Facts About Goat Meat
Goats are one of the first animals to be domesticated, after sheep and dogs. Although goats have not traditionally been a common in the American diet, increased goat consumption in the U.S. has been one result of the expansion of ethnic cuisine in recent years. Does this Spark an idea?
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Prevalence
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The infusion of Caribbean culture into American society has been one of the biggest sources of the rise of goat consumption in the past two decades. The Caribbean influence is only one of a number of places with goat as a principle food source. Goats were the dominant contributor of protein to the diets of people living in many Middle Eastern, North African and Southeast Asian countries as of the late 1990s. Three fourths of all the world's goats were located in developing regions. Goat makes up more than 60 percent of all the red meat eaten around the world.
Goats Used for Meat
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There are three types of goats in the U.S. Dairy goats, an alternative to cows for milk and cheese, and angora goats, used mostly for their fiber, are two types. The third group, goats that are bred for their meat, are typically the males of several Spanish and Mexican goat breeds. Most goats are slaughtered for food when they are still kids, defined as under a year of age, because that is when the meat is most tender.
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Health of Goat Meat
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Goat meat, also known as "chevon" or "cabrito," has a different molecular structure than other meats. It is easier to digest, so is better for people who have digestion problems with other types of meat. Goat meat is relatively low in fat. With only about three grams per 3.5 ounce section, goat is an excellent alternative to traditional meat for people conscious of their diets.
Goat Recipes
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Goat meat can be prepared in a variety of ways and incorporated into a number of dishes. Goats can be cooked whole with chilies and guacamole, ground up into soup, or made into burgers. Popular recipes with goat include Indian and Caribbean curry dishes, stews, chilies, gumbos, souvlaki, ribs and even jerky.
Guidelines for Goat Meat
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Meat goats may be administered antibiotics for specific illnesses. Unlike dairy cows, FDA regulations prohibit goats from being injected with growth hormones. Although there are no grades for goat meat, the FDA conducts inspections of slaughtered goats before they go to the marketplace.
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