„Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you who you are.”
/Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin (1755-1826), French epicure and gastronome/
A recent analysis says that Goldenfood goose breast is a great source of iron, copper and zinc
Iron, copper and zinc are indispensable minerals for the human body, as they play an important role in maintaining and boosting its natural defences. A recent analysis has proved that the Goldenfood-branded goose breast is rich in iron and copper. It means that it contains the double of the NRV (Nutrient Reference Value) - i.e. the recommended daily intake - that is relevant to these minerals. The same analysis has also concluded that the goose breast marketed under the Goldenfood brand contains zinc in an amount that is recommended to take in every day. Thus, it represents a great source of iron, copper and also zinc.
Copper plays a role in boosting the immune system, forming blood and preventing osteoporosis
Copper is a precious metal that has been used by men for a long time. It is necessary for the human body. The fact that only a very small portion of copper is toxic for inferior organisms like viruses and bacteria, provides serious advantages for us human beings.
Copper participates in the deactivation of harmful oxidative processes in the human body. Thus it works against the development of certain cardiovascular diseases and malignant cellular proliferation. Even though it has an effect similar to that of Beta-Carotene and vitamin E, it is usually not referred to as an antioxidant.
In addition to its antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal effects, it is also indispensable for the healthy blood formation, and the flexibility and stability of the connective tissues. Since it intensifies the absorption of calcium, it has a significant role in the prevention of osteoporosis.
Red meat represents a great source of nutrition and energy for the human body
The term “red meat” denotes meat types that do not “lose colour” while cooking. Therefore, chicken is considered to be white meat, whereas goose and duck to be red. Neither does pork lose its colour, due to its myoglobin content, it is still referred to as red meat. In addition, beef, calf and wild game meat are also classified as red meats. As regards the consumption of red meat, it is best to take the happy medium. Do not eliminate red meat totally from your menu, because it nourishes and energizes your body.
Iron and zinc naturally boost your immune system
All those who fail to stock up on vitamins in summer, or do not spend enough time on open air and in the sun, or happen to feel constant fatigue and repeatedly have a cold, should eat nourishing food as autumn and winter cold sets in. Through its iron and zinc content, goose and duck meat can fortify the immune system in a natural way. Moreover, its vitamin D content aids the human body to defeat various viruses. For that matter, iron deficiency usually brings about constant weariness. In such a case, it may also be a good idea to eat duck or goose.
Eating duck or goose can help lower “bad” cholesterol level
Goose and duck meat - especially underneath the skin - are relatively high in fat and cholesterol. Over 60 per cent of duck and goose fat are monounsaturated fats, thus eating duck or goose fat can help lower bad cholesterol level (i.e. LDL). It is anyway useful to integrate duck or goose meat into one’s menu, because it is the highest in energy among poultry.
Eating meat high in selenium may positively affect fertility
Red meat - thus goose and duck - is high in selenium, therefore may affect fertility positively. Selenium is an indispensable trace mineral for the human body, because it supports both the nervous and a strong immune system.
Wines and Spices to Go with Goose
WINES
St Martin’s: geese and new wine
The time when the geese born in the spring and early summer gain their necessary weight and are ready to be slaughtered falls in line with the time when the season’s first new wines are opened. This time is November 11th, i.e. St. Martin’s Day. The link between the culture of wine and goose is also reflected in the fact that the first written account from the 12th century referred to geese as “vintage geese” and the new wine as St Martin’s wine. Also healing power was attributed to the latter one: it was believed that the more one drunk of St Martin’s wine, the more power and health he/she poured into himself/herself.
According to an old Hungarian saying, whoever wants to get rid of headache for an entire year should only get a little bit drunk from St Martin’s wine.
Resveratrol makes red wine healthy
Wine is not a substitute for sports, though, a Canadian study concluded that a special compound in grape skin called resveratrol increases muscular strength, boosts physical performance and improves cardiac action.
Goose leg and a full-bodied red wine make always a great pairing
It is one of sommeliers’ favourite task to recommend wines to go with dishes made from goose and duck. Let it be goose legs or goose breast, a soup or a roast, a wide range of wines may come into play here. When deciding to serve one or the other, it is the best to remember a few basic rules. One such rule sounds that if the goose leg meat is fairly close-textured - and especially if it desiccates while roasting -, it should be paired with a full-bodied red wine. A Blue-Frankish would definitely be a great choice here.
A goose risotto makes a good match with a new wine
Goose risotto is a traditional Hungarian meal that also makes use of the goose-giblets and its exact name varies from region to region. It is quite substantial, which is why a Pinot Noir presents itself to go well with it.
On account of their harmony in time, a goose risotto and a fruity new red wine that is tasted first around St Martin’s may be a great pairing.
SPICES
Rosemary - a herb frequently featuring goose recipes
This herb once used to grow in every cloister garth. In the 19th century, the famous German non-medical practitioner, Kneipp counted rosemary to his favourite herbs on account of its intensifying effect on blood circulation. Its tiny white flowers used to symbolize tidiness, which is why they were once used to decorate brides’ dresses and headdresses. Its volatile oil is processed by the perfume and cosmetic industry.
Thyme: its smell evokes summer and it stands for bravery
Thyme is one of our oldest medicinal herbs. Its strong smell and excellent disinfecting effect once made it be used to embalm and mummify the dead in ancient Egypt. Also the Latin name (Thymus Vulgaris) seems to stem from the word “tham” or “thm” in the language of the Egyptian Old Kingdom that also means embalming herb. For the ancient Greek, thyme stood for bravery. Therefore women used to embroider thyme on their husbands’ uniforms when they prepared for warfare.
As a spice, it is widely used also these days. It is the French cuisine that is expressly fond of thyme and makes lavish use of it, too. It is a great choice when preparing goose meals.
Drink peppermint tea to boost your digestion
For hearty eaters and those who face digestive problems on account of daily stress over and over again, it is recommended to always have peppermint in the kitchen-cabinet. As a tea, peppermint helps positively affect one’s digestion. The menthol contained in it helps relax the muscles of the digestive tract’s wall and increases metabolism. Drink 1-2 cups of peppermint tea a day and put things right again!
