Most Northern Americans are unsure about consuming goat meat. They often consider it exotic food, a curiosity only tasted when trying the cuisine of other cultures. What they don’t know is that, to the rest of the world, eating goat’s meat is natural.
Chevon
Goat’s meat is actually called cabrito or chevon. It is typically used in Asian, Muslim, Carribean and Hispanic cuisine. One of the main reasons that chevon is becoming more popular in the US, and in other countries, is the widespread migration of these ethnic groups.
Ethnic groups often take most of their traditions with them, including their customs, religions and food. Globalization ensures that this means the continuous spread of cuisine and rituals that were normally eaten or performed in other parts of the world.
The increase of migrants in the US means that the goat’s meat that used to be exported to countries such as Mexico, the Carribean and Canada is now being consumed right at home. Ethnic groups are still the highest consumers of chevon, particularly during certain holidays. Sometimes, buyers want to be the ones to slaughter the goats for religious reasons. In these cases, some meat sellers provide them the implements and clean area to do so.
The Naturally Healthy Meat
The habit of eating goat’s meat has also started to catch on because of it’s health benefits. The taste is comparable to that of pork and beef, while having less fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and calories. Goat’s meat is 50 – 65% lower in fat than beef and pork, with basically the same amount of protein. It also has 40% less saturated fat than skinless chicken.
Goat meat may become harder to cook because of its low fat content. However, there are already several recipes that preserve it’s taste and moisture. Aside from those coming from ethnicities that traditionally consume it, it is often roasted, smoked or braised. Fans of chevon have claimed that when smokes, it has more flavor than beef and pork.
Chevon is already being marketed as a dietary adjustment for people suffering from heart diseases. Health-conscious individuals are becoming more open to eating alternative foods, including meat from goats.
The Goats
Currently, there is more demand than supply for goat’s meat. Breeders and goat raisers turn to fast-growing and meaty animals such as boer goats. This breed can put on weight quickly and provide the best carcasses for meat. Since the animals are also cheaper to feed than cows or pigs, goat’s meat also has the advantage of being more affordable for buyers.
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