Duck meat is a very flavorful type of poultry. Most people do not cook duck meat at home, but it can be a delicious treat when eating out. Duck meat is a good source of protein, niacin, phosphorus, riboflavin, iron, zinc, vitamin B-6 and thiamine and smaller amounts of vitamin B-12, folate and magnesium. Duck meat is relatively high in fat and cholesterol, especially if you eat the skin.

5 Reasons to Eat More Duck

If you've never tried it before or you think duck is only for special occasions, you're in for a savory surprise. At Maple Leaf Farms, we've come up with five reasons you should include duck in your diet more often.

1. Duck is nutritious and delicious.
If your goal is to eat better this year, then duck is the protein for you. Duck is a lean meat – comparable in fat and calories to a skinless chicken or turkey breast. It's also an excellent source of selenium and zinc, both of which encourage good cellular metabolism. Since duck is a red meat, it contains higher amounts of iron than other poultry. Not only is duck healthy for you, but it also has a robust flavor and succulent texture, making it the perfect combination of nutrition and rich taste.

2. Rendered duck fat is divine.
Duck is the source of delectable duck fat, a healthier and flavorful substitute for oil in your favorite recipes. Since it's similar to olive oil and low in saturated fat, it's the perfect choice for a health-conscious diet. Duck fat is also full of flavor, so a little goes a long way in a variety of applications. Try using it to grease pans, fry potatoes or cook eggs. You can also substitute it for butter or shortening in breads, cakes, cookies, sauces and more.   

3. Whole duck is easy to divide for a meal plan.
Whole duck is often easier to find in stores than duck parts. While it’s simple to roast a whole duck in the oven or slow cooker, you can also break it up to be used for several meals throughout the week. Remove the breasts for a quick weeknight sauté or the legs for a weekend confit, and use the carcass and giblets for making a savory soup stock. Get creative with your duck – the possibilities are endless!

4. Duck is user-friendly.
Cooking with duck isn't just for chefs and professionals, and you don't need formal training to prepare this protein. Home cooks can easily use duck in everyday dishes and incorporate it into a wide range of flavor profiles. If cooking with duck is new for you, try a simple recipe for seared duck breast with fruit sauce or opt for one of Maple Leaf Farms' convenient duck products that's already prepared for you to enjoy.

5. Duck is versatile for any occasion.
Whether you're making a special dinner for two or a game-day snack for the family, duck is the perfect protein. Choose from a wide variety of products such as duck breast, ground duck, duck bacon and pulled shredded duck meat to create your dish. Duck's versatility means that you can use it in anything from casseroles to soups, salads and finger foods. Try preparing duck for your next get-together and discover how easy it is to incorporate into any menu.