The root of the word poultry is derived from the Latin word "poule," which means to hang.
Historically, poultry has been one of the most common protein sources available. Poultry includes both domestic and game birds, and while almost any type of bird can be cooked and eaten, in modern times most poultry meat is usually taken from birds reared specifically for consumption. Poultry can be cooked in a wide variety of ways, and may be roasted, braised, pot-roasted, casseroled, fried, or baked. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Chicken
Chicken is by far the most prolific type of poultry, raised across the world because of its rapid growth to a maturity. There are hundreds of species of chicken, many with unique flavors. Younger chickens are usually more tender and more flavorful than older chickens, which must be cooked longer.
Goose
Goose are usually eaten fairly young---under a year of age---after which they become tough and require far longer to cook.
Duck
Ducks are a white meat bird usually eaten after at least a few months of age. Because of its high fat content, duck freezes quite well.
Quail
Quail are the smallest game birds, so small that often two may be served for a portion.
Ostrich
A dark red meat often compared to beef, ostrich is a low-fat meat which is fairly new on the poultry meat market. Care must be taken during cooking to keep ostrich from drying during cooking.
Turkey
Turkey is a large game bird, often available in supermarkets, with both dark and white meat. Unless quartered or otherwise separated, cooking times for turkey can be very long.
Pigeon
Pigeons are small, dark-meated game birds with a rich flavor. Even a plump pigeon will usually only serve one portion, and they are rarely found in traditional supermarkets.
Grouse
A medium-sized game bird, grouse are usually eaten in maturity, as younger birds rarely have enough meat to warrant eating.
Pheasant
Considered a game bird, pheasants are usually only commercially available in larger supermarkets. Mature pheasants are said to have better flavor, though they also require longer cooking.
Tags: game bird, game birds, usually eaten, during cooking, poultry meat, require longer