Tim Maddams, formerly Head Chef at the River Cottage Canteen, and now based in Morayshire in Scotland is passionate about natural foods, foraging and all the good natural products that we can eat and enjoy.
It’s no surprise then that he is urging everyone to eat venison “at least once” this festive season and in doing that do their bit for the environment and the planet. He says:
“Some people see our deer population as a problem, but I see our deer as a tremendous opportunity. Their meat, venison, is a natural healthy protein, low in fat but packed full of other attributes – and the clincher is that if you eat venison you are helping the fight against climate change, you are supporting a growing home venison market, and you are making great use of a superlative natural resource.
“So, if an increasing number of families were to eat venison – whether Scottish, English, Welsh or Irish venison – at least once over Christmas that would make a difference. I’m not saying replace the turkey or the goose for your main Christmas meal. You can if you like – but why not venison sausages for a festive breakfast, or a lovely poacher’s pie made with venison mince, or a delicious venison curry? It doesn’t need to be for special occasions – and it’s not as expensive as you might think.
“And to my fellow chefs it isn’t too late to get venison in. If you’re hung up on seasonal food then this is the time for venison in some form to be on your menus.”
Venison is low in fat and high in Vitamins B6, B12, potassium, phosphorus, riboflavin and niacin. It is also a source of zinc.
Richard Cooke, Chair of trade body Scottish Venison says:
“There’s never a better time than now to eat venison – help the environment, reduce carbon, and make great use of this healthy natural resource. It’s the meat that we have been eating for millennia so what better way to celebrate?”
The Scottish Venison website is packed with information about where to buy venison, but your local butcher or supermarket is a good place to start. Or there may still just be time to place an order online. See www.scottish-venison.info
