Why Add Duck Meat to Your Grocery List?

Although the idea of cooking duck at home can intimidate some consumers, those wanting to try something new find duck meat is easy to prepare and fits a variety of cuisines and menu options. Plus, duck meat and duck fat have a host of health benefits that yield a unique dining experience shoppers return to again and again.

Duck meat is lean.

While duck often gets a bad rap for being fatty, duck meat is very lean and you can easily reduce the layer of fat beneath the skin during the cooking process.

• By scoring the duck breast, or slicing through the skin and fat layer in a crosshatch pattern, cooks can eliminate up to 70% of the fat prior to serving.
• When roasting whole duck, cooking instructions often recommend piercing the skin with a fork before cooking to allow much of the fat to render out.

Both techniques yield a leaner, more crispy duck skin consumers love.

Duck meat is nutritious.

In addition to being a lean protein option, duck meat is an excellent source of protein. In fact, a 3-ounce portion of cooked duck can provide more than 25% of a person’s daily protein and iron requirements. And, duck meat is rich in selenium, B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fats.

Duck fat is healthy.

Adventurous cooks love to use duck fat rendered from the cooking process as a flavorful alternative to plant oils or butter. Duck fat lends a rich flavor to anything it is used in. It is higher in monounsaturated than saturated fats, making it a great option for those looking to lower blood cholesterol levels. Simply strain it to remove any solids, and it will keep for months in the refrigerator or freezer.

Duck meat is versatile.

You can easily substitute duck for beef, chicken or pork in almost any recipe. It works great in a variety of cuisines.

• Switch out steak for duck breast in this duck and frites dish.
• Spice up tacos with ground duck.
• Substitute duck for chicken in duck parmesan.

The possibilities are endless!

Sustainable and farm-raised duck meat from Maple Leaf Farms is available at grocery stores and meat markets across the nation. If you have need help finding it in your local market, you can use our product locator or shop online to have it shipped directly to your door by Maple Leaf Farms.