Why goat meat is good for you

Goat meat is a delicious meat that would have you hooked at the first bite which explains the global scale of 65% of people that consume goat meat. Understandable due to the sweet taste of goat meat. 

Goat meat also known as chevon is the meat gotten from goats. It is one of the most popular red meat in the world. Goat meat is a lean and tender meat with a distinct aroma and flavour that sets it apart from other red meats. You can make use of goat meat in various dishes from stews, curries, grilled, or fried. 

Goat meat is known for its gamey flavour, which sets it apart from more common meats like beef or chicken. This gaminess is due to the presence of compounds called short-chain fatty acids, which are responsible for the unique taste.

Goat meat has a good amount of healthy nutrients that will benefit your body. Here are 5 reasons why goat meat is good for you. 

Nutritional Value of Goat Meat

 Let's take a look at the nutritional value of Goat meat that makes them a healthy alternative to other meat cuts.

Goat meat is a rich source of high-quality animal protein, providing approximately 27 grams of protein per 100 grams. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals looking to meet their protein needs.

Goat meat is moderately calorie-dense, with around 143 calories per 100 grams. The calorie content may vary slightly based on the cut and cooking method.

 Goat meat is relatively low in fat compared to other meats, with about 2.6 grams of total fat per 100 grams. It is considered a lean meat option. It contains approximately 76 milligrams of cholesterol per 100 grams, which is lower than some other meats, like beef.

 Goat meat is a good source of essential vitamins, including B vitamins such as B12, niacin, and riboflavin. These vitamins are crucial for energy metabolism and overall health.

 It provides essential minerals like iron, zinc, phosphorus, and selenium. Iron is particularly abundant in goat meat and plays a vital role in oxygen transport in the body.

 Goat meat contains a moderate amount of saturated fat, approximately 0.9 grams per 100 grams, which is relatively low compared to other meats.

While not as high in omega-3 fatty acids as fatty fish, goat meat does contain small amounts of these heart-healthy fats.

It also contains various essential micro-nutrients such as potassium and magnesium, which are important for maintaining healthy bodily functions.

The Health Benefits of Eating Goat Meat

 Lean Protein Source

High protein is essential for muscle maintenance, repair and overall function and goat meat is a rich source of it. It is lean thus containing less fat compared to some other meats. 

Low in Fat

Goat meat is relatively low in saturated fat, making it a healthier option for those looking to reduce their saturated fat intake. A diet low in saturated fat can contribute to heart health and help lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Abundant in Iron

Iron is crucial for transporting oxygen in the blood and supporting various bodily functions. Goat meat is an excellent source of heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body compared to non-heme iron found in plant-based foods.

Zinc Content

It provides a good amount of zinc, an essential mineral that is important for the immune system, wound healing, and DNA synthesis.

Selenium 

Goat meat contains selenium, a trace mineral with antioxidant properties that helps protect cells from oxidative damage and helps thyroid function. 

Low Cholesterol

Goat meat typically has lower cholesterol content compared to meats like beef which may help in maintaining a healthy cholesterol level and reduce the risk of heart disease.

The Different Parts of Goat Meat and Their Unique Flavors

 Goat meat can be divided into various cuts, each with its unique flavour and texture. The taste of goat meat can vary depending on the specific part of the goat and how it's prepared. Here are some different parts of goat meat and their unique flavours:

Leg or Shank: This is one of the most flavorful and tender parts of the goat. It has a rich and slightly gamey taste.

Shoulder: The shoulder is moderately tender with a meaty flavour. It's less lean than the leg and offers a robust taste.

Loin: The loin is generally considered one of the most tender and mild parts of the goat. It has a delicate, slightly sweet flavor and is lower in fat compared to some other cuts making it the tastiest part of goat meat.

Ribs: The ribs have a good balance of tenderness and flavour. They offer a meaty, slightly gamey taste.

Neck: The neck of goat meat is quite flavorful, with a rich and gamey taste. It's a bit tougher but can become tender when slow-cooked.

Chops: Goat chops are usually cut from the loin and have a mild, tender, and slightly sweet flavour.

Offal (Organs): Various organs like the liver, kidneys, and heart have distinct flavours. Goat liver is rich and earthy, while kidneys can be a bit gamey. 

How is Goat Meat cooked?

You can either roast your goat meat which is a popular cooking method, grill in small cuts, cook in stew, braise, or fry. 

Cooking Goat meat has to be done while taking into consideration its strong gamey flavour. If done well you can make this flavorful meat with a unique flavor in your dishes.

Recipes That Have Goat Meat In It

This famous red meat is used in many cuisines around the world. Here are a few goat meat dishes you can try:

Curry Goat (Jamaican): A flavorful Jamaican dish where goat meat is marinated, then slow-cooked in a rich curry sauce with spices like thyme, scotch bonnet peppers, and allspice.

Biryani (Indian): Goat meat is often used in biryani, a fragrant and aromatic rice dish cooked with spices, saffron, and sometimes dried fruits and nuts.

Goat Tacos (Mexican): Seasoned goat meat can be used as a filling for tacos, often served with salsa, chopped onions, and fresh cilantro.

Goat Stew (Various Cuisines): Goat meat is commonly used in stews worldwide. In different regions, it can be prepared with various seasonings and ingredients.

Suya (West African): Goat meat skewers are seasoned with a spicy sauce and grilled to create a delicious and smoky street food delicacy.

Tips for Buying Goat Meat to Get the Best Quality Product

 Look for meat that appears fresh. It should have a bright, pink to-red colour, indicating that it is not past its prime. Avoid meat with brown or greyish hues, as this may indicate ageing or spoilage.

The meat should feel firm to the touch. Avoid meat that feels slimy or excessively soft, as this can be a sign of spoilage. Give the meat a sniff. It should have a clean, fresh odour. Avoid meat that has a strong or unpleasant smell, as this can indicate spoilage.

Where to Buy Goat Meat

Many ethnic or speciality grocery stores, sell a variety of cuts and may have both fresh and frozen options. Our African Food Store sells quality Frozen Goat meat for you to purchase.