Quail meat is a very popular game meat that is consumed all over the world.
History of Quail Meat Consumption
Different species of quail are native to Europe and Asia, and traditionally hunters used to shoot the birds to consume them on hunts. The Egyptians used to trap large quantities of the bird for human consumption and the bird is also mentioned in the Bible as one of the meats that were eaten by the fleeing Israelites during their trek through the desert. In England, quail hunting was very popular among the privileged class and quail meat was cooked into pies and casseroles.
Wild quails are now a protected species. As a result, quail farming is now carried out commercially all over the world to provide an easy source of the meat.
Quail Meat Recipes
- Roasted quail is one of the easiest recipes that are prepared with quail meat. The small bird is marinated in herbs and spices and then quick-roasted. Usually supermarkets sell the birds boned and readily stuffed, for roasting.
- Grilled quail is a simpler dish that is prepared by wrapping the bird with Dijon mustard, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, salt and pepper. The bird is then grilled on high heat for 5-7 minutes till done. Quail JangJoRim is a Korean dish prepared by simmering quail meat in a thick sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, hot peppers, sugar, cooking wine, salt and pepper.
- In India, quail meat is used in gravies, roasts and grilled meat dishes. The meat is referred to as baater or bater and is usually acquired from quail farms.
Quail Meat Nutritive Value
A single serving of quail meat contains 123 calories. The total fat content is 4g, the total cholesterol content is 64mg, the total sodium content is 47mg, and the total protein content is 20g. The meat also contains a large amount of Vitamin A, Vitamin C and iron.
Quail Meat Buying Tips
Dressed quail weighs about 70-80% of the weight of live quail, which implies 100gms of meat can be obtained from a 140g live quail. Usually, quails can be sourced from the local butcher or local farms which rear the animals for sale. Japanese quail and bobwhite quail are the domesticated varieties that are preferred for human consumption. Wild quail is protected under Wildlife Regulations in several countries and farmed quail is the best option for consumption as the exact history of the bird is known.
Trivia
Quail hunting plantations are found all over Southern US. Private properties breed quails during the off season. Hunting lodges are then opened for private clients to allow them to hunt quails during the season.
