Goat meat is also known as Chevon or Mutton when from an
adult and referred to as cabrito, capretto or kid when from a young one. Goat
meat is perhaps the most consumed meat in the world and features in several
cuisines as delicacy in Africa, South America and Asia.
Goat meat has a reputation for having a slightly pungent
flavor, especially from mature animals but this can be changed depending on how
it is raised and prepared. It is said that the best meat comes from goats that
are between 6-9 months old. Goat meat can be boiled, roasted, grilled or
prepared as chops or in a stew. The legs are mainly grilled while the shoulders
of the goat tend to be more succulent thus one chef advises a slow roast method
to bring this about.
Goat meat is naturally lean, this means it is low in total
fats, saturated fats and cholesterol. It is high in HDL count (good
cholesterol) and low in bad LDL (bad cholesterol). Goat meat is also lower in
fat than chicken and higher in protein than beef! When compared to other red
meats, goat meat outshines them all as it is also lower in calories and has a higher
iron and protein content. This is good news for those with high levels of
cholesterol as well as those suffering from heart conditions, diabetes, asthma
or if you are looking to maintain your waistline. If you are looking to lose
weight, goat meat has higher chance of getting you where you want to be than
other red meats. Goat meat is also easier to digest than other meats.
Goats also provide milk that is adequate for human
consumption. It is also thought to be more nutritious than cow milk, though
both contain more or less the same levels of nutrients. Goat milk does excel in
certain nutrients where cow milk does not.
Goat milk has been associated with
higher levels of zinc, necessary for the immune system, potassium, calcium,
magnesium, Vitamins A & C. it also contains less lactose and is easier to
digest for those with sensitive stomachs because its chemical makeup is similar
to that of breast milk.
Goat milk however has higher levels of total fat, saturated
fat and sugar. It has also lower levels of Vit B12, B2 and folate, which are
found in good quantity in cow milk.
Of note, goat milk should not be fed to babies or infants –
the proteins are too concentrated for them to digest and it’s probably not
pasteurized thus may contain bacteria.
