ALTERNATIVE MEAT

by Peter J. Nebergall, PhD

For most of us, "meat" has a special place in our diet. Not only does it offer "complete" protein, it is the centerpiece of most of our meals. But beef and pork are not always the healthiest things for diabetics. Is there a healthier meat?

There is: The ostrich. The big wingless bird produces, not another white meat, but a red meat, one that the American Heart Association considers "heart friendly." And significantly, this is not another gamey, smelly "mystery meat" (remember "buffalo burgers?"), but a close analog to the highest grade of ground steak, or better.

Ostrich meat appears to be lower in fat, calories, and cholesterol than even skinless chicken or turkey (60% less calories than beef!). Ostriches on Line, an international ostrich products dealer, claims the meat they sell is free-range, steroid-free, and 100% hormone-free. Where beef and pork shrink when cooked (your "quarter-pounder" is � pound before it hits the griddle), ostrich meat has virtually no shrink—your 6 ounce cut will still weight 6 ounces.

So why aren't people lining up to buy? Ostrich meat is still considered "exotic," and the low-price supermarkets, unready to risk dollars on anything but the reliable sellers (beef, pork, chicken), are unlikely to stock it at this time. Also, there's that problem of image. The ostrich is, well... un-American. It will take time for people to change their eating habits.

It will also take quality information. "USDA Agriculture Handbook 8 Series: Composition of Foods—Raw, Processed, Prepared" (United States Department of Agriculture, 1991) provides specifics for many domestic and "game" meats, from antelope to water buffalo, and ostrich compares very favorably in many categories.

It's a start to know this healthy alternative is there. As more people learn about the benefits, demand for ostrich meat will rise, and more stores will carry it. Until then, if you want to try the bird, ask your local grocer, check with specialty meat-packers like Gordons, or contact one of the big ostrich-farm organizations. You can expect prices of $2 to $6 per serving. Note: High-end restaurants are beginning to feature ostrich recipes, even in towns where there is no local market distribution of the meat.

We spoke with the U.S. Office of Ostriches on Line, who offer, wholesale and retail, ostrich meat, ostrich-skin leather, ostrich eggs, and other products and accessories. They are located at: 2218 N. 75th Avenue, Elmwood Park, IL 60607; telephone: 1-888-746-4665; e-mail: [email protected]; website: http://www.ostrichesonline.com