Why you should choose your game meat from a premium supplier in 2021
What is Game meat?
Harvested from natural landscapes within the UK, game animals are wild and not land raised, meaning their diet is natural. Not only does this give a distinctive flavour to their meat, but they are also often a healthy alternative to many farm-raised animals.
There is a wide range of Game birds and animals available today due to the ever-increasing popularity of their meat. The wild game you may be familiar with are:
- Venison – a beautiful depth of flavour, making it a great alternative to beef for most recipes.
- Rabbit – slightly drier than chicken, similar in flavour but with more depth
- Pigeon – stronger meat that is rich in iron
- Grouse – considered the king of game, this bird tastes like no other and must be sampled.
- Pheasant – a very similar taste to chicken
- Woodcock – a strong game flavour, making an excellent course for your dinner party
- Partridge – Sweeter that pheasant with a slightly more gamey flavour, great for first-time game eaters
No matter the kinds of meat you choose, with game meat, you can be sure you will be able to create an incredible variety of dishes that are healthy, flavourful and an excellent source of vitamins and minerals.
The health benefits of Game meat
Game meat is possibly one of the most understated meats on the market today. Naturally low in fat and cholesterol, game is a great healthy alternative to other red meats you can purchase.
Wild game fat has a natural source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, is an excellent source of protein and contains a high number of beneficial nutrients, including Selenium. Selenium is a significant part of our diet, but we generally lack a nutrient as a population. Ensuring you have enough Selenium in your diet will support your body with DNA production, protect you from damage caused by free radicals and infection as well as helping your metabolism.
What vitamins and minerals can you gain from eating game meat?
- Omega 3 – helping to lower blood pressure and reducing the chance of heart-related illnesses
- Omega 6 – helping to lower cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart disease
- Iron – increases energy levels and focus abilities, supporting the immune system.
- Vitamin E – supporting skin health, immune systems and cell regeneration
- Beta Carotene – An antioxidant maintaining skin health and UV protection
- Zinc – supporting and boosting metabolism and immune system
- Vitamin B(6) – mood improver, promotion of brain health and aid to haemoglobin production
- Selenium – Aiding DNA production, protection from damage caused by free radicals and infection
Not only does game meat provide our essential nutrients like those above, but many people also choose to incorporate it into the healthy diet as a way to lose weight due to it being naturally lower in calories than other meats available.
For those looking for a high protein diet, venison is a top contender to be considered due to its naturally higher protein level.
Know when the Game season is so you can pick the perfect meat
To protect and maintain the wildlife that Britain has to offer, game meat, in many circumstances, can only be sourced by hunters during the official Game Season. Whilst this means that fresh game is available for part of the year for some meats, your local premium supplier of game will have frozen meats available so that you can enjoy the regular game, as well as some specialist quality meats such as bison and ostrich throughout the year.
Much of the game season occurs during the winter months, often between October and February, so if you are looking for fresh cuts of meat from game birds like pheasant or woodcock, the winter months are a great time to choose. For game animals such as rabbit, hare and deer, the game season is much longer, and therefore you can access these types of meat for more of the year.
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Menu ideas to wow your dinner party guests
As game meat is leaner than that of farm-raised animals, it must not be overcooked unless you are making a casserole or have chosen a tougher cut of game meat. We have put together some beautiful recipes for you to try with your chosen game meat.
Venison Steak Frites
Cooked with either venison fillet or haunch steak, this dinner is mouthwatering and surprisingly not difficult to make. Using various flavours, including garlic, chilli, rosemary and orange zest for your venison, the dish is perfectly finished with straw frites and just a sprinkle of rock salt.
Pot Roast Pheasant with Pearl Barley and Stuffed Onions
If you’re looking for a delicate dining dish that takes a little more time to create, Pot Roast Pheasant may well be a perfect choice. Many ingredients bring this dish together, but for warm and cosy evenings, we have no doubt it’s the ideal dish for you.
Wood Fired Wood Pigeon
Go back to basics with this beautiful moist meat, cooked very simply over an open wood fire with just a sprig of rosemary to create a depth of flavour. Perfect for the summer weather and an outside gathering with friends and family.
IMS of Smithfield – your premium game suppliers in London
IMS of Smithfield are proud to say they are your premium game suppliers in London and the surrounding areas. Established in 1970 and built on sustainability, honesty and reliability, it’s no wonder that both private and commercial clients flock to Kings Cross, London, to visit IMS of Smithfield regularly.
Unlike some meat delivery companies, we believe in establishing strong relationships with our suppliers and only work with farmers and suppliers in Britain, meaning we provide the healthiest meats that you can trace back to the source. We deliver throughout mainland UK quickly and efficiently and are always on hand should our clients have any questions or concerns.
Why not head over to our website to look at our beautiful hampers or create your own meat feast by simply picking your favourite cuts?