
This means that it is important to avoid overcooking, or meat will become tough.
Cooked properly, ostrich is very tender.
You may want to rinse raw ostrich meat before cooking it, as it tends to be more
bloody than other red meats.
Ostrich meat has a taste similar to beef, with a gentle gamey flavor. If you prefer to
have the flavor of the meat alone, then simply spice with salt and pepper. If you prefer
to add seasonings to the meat, then cook using a lower temperature to allow spices to
absorb and penetrate.

       A word from the Chef:

        Low-fat, low cholesterol eating is not just for people who are trying to lose weight.
        Everyone can benefit from keeping dietary fat to 30 percent or less of total
        calories. Studies show that a low fat, low cholesterol diet reduces the risk of
        heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer.

        If you want to eat healthier foods but don't want to sacrifice taste, than Ostrich is
        for you. Ostrich recipes are lower in total fat than beef recipes with the majority
        having less than 30 percent of calories from fat, and less than 10 percent of calories
        from saturated fat.

        "This is just delicious!" is what you'll hear when you try these recipes. You will be
        surprised at how Ostrich cuts the fat and calories without eliminating the flavor.

        Michael Gross
       Executive Chef

         Preparing and cooking Ostrich is easy. As mentioned earlier, Ostrich is so
         versatile that anything you can do with beef, lamb, veal, pork or poultry,
         you can do with Ostrich.
         It marinates well, and is interchangeable with other meats in most Recipes.
         Not unlike beef or poultry, special care should be taken to not overcook the meat.
         This will reduce its moist and tender taste.
         Most chefs prefer to serve it on the pink side.

         If you have any problems with this Recipes please E-mail me and I will
         will correct the recipe or will give you final instructions what to do !!!

         You know I am a Cook a think a little different ?

         Thank you
       Michael Gross

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