meat on the planet. It contains less
than two per cent fat, is a source of
iron, protein, selenium, magnesium
and B vitamins, and has an excellent
omega-3 to omega-6 ratio. It
also boasts the richest amount of
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), an
amino acid that is known for its
anti-cancer properties. “In general,
game meats are a good option as
the animals will have had access
to their natural diet [while] being
able to roam, and also be free from
antibiotics and hormones,” Sargent
says. “Red meat is highly nutritious
as long as it is not overcooked, as it
can form harmful compounds. As
part of a balanced diet, I think game
meats are a great addition. Certain
nutrients are higher in some animals
than others, which is why variety is
also important.”
Game goes gourmet
Torre & Mordini Gourmet Meats
(based in WA) began selling
game meats 15 years ago after
accommodating a number of customer
enquiries. Their client base has grown
steadily by about five to 10 per cent
each year. As a result, a variety of
products have been added to their
offering based purely on demand.
Part-owner Lee Riskas says, “We’re
finding it’s increasing from being a
niche product and is starting to be used
more in different types of meals and
cooking methods. Crocodile, venison
and kangaroo are probably the three
most popular.”
Rabbits, goats and birds are
obtained locally, while buffalo,
kangaroo and camel are sourced
from the eastern states. “We only sell
the more premium cuts – fillets and
sirloin of the venison, buffalo and
BRAVER FLAVOUR
Here’s Lang verdict on how some of his most popular game meat tastes.Buffalo
Lang says: “A
little like beef
but with a gamier flavour.” He says
most cuts, except porterhouse and
scotch fillet, are pretty tough and are
best cooked in casseroles.
Crocodile
Lang says: “Crocodile is quite bland
but is similar in taste to a combination
of fish and chicken.” He warns
that the meat will turn to rubber if
it’s overcooked.Camel
Lang says: In
his opinion,
camel tastes
like goat,
“possibly
because both
animals eat anything they can find”.
Emu
Lang says: “Emu
is an extremely
dark meat with
a unique smell
and flavour
that you either
love or hate.”RED MEAT IS HIGHLY
NUTRITIOUS AS LONG AS
IT IS NOT OVERCOOKED,
AS IT CAN FORM HARMFUL
COMPOUNDS. AS PART
OF A BALANCED DIET, I
THINK GAME MEATS ARE
A GREAT ADDITION.