Pheasant
Description
The pheasant is a small bird with a slender silhouette and decorative plumage; its meat has a delicate, slightly gamey aroma and a pronounced flavor, with darker thighs being juicy and the breasts leaner and more subtle, making it a versatile culinary ingredient. Pheasant meat is rich in high-quality protein, provides B vitamins (especially B3 and B6), iron, and zinc, while having a relatively low saturated fat content compared to some other meats, which supports a moderate-fat diet and aids in muscle recovery and blood-forming processes. In the kitchen, pheasant is excellent for roasting whole, braising, confiting, and for stuffing and pâtés, pairing well with berries, plums, mushrooms, red wine, and rosemary or juniper. Fresh pheasant should be stored in a cool place at a temperature of up to 4°C for a maximum of 1–2 days or tightly wrapped and frozen for about 6 months; thaw slowly in the refrigerator and prepare immediately after draining.