Can you eat goat meat?
In this brief guide, we will answer the question, “Can you eat goat meat?” with an in-depth analysis of goat meat, the nutritional composition of goat meat, how to store goat meat as well as ways to properly handle goat meat.
Can you eat goat meat?
Yes, you can eat goat meat. Goat meat can be grilled, baked, or mixed into a stew. It tastes delicious in every form.
The nutritional composition of goat meat
Goat meat is one of the most nutrient-rich foods on the planet. In addition to being delicious, it is rich in protein.
It is a healthy red meat that is packed with vitamins including vitamin B6, B12, C, E, A, and K, as well as minerals including sodium, iron, copper, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, and selenium.
A three-ounce serving of goat meat provides:
- Calories: 122
- Saturated fat: 0.79 grams
- Iron: 3.2 milligrams
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 63.3 milligrams
Characteristics of goat meat
Goat meat is leaner as compared to other meats. It also has considerably lesser amounts of calories, total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol than traditional meats which means it is perfect for people trying to stick to a diet.
Goat meat is 50 to 65 per cent lower in fat as compared to beef and has 42 to 59 per cent less fat as compared to lamb. It contains much more iron, potassium and thiamine than beef and a lower concentration of sodium than beef
Goat meat is rich in niacin, vitamin B12 and riboflavin.
The moisture and fat content varies with the age of the goat.
Due to the higher nutritional content and greater unsaturated to saturated fat ratio of goat meat, it has the potential to improve the health of sensitive groups without excluding meat products from their everyday diet.
How to safely cook goat meat?
For safe consumption, it is recommended to check the internal temperature of goat meat by using a cooking thermometer.
Smaller pieces like ground goat meat or stew meat should be prepared at 160℉.
LessThe larger cuts of goat meat should be cooked at a minimum temperature of 145℉ while the less tender cuts will need to be braised or simmered in oils.
Allow the meat to sit for a few minutes before cutting and eating.
How to store goat meat?
The recommended storage method for goat meat is to follow the instructions printed or stamped onto the original packaging including the “sell-by” date.
Store goat meat for only 1 or 2 days in the fridge before either cooking or freezing it.
Roasts, steaks, and chopped meat can be kept in a fridge for 3 to 5 days before cooking and in the freezer for 6 to 9 months.
When cooked, keep the meat refrigerated for 3 to 4 days.
For the best quality and safe consumption, both cooked and raw meat can be frozen and used within 3 to 4 months.
Any meat that is frozen is safe indefinitely. Only the flavour, texture and moisture content reduces while extended storage.
| Types of goat meat | Refrigerator | Freezer |
| Ground | 1 to 2 days | 3 to 4 months |
| Cubed | 1 to 2 days | 3 to 4 months |
| Large Chops | 3 to 5 days | 6 to 9 months |
| Cooked | 2 to 3 days | 2 to 3 months |
How to properly handle goat meat
It is highly recommended to wash your hands thoroughly with warm water, and soap before and after handling the raw goat meat or when handling raw meat of any kind and during its packaging.
Furthermore, wipe the kitchen counters and all the utensils that have come in contact with the raw goat meat with a clean cloth and soap or by a material that can be washed or disposed of after use, to prevent the transmission of bacteria.
If you buy fresh goat meat from the market, consider buying it in the end so it would stay as cool as possible till you get back home to store it in the fridge or freezer.
It is great if the market where you buy goat meat provides plastic bags for you to secure the meat, so the juices from them will not drip onto the other items in your cart and cause cross-contamination.
The goat meat should remain in its original packaging till you are set to cook the meal which should be within 3 to 5 days of the purchase.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we have provided an answer to the question, “Can you eat goat meat?” with an in-depth analysis of goat meat, the nutritional composition of goat meat, how to store goat meat as well as ways to properly handle goat meat.
