On eating goat meat

[redtailgal]

hmmmm.

I DONT like venison at all. We were pretty hard up for cash for awhile, and the only meat we had was what hubby could kill. So, we ate deer. Lots and lots of deer. I got pretty sick of it, to the point that I gag on it now, lol. And I do cook some awesome venison.

I didnt find goat anything like deer, it had absolutely no gamey taste to it at all. It was a mild, sweet taste. Mild, but at the same time flavorful.

I've always been one thats willing to taste anything once. I've eaten grasshoppers (would have to be pretty desparate to do that again), rattlesnake (was GOOOOOOD), alligator (quite nummy), moose (yuk), racoon (I didnt cook it, and I didnt swallow it either, it was nasty), possum (see notes on the racoon x5), and yes I've tasted horse. Horse was actually comparable to goat meat.

Dog, well, I would have to be pretty hungry first.

Catfish, thats another thing I wont eat. It tastes good, but........... In some of my studies in Quantico, there was a case scenerio of a murderer that stashed his dead victims in water. One vitim was found, and was being eaten by catfish. I havent eaten catfish since.

 

[chubbydog811]

I do not know as to how they are killed, but the point remains that America has gone soft when it comes to what we eat, because we are a fat lazy cushy country that can afford to pick and choose what we want to eat. I almost hope for another great depression, so that some of the more picky people would gain respect for what they are eating.

Glad I'm not the only one who thinks americans are too "soft". I would be all for eating horse (knowing that I have 7 in my barn, and ride/train/show) if it weren't for all the drugs that vets "recommend" (meaning tell us we have to or our animals will die ) Given I wouldn't eat my current horses, but if it were raised for meat, I would be fine with it. I have a few friends on facebook that are always posting about "save the horses!" Though I will say - it's the way they kill them for me, not the animal itself.

....cough...erm...sorry, that is a whole different rant...Back to goat meat!

I LOVE goat meat! I can't wait until I have a few to put in the freezer for myself. I didn't realize that is was actually healthier to eat than most of the other meats...Kind of works out, because I'm really not much of a meat eater (not against it, just picky about what kind/cut ect.)

 

[elevan]

Thanks for posting your experience and the nutritional information RTG! What great info for members who haven't had goat before.

I read an article recently that stated that 70% of the world population eats goat. It is the most eaten meat worldwide (but not in the US). I think we'll see more Americans eating goat in years to come.

 

[goatsintheopen]

I do not know as to how they are killed, but the point remains that America has gone soft when it comes to what we eat, because we are a fat lazy cushy country that can afford to pick and choose what we want to eat. I almost hope for another great depression, so that some of the more picky people would gain respect for what they are eating.

That is SOO true and I admit I am one of those "Soft" Fat, cushy American picky people. I'm actually SUPER PICKY about what I eat.

But with that being said, I actually HAVE lived in 3rd world countries and experienced what it's like not to have a lot of choices when it came to food. I also grew up military so my parents didn't have to go kill a deer for food..we had a commissary. and when you grow up like that and it's all you know.. Animals as pets..its a little harder to view them as Food like someone coming off a farm who has done that all their lives. it's perspective and what you know..

People don't need a Great Depression to appreciate what they eat..all they need is some good upbringing, and to get out of their own backyard.


to the OP, you go Girl..I couldn't do it..glad your experiment turned out well and you gained some knowledge.

 

[TigerLilly]

I am looking forward to adding some meat goats (possibly boer) to my little herd. The more meat I raise on my own, the better I like it! I've only had goat once, but wasnt very fond of it. Of course, I should note that how something is cooked says a lot about how it will taste--I cooked it & had no clue what I was doing. Back then, there also wasnt a BYH to help me out with helpful hints & recipes...I know I'll do a better job on the next go 'round!

 

[redtailgal]

Tigerlily, would you mind telling me how that goat meat that you didnt like was prepared? We've cooked all but the first pan seared steaks slow and wet. I am curious as to how other folks grow, process and cook their goat meat.

I dont want to sound ugly, but let's keep this thread about goat meat, please. Horse meat and soft cushy americans are an interesting read, and I'd love to continue a friendly discussion about that, but in it's own thread, please. ( I really dont mean to offend, I am typing in a friendly tone of voice)

 

[mydakota]

We have now butchered and eaten two of our goats. The first was a Boer, and was 11 months old. He was absolutely delicious. A LOT like beef, but not quite. The second was a Saanen wether who was 15 months old. Not nearly as good. They were fed the same. I don't know if the difference was breed or age. The Saanen was a lot more like venison.

 

[RareBreedFancier]

Glad you liked it.

I haven't tried it yet but last time i was in the butcher he had two hanging out the back waiting to be cut. He thought I'd be horrified but as I said to him 'If I want milk I have to have kids and 1/2 will always be the wrong sex' and I'd rather buy a small amount from him to try and find out I like it than put a whole goat in my freezer and find out I don't like it. Have to pop back in and see if he's got some ready.

 

[autumnprairie]

I can't wait to have goat meat it has been a very long time. I was in Mexico at the time with friends as a child and we had marinated goat meat for fahitas it was wonderful, it may help with the older tougher goat to marinate the meat like you would some other animals.
The other animals I am raising for meat is rabbit, The rabbits will be ready next month 13 5pound fryers. My family is taking bets on wether I will let my DH kill them and if I will actually eat them. I plan on winning that bet ( I hope )

I agree that the US has been so far removed of what we were.
Some kids dont even know what a family homemade dinner is and that is sad.
I think if we had to get back to basics there would be a lot of people very lost on how to surrive.

 

[redtailgal]

We killed Freezerburn at 8 months. He was 80 pounds and we got 40 pounds of usable meat off him.

We do intend to experiement some more and grow the next one out to about 1 year old. IF the meat is tough we will just grind and kill the next one younger.

We are trying to figure out that fine line between maximizing meat production and letting one get too old for quality meat.

Freezerburn was raised on goat sweetfeed, but I think the next one will get Noble goat and alfalfa pellets.

Those of you that do kill your goats, do you fast them before slaughter? We did not, Freexerburn died with food in his mouth, lol.

And tell me this, What is your favorite way to eat goat meat?