The world is becoming more adventurous with meat; from attempted stints at selling Kobe and Wagyu beef internationally, to fat-free zebra chops. Aldi, a leading global discount supermarket chain is now selling ostrich meat; two 150g steaks are going for £4.99 this week.
Ostrich is farmed in South Africa where the meat has long been popular, particularly for its health benefits; it’s low in cholesterol, fat, and kilojoules. Unusual for poultry, the meat is a deep red colour.
These days, aside from eating them, we race them, use their feathers for dusters, enjoy quality leather products with their trademark polka dots, and peruse a host of travel souvenirs.
Ostrich is a great farm animal. They herd well, they can survive in almost any climate, and they have the best feed to weight ratio of any land animal, making it suitable for the ecologically conscious.
Ostrich meat is rather gamey with a much stronger flavour than chicken or beef. It needs to be paired carefully. It can be quite chewy and can dry out because it’s so lean, so it’s usually best to marinade it and have it rare to medium.
Here are some tips on food and wine pairing.
If you haven’t already tried ostrich, it’s definitely worth it and your waistline will thank you.
Try this ostrich cottage pie with butternut mash for a healthy twist on a classic or how about this Asian-style on ginger sweet potato rosti for flavours galore.
Source: Independent
Is the slightly gamey taste worth the health benefits for you?