The following list outlines D’Arcy’s stock of exotic meats for the adventurous palate. While some animals may seem better suited to a zoo than your dinner plate, consider that there are cultures the world over that value these meats as delicacies and cultural touchstones. It only takes a little research and care to turn these exotic meats into your next staple food.
ALLIGATOR
Hugely popular in Cajun cuisine, alligator meat boasts some unexpected health benefits. Alligator is low in cholesterol; also it’s often leaner and higher in protein than chicken. Essentially, alligator is a healthier and more nutritious stand-in for chicken or frog meat (conveniently, both are found on gourmet menus).
RATTLESNAKE
While all varieties of snake meat are a common protein in many cultures around the world, North American cuisine has only ever popularized one type: rattlesnake. With roots in Southwestern American, Tex-mex and “Wild West” cuisine, rattlesnake is most often barbecued or made into chili. Protein-rich snake meat also features fewer calories and fewer grams of fat than comparable amounts of sirloin beef steak.
OSTRICH
When it comes to exotic meat that approaches red meat with similar consistency to beef or bison, the main standout is ostrich meat. Rising in global popularity, ostrich fat forms differently around the meat– allowing for easy removal and super-lean cuts of meat. Compared to poultry, ostrich has lower calories, cholesterol and fat than even skinless turkey. Steaks, burgers and roasts are just some of the favourite preparations of ostrich meat.
The three meats listed above are just some of our lesser known exotic meat products. D’Arcy’s also carries bison– and other game meat is readily available on-order. Don’t let fear of the unknown limit your taste buds. Whether it’s your next favourite dish or an old standby in need of a twist, try exotic meat for a new depth of flavour (and in most cases: health benefits)!
Contact or visit D’Arcy’s today. Our experts can answer any question you might have about exotic meat and its serving suggestions.