Over the last few years, more and more people are adding healthier alternatives to their diets. As a society, we're becoming much more knowledgeable about healthy choices, fat content, and artificial ingredients. There has been a growing trend away from some of the traditional high fat and high cholestorol meat choices, while seeking out healthier, easy-to-prepare alternatives. Certain types of wild game meats, previously largely unavailable in the marketplace, are turning up more and more frequently on restaurant menus and dinner tables.



The term "wild game" generally refers to wild animals and birds. Let's contrast wild game with farm-raised game. Farm raised game are originally wild species of animals and birds that have been raised for sale under existing State regulations. These regulations are important to consumers because game species raised on farms under appropriate conditions can be sold via the marketplace to the end consumer. Conversely, wild game species cannot be sold, but can be harvested (hunted) for personal use. In essence, farm-raised game are specifically intended for the consumer marketplace, and are proving to be more and more popular as people discover their health benefits in comparison to traditional meats. Further, those who may have been put off from trying unfamiliar types of meats are often pleasantly surprised at the mild, lean taste of game meats. Today's restaurant patrons will often see choices such as buffalo, ostrich, elk, caribou, and even rattlesnake. That said, the term wild game meat is still widely used and widely accepted as encompassing non traditional meats.



Health Benefits and Availability

Elk and ostrich are two types of game meat occasionally seen on menus and via online providers. Elk, for example, is lower in fat than most meat, poultry, and fish products. Typical elk meat is extremely lean, generally slightly less than 1% fat content. Ostrich generally ranges from 2-3% fat. On the other hand, traditional meats are much higher in fat content. Ham is approximately 6% fat, chicken breast 2-4% fat, and roast beef 6-10% fat. As an added benefit, wild game meats are extremely high in protein and low in carbohydrates. These benefits have led to higher demand, particularly as consumers try these cuts of meat and learn how good they taste and how easy they are to prepare. While these meats are infrequently available in supermarkets, several specialty suppliers sell directly to the consumer market.

Summary

Wild game meats are rapidly becoming part of mainstream diets and restaurant choices due to their savory taste and health benefits. Elk, buffalo, ostrich, caribou, and many more types of wild game are available and easy to prepare as roasts, steaks, and burgers.

For wild game recipes and availability sources, visit: http://www.squidoo.com/wildgamemeats .