Goat meat: Why you should be eating it

Goat meat is becoming very popular around the globe. Just last year, The Weekly Times reports that goat meat exports hit a record $257 million (about R3 094 012 720), with the value increasing 28% year on year. 

What is making goat meat so popular? 

Apart from the fact that it’s been deemed as the most delicious meat by some, it is also very healthy.  Here are a few of its health properties: 

• It is lower in fat, saturated fat, calories and cholesterol than beef, pork, lamb, and chicken. 

• It is high in iron.

• Goat contains a fatty acid called Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA). CLA can help prevent cancer. 

• Goat meat is also great for losing weight as it contains vitamin B which helps burn fat.

• It is also known to prevent anemia in pregnant women and in women who are menstruating. 

• Goat meat is full of potassium which helps lowers the risk of stroke, high blood pressure, heart and kidney disorders.

• The B12 in goat helps to lower stress and depression. 

• Goat meat also has Omega 3 and Calcium which is good for strengthening bones. 

All these benefits make goat meat a good choice for anyone looking for a healthy red meat.

It’s easy to cook, juicy and mild in flavour and has been endorsed by celebrity chefs like Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. 

But before you try it out, check out these tips for cooking goat:

• If you want to get the best flavour from goat meat, cook it slowly and on low heat. Goat meat takes time to cook because it is lean meat with little fat. Cooking it on high heat can dry it out and you will be stripping it of flavour and tenderness. 

• Goat meat should be cooked thoroughly otherwise it turns to be quite tough.

• If you are planning to braai the meat, it is best that you marinade it overnight. 

Check out the video below on how to best braai goat meat. 

With all the health benefits of goat meat, will you be trying it out? Share with us in the comments section below.