Emus are large, flightless birds that are part of the ratite family, which also includes ostriches, rheas, cassowaries, and kiwis. Emus are native to Australia and are one of the most recognizable symbols of that country. While emus cannot fly, they can run up to 30 mph and are excellent swimmers as well. Emus have many uses, one of which is as a source of meat.
Are emus raised for meat?
Yes, emus are raised specifically for their meat in farms around the world, including Australia, North America, and Europe. Emu farming began in Western Australia in the late 1980s and interest in emu meat spread from there. Today, there are estimated to be hundreds of emu farms around the world.
On emu farms, the birds are housed in large pens and provided with food, water, and veterinary care. Emu chicks require extra care and heat lamps until they are feathered and hardy. Once mature, emus can be harvested for their meat, oils, leather, and other products.
Why would someone want to eat emu meat?
There are several potential benefits associated with eating emu meat:
- Low in fat and cholesterol – Emu meat is very lean with less than 1 gram of fat per 3 ounce serving. It is lower in saturated fat and cholesterol compared to beef or chicken.
- High in protein – Emu meat contains about 23 grams of protein per 3 ounce serving. This makes it an excellent source of protein.
- High in iron – Emu meat contains higher levels of bioavailable iron compared to other meats. This makes it beneficial for preventing iron deficiency.
- Anti-inflammatory effects – Some research indicates emu oil and meat have anti-inflammatory properties which may help relieve joint pain and other inflammatory conditions.
In addition to potential health benefits, emu meat is prized by some for its taste. It has been described as slightly sweet and gamey, similar to bison or venison. The taste appeals to some people more than traditional beef, pork, or poultry.
How is emu meat used?
Emu meat is very versatile and can be used in place of traditional meats in many dishes:
- Steaks – Emu steaks can be cooked similarly to beef steaks, often grilled or pan-seared.
- Burgers – Ground emu meat makes an excellent burger alternative to beef.
- Sausage – Emu meat can be made into sausage links and patties.
- Jerky – Thinly sliced emu meat can be dried into jerky strips.
- Pet treats/food – Emu meat is sometimes used in dog and cat treats or pet foods.
Emu meat works well in stir fries, stews, chili, meatloaf, and other dishes. The ground meat can substitute for ground beef or turkey in most recipes. Many people say the taste of emu marries well with slightly sweet sauces or fruit-based salsas.
Nutritional profile of emu meat
Here is the nutritional profile of 3 ounces (85g) of raw, skinless emu meat according to the USDA:
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 98 |
Fat | 0.8 g |
Saturated fat | 0.3 g |
Protein | 23 g |
Iron | 3.5 mg |
As you can see, emu meat is very lean and low in fat but high in protein. It provides more iron than many other types of meat per serving.
Drawbacks of emu meat
While emu meat does have some benefits, there are also a few potential drawbacks to consider:
- Price – Emu meat tends to be significantly more expensive per pound compared to beef or poultry at retail locations where it is sold.
- Limited availability – You may need to visit a specialty market or order online to find emu meat. It is not as readily available as beef or chicken in most regular grocery stores.
- Strong flavor – Some people find the sweet, gamey taste of emu off-putting, especially if they are not used to meat from wild game birds.
- Safety concerns – Properly handled and cooked emu meat is safe, but there have been isolated cases of foodborne illness linked to raw or undercooked emu.
Is emu meat safe to eat?
Yes, emu meat is safe to eat but it needs to be handled and prepared properly, like any type of meat:
- Purchase fresh, properly refrigerated or frozen emu meat from reputable suppliers.
- Thaw frozen meat safely in the refrigerator, not on the counter.
- Cook emu meat thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 165°F to kill any potential bacteria.
- Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces that have touched raw emu meat to prevent cross-contamination.
- Store cooked emu meat properly in the refrigerator and eat within 3-4 days.
As long as basic food safety guidelines are followed, emu meat is perfectly safe to eat and enjoy.
Comparison of emu meat to beef and chicken
Here is a nutritional comparison of 3 ounce servings of raw, skinless emu meat, raw 80/20 ground beef, and raw skinless chicken breast:
Nutrient | Emu Meat | 80/20 Beef | Chicken Breast |
---|---|---|---|
Calories | 98 | 291 | 140 |
Fat | 0.8g | 23g | 3g |
Saturated Fat | 0.3g | 9g | 1g |
Protein | 23g | 19g | 27g |
Iron | 3.5mg | 2.5mg | 1mg |
As you can see, emu has distinct advantages over beef and chicken when it comes to fat, saturated fat, and iron content. It has slightly less protein than chicken breast but more than 80/20 ground beef. Overall, emu meat is one of the leanest and most nutrient-dense meats you can choose.
How does the taste of emu meat compare to beef and chicken?
The taste of emu meat is quite different from beef or chicken. Here is how it generally compares:
- Emu – Sweet and gamey flavor, similar to bison or venison. Moderate moisture and tenderness.
- Beef – Rich, meaty, and often mineral-like flavor. Amount of fat impacts tenderness and moisture.
- Chicken – Neutral flavor, sometimes described as delicate or bland. Can be moist and tender when cooked properly.
Emu is healthier than beef but has a stronger, gamier taste. People tend to love or hate emu due to its uniqueness. Those who enjoy venison, ostrich, or bison often appreciate emu. People who prefer milder, traditional poultry and beef may find emu unappealing.
Is emu meat better for the environment than beef or chicken?
Raising emus for meat has some advantages for the environment compared to commercial beef and chicken farming:
- Lower methane emissions – Emus produce 80% less methane gas than cattle and sheep. Methane from livestock contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Less land required – Emus can be raised in smaller spaces because they naturally group together, unlike cattle that require wide open grazing land.
- Eat a variety of foods – Emus can eat grasses, flowers, fruits, seeds, and insects. Cattle require large amounts of grass and chickens eat grain. This makes emu diet more adaptable.
- Use all parts – Every part of the emu can be used for meat, oil, leather, and other products. Less waste compared to other livestock.
However, emu farming is not without impacts. Large scale operations still produce wastes and emissions. Overall, small to moderate sized emu farms tend to be more environmentally friendly than massive beef and poultry operations.
Conclusion
Emu meat provides an extremely lean, nutrient-dense alternative to traditional meats like beef and chicken. It has health advantages thanks to its low fat, high protein, and high iron content. Emus also generate less environmental impact than cattle or poultry in large operations. However, emu meat has a unique, gamey taste that some find unappealing. It also tends to be more expensive and difficult to find than beef or chicken.
For those interested in trying a very healthy, exotic meat, emu is worth a taste. Look for it in specialty stores or order online to cook emus steaks, burgers, sausages and more. Proper handling and cooking is important for safety with emu meat. While not a staple meat for everyone, emu can add interesting new flavors and nutritional variety to the diets of more adventurous eaters.