Is Ruddy Duck good to eat?

The Ruddy Duck is a small duck native to North America. While not as commonly eaten as domestic duck breeds like the Pekin or Muscovy, some hunters and adventurous eaters have tried cooking and eating Ruddy Duck meat. So is Ruddy Duck good to eat? Let’s take a closer look at the flavor, texture, nutritional value, and preparation tips for eating Ruddy Duck.

What does Ruddy Duck taste like?

Ruddy Ducks have a stronger, gamier flavor than typical domestic ducks. The meat is darker and leaner as well. The flavor is often described as iron-rich or liver-like. Some find the taste to be too strong, while others enjoy the robust, wild duck flavor. Cooking method and proper preparation can help mellow out some of the gaminess. Overall, Ruddy Ducks offer a unique eating experience for those who want to try a wilder-tasting duck.

Ruddy Duck meat texture

Since Ruddy Ducks are leaner with less fat, the meat can be slightly tougher than farmed ducks. The meat contains more muscles from the active flying and diving lifestyle of wild Ruddy Ducks. If cooked improperly, the breast meat can become dry and chewy. Using slow, moist cooking methods like braising, stewing, or pressure cooking can help tenderize the meat. Proper cooking and slicing across the grain of the meat can yield tender, flavorful portions.

Nutritional value

Here is how the nutritional value of Ruddy Duck compares to domestic duck:

As shown, Ruddy Duck is much lower in fat and calories compared to domestic duck. It is higher in protein and iron content. The high iron levels contribute to the rich, liver-like flavor. The leanness and density of protein makes it a nutritious choice, albeit not as tender and fatty as domestic duck.

Health benefits

Here are some potential health benefits of eating Ruddy Duck:

– High in iron – Ruddy Duck provides an excellent source of iron, delivering 138% of your recommended daily value in a half breast. Iron is essential for oxygen transport and energy production.

– Lean protein – With less fat and more protein compared to chicken or beef, Ruddy Duck makes a leaner choice while still providing the satisfaction and nutrients of meat. The high protein aids in building muscle, bone, and tissues.

– Low in calories – For its servings size, Ruddy Duck is low in calories, making it a smart part of a healthy diet. You can eat reasonable portions without overloading on calories.

– Rich in B vitamins – Ruddy Duck provides B vitamins like riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, and folate. B vitamins help convert food into energy and maintain healthy skin, hair, eyes, and liver.

So in terms of nutrition, Ruddy Duck provides a lean, nutrient-dense meat option if you don’t mind the stronger flavor.

How to cook Ruddy Duck

Here are some tips for cooking Ruddy Duck:

Slow, moist cooking methods

Because the meat is lean yet dense, methods like braising, stewing, and pressure cooking allow the tough proteins to become tender. You’ll want to cook the duck pieces slowly in liquid over low heat or in a pressurized environment. This gives time for the tough connective tissues to soften up.

Marinades help tenderize

A marinade made with oil, acidic ingredients like citrus juice or vinegar, and seasoning can help break down tough muscle fibers in the meat. Letting the duck marinate for a few hours before cooking improves texture.

Slice duck meat across the grain

Once cooked, always slice Ruddy Duck breast meat against the direction of the muscle fibers. This goes against the grain and provides shorter muscle fibers so the meat is more tender.

Don’t overcook

It’s easy to dry out the lean Ruddy Duck meat with excessive cooking times. Use a meat thermometer to determine when it reaches the ideal internal temperature, but don’t go much further past that. For duck, aim for 165°F for well-done.

Ruddy Duck recipes

To make the most of the unique Ruddy Duck meat, here are some recipe ideas:

Ruddy Duck confit

This French technique involves slow-cooking the duck legs fully submerged in fat or oil to make them fall-off-the bone tender. Refrigerate and pan-fry small portions to use in dishes through the week.

Ruddy Duck gumbo

By cutting the meat into small pieces and cooking in flavorful broth, you can make delicious Cajun gumbo featuring the wild flavors of Ruddy Duck. Serve over rice.

Braised Ruddy Duck

Braise duck pieces like legs or breasts in red wine or stock with vegetables until super tender and top with a quick pan sauce.

Ruddy Duck stew

For a hearty, warming meal, combine bite-sized duck meat with stock, vegetables like potatoes and carrots, and seasonings. Simmer until veggies are tender.

Ruddy Duck curry

Curries provide lots of juicy, flavorful sauce to soften up duck meat. Try a Ruddy Duck red or green curry.

Conclusion

While Ruddy Duck has a more acquired, gamy taste than domestic ducks, some hunters and adventurous foodies enjoy the unique flavor as a lean, high-protein meat. Cooking the duck properly helps counteract the chewier texture. Overall, Ruddy Duck provides a novel eating experience and nutrition benefits for those who like wilder-tasting meats. If you get your hands on some Ruddy Duck meat, try slow braising it or cooking it in a flavorful curry or stew to yield tender, iron-rich portions with a distinctive flavor. The rich duck can be enjoyed when cooked right and paired with complementary ingredients. For a change from everyday poultry, give the savory Ruddy Duck a chance on your dinner plate.