Rant: Going Beyond Beef, Pork & Chicken

For many Americans, they rarely, if ever, go beyond the basic trio of beef, pork, and chicken. Those three proteins constitute the center of the vast majority of their meals. It hasn't always been that way. Historically, our ancestors had much more diverse palates, enjoying a wide variety of other animals on their plates. Somehow, during the last hundred years, Americans stopped eating so many different meats. 

Why have Americans become so boring with their food choices?

There are numeroius reasons why you should be eating other animals, beyond the common three, the cow, pig and chicken. First, other animals can be more sustainable, better for our environment, and that is currently a significant issue for our world. Second, they can be more nutritious, better for your health, especially if the common three are produced by factory farms. Third, other animals can be quite tasty, presenting different flavors that the common three animals. Fourth, they are usually no more difficult to cook and prepare as the common three. Fifth, it's just exciting to try something new and different, to be adventurous with your palate. 

As for poultry, most people only eat chicken, with an exception for turkey, although that is usually only on holidays like Thanksgiving. Why not expand your palate to include duck, quail, goose, squab, pheasant, and guinea hens? As for other meats, go beyond beef and pork, and try animals such as bison, elk, venison, rabbit, wild boar, lamb, goat, or go even more exotic with items like kangaroo, snake, yak, llama, and more. 

Did you know that the USDA stated Rabbit was the most nutritious meat? It's also very sustainable, can be prepared in a myriad of ways, and has a tasty, mild flavor. 

At the very least, you should seek out more heritage and special breeds of cows and pigs, from Waygu cattle to Mangalitsa pigs. Those breeds are usually raised in a more sustainable method, on a smaller scale, and possess much more flavor than the usual beef and pork you consume. 

Why have Americans become so boring with their food choices? Primarily, it's a psychological issue, that many people won't eat other animals because it seems so strange, or the animal is too cute, or they are unwilling to venture out beyond their comfort zone. It's rarely a taste issue as these other animals are delicious. 

Practically, there are a couple obstacles, but they are relatively minor, and can be overcome. First, it can be difficult to find these other animals at the usual grocery stores, although even they are now offering more than the common three. And a couple chains, like Wegmans and Whole Foods, offer a variety of different meats, from duck to bison. Some of these meats can also be ordered online, delivered to your home. If you are willing to have an adventurous palate, you can find these different meats.

Price may be a concern as well, but you need to properly consider that issue. First, most people eat too large a portion of protein and it would be healthier for you to eat a smaller portion. And small portions would be less expensive. Second, you also get what you pay for, usually higher quality meat, free from the problems of the larger factory farms. Third, not all of these different meats are as expensive as you might think. 

If you want to step your toes into the water, try some different meats at a restaurant. Many restaurants commonly offer something different than the common three. And once you enjoy such a dish at a restaurant, you'll be more likely to want to eat it at home as well. Try duck wings instead of chicken wings, some chicken fried rabbit, or a venison steak. 

Stop being so boring, and let your palate take an adventure.