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Month: December 2023

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Choose a balanced diet, choose EU Poultry

It is very important to make conscious choices and let our body absorb the right sources for all these fundamental nutrients. European poultry, known for its high-quality and food safety standards, is an excellent option to include in a balanced diet.

Want to know why? Keep reading!

1. European origin: sustainably good for you and the planet

Consumers have been paying increasing attention to how their food is produced – a growing focus in on animal welfare and sustainable production. Tue European poultry meat sector feels well prepared to meet these expectations!

The EU has strict regulations in place throughout the entire production chain – from farm to fork – (and even earlier in the chain) to ensure the highest quality standards for its poultry products. The sector is committed to continuously improving production conditions in terms of resource conservation, feed, and animal well-being.

2. Food Safety as a priority in the EU

Food safety is of utmost importance in our diet. The EU has stringent food safety regulations and controls in place throughout the entire poultry production process. This includes monitoring feed quality, animal health, hygiene practices, and the use of antibiotics when strictly necessary.

The EU is committed to providing safe, nutritious, high quality and affordable food for its citizens – through policies like the Farm to Fork strategy, it ensures that the European poultry sector moves towards an even more healthy and sustainable EU food system

3. High Protein Ratio... but not only!

European poultry can be an excellent that helps in growing and maintaining muscle mass, as well as helping maintain normal bones, as it is a naturally high source of protein.

For instance, chicken breast is a great example: it’s a lean and affordable meat with high protein benefits: a portion of 133gr is only 140 kcal but contains 28 gr of protein.

EU poultry also contains some minerals and vitamins, making it an excellent choice for balanced dishes. It is naturally high in B group vitamins, which help the nervous system to work, as well as it reduces tiredness and fatigue. Incorporating EU poultry into your diet can help meet daily protein requirements effectively as well as help with a normal energy-yielding metabolism.

4. Consumption Values: European poultry: your smart choice

Globally, there is a growing trend among consumers to become increasingly sensitive to animal welfare, environmental and health concerns, and poultry has the least carbon footprint[3]. As the production of red meat is often more resource-intensive and leads to higher greenhouse gas emissions, consumers tent to shift towards poultry meat – considered more efficient and less resource- intensive, making it a more sustainable choice.

With its high-quality standards, food safety regulations, high protein content, and beneficial nutrient profile, EU poultry provides an excellent option if you are seeking to optimize your nutritional intake. By choosing EU poultry, you can enjoy a safe, nutritious, and delicious protein source that contributes to a balanced diet. Consumers can be confident about buying and consuming EU poultry meat: “Enjoy, it’s from Europe”[4]!

  • [1] EC Public Health
  • [2] EFSA Dietary Reference Values
  • [3] OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2023-2032
  • [4] “Enjoy, it’s from Europe”! is the signature of the promotion policy adopted by the European Commission that help the sector’s professionals break into or consolidate international markets and make European consumers more aware of the efforts made by European farmers.
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One Chicken, Five Recipes

How many chicken recipes have you cooked or eaten throughout your life? Probably too many to count, right?European Poultry is one of the most versatile meats in the world.

In particular, chickenmeat takes well to lots of spices and other flavours imparted in different dishes to reach perfect harmony. From sweet and sour chicken to chicken brochette, from chicken cacciatore to chicken burger, it’s impressive to see how well chicken fits within so many different cuisines, cooking methods, and other ingredients.

In today’s world, where sustainability and conscious consumption have become increasingly important, it is crucial to find innovative ways to minimize food waste. Instead of presenting you here different recipes with Europeanpoultry – we present you how to make the most of every part of the bird: one chicken, 5 recipes – let’s embrace sustainability and minimize food waste!

Recipe 1: Chicken Breast – Grilled Stuffed Chicken Breast

Chicken breast is an excellent option for any dish, as it is a lean meat, naturally high in protein and very versatile.

Ingredients:
  • 1 chicken breastSalt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (such as basil, thyme, or rosemary)
  • 2 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Instructions:

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. (190-220º)

Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper.

In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, chopped herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Slice a pocket into the side of the chicken breast and stuff it with the cream cheese mixture.

Brush the chicken breast with olive oil and place it on the preheated grill.

Cook for 6-8 minutes per side or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.

Remove from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes, and then slice it into portions.

Serve with your favorite side with veggies and/or rice and enjoy!

Recipe 2: Drumstick – Oven-Baked Sticky Drumstick

Give your favorite Asian styled dish a twist by using chicken drumsticks. Prepare a delicious dish that is equally original and balanced by serving it with some vegetables and/or salad.

Ingredients:
  • 2 chicken drumsticks
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 200°C.

In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, ketchup, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper.

Place the chicken drumsticks in a baking dish and pour the sauce mixture over them, ensuring they are well coated.

Bake the drumsticks in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until they are cooked through, turning them once halfway through cooking.

Sprinkle with sesame seeds (optional) and serve with steamed rice or a side of your choice.

Recipe 3: Wings – Crispy Baked Chicken Wings

This recipe is perfect to share with some friends or family. If you fancy something spicier, combine the wings with a soft, yogurt dip sauce and you will love the mix!

Ingredients:
  • 4 chicken wings
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Your favorite dipping sauce
Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 230°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine olive oil, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.

Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss them in the marinade until they are well coated.

Place the wings on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until they are crispy and golden brown, turning them once halfway through cooking.

Remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.

Serve the wings with your favorite dipping sauce, such as mayo, aioli, barbecue sauce.

Recipe 4: Broth – Flavorful Chicken Broth

They say that a good chicken broth is good for the soul!

Don’t let anything go to waste and make the best use of the chicken bones and carcass with this recipe! Add some noodles and topics to make it acolorfuland fulfilling dish!

Ingredients:
  • Chicken bones and carcass
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 2 carrots, roughly chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
  • 4 cloves of garlic, smashed
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 8 cups water
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:

Place the chicken bones and carcass in a large pot and cover them with water.

Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for at least 2-3 hours, occasionally skimming off any foam that forms on the surface.

After simmering, strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the solids.

Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Let the broth cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for future use.

Use the broth as a base for soups, stews, or risottos, adding depth and flavor to your dishes.

Don’t you have time to prepare a recipe with it? Store it in the freezer for later use!

Recipe 5: Chicken skin in the airfryer

When we say no to food waste, we mean it! You can give good use to every part of the chicken, including the skin!

Prepare this delicious and original appetizer to start a meal!

Ingredients:
  • Chicken skin (from 4-6 chicken pieces)
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Paprika
  • Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:

Prepare the chicken skin. Make sure it is clean and pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.

Season the chicken skin with salt, pepper, and paprika. You can adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences.

Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.

Place the seasoned chicken skin in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Cook the chicken skin in the air fryer for about 10-15 minutes at 200º, or until it becomes crispy and golden brown. You may need to flip the skin halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

Once the chicken skin is crispy and golden brown, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes.

Side it with some salad to give it a fresh and fulfilling touch!

What did we tell you? With some creativity, you can transform a single chicken into four yummy and balanced dishes, utilizing every part of the bird.

However, this article does not only aim to present you with some recipes with European poultry but offers you an opportunity to discover how to prepare some of the cuts that are not consumed in European countries (i.e., wings, thighs, feet, organs). In fact, European citizens love, buy and cook the “easiest” and most expensive cut: chicken breast, and leave the other cuts to be exported to countries in Africa and Asia often at lower prices.[1]

By utilizing every part of the chicken, not only will you be able to savor different flavors and textures, but you’ll also contribute to a more sustainable world. So, the next time you cook a chicken, get creative and explore these recipes, making the most of this versatile poultry and reducing food waste!

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Dinner is ready!

First things first: what does batch cooking mean?

Batch cooking, also known as cooking in larger quantities or bulk cooking, entails preparing a greater amount of food to have portions available for future consumption.

By cooking with larger amount of ingredients, you ensure that the rest of portions can be stored in the refrigerator and, therefore, enjoyed during the week.

If your schedule is tight and you lack time to cook daily, this method allows you to benefit from nutritious and ready homemade meals when needed.

European Poultry meat could be your top ingredient for this trend! In fact, poultry, such as chicken and turkey, is a great source of protein, recommended as part of a healthy and balanced diet, alternatively with fish, eggs, and plant-based food[1]. As it is naturally high in protein, it plays a fundamental role in a balanced diet by contributing to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass, as well as to the maintenance of normal bones, which are repeatedly stressed during intense physical activity.[2]

Aside from being a natural source of protein, poultry meat also provides additional nutrients. For instance, chicken legs meat naturally brings zinc, which contributes to normal cognitive function, while chicken fillets are high in phosphorus, thus contributing to normal energy-yielding metabolism. Chicken meat is also high in vitamin B3, which contributes to normal psychological function, as well as to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

But here we are with a couple of batch cooking poultry ideas for you:

1. Stay light with the poultry star – Baked chicken breast:

This simple recipe involves seasoning chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices, and then baking them in the oven at 190° for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through. Chicken breast is a lean protein source that can be easily incorporated into salads, sandwiches, or served alongside your favorite vegetables.

2. Spice up your day with Turkey chili:

Chili is a hearty and filling meal that can be made in large batches and enjoyed throughout the week. This turkey chili recipe involves browning ground turkey in a large pot, and then adding in diced onions, garlic, canned tomatoes, kidney beans, and chili powder. The mixture is then simmered on the stove for 30-45 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together. Serve with a side of whole grain bread or crackers for added fiber.

3. The yummiest comfort food – You can choose both chicken or turkey breast for a slow cooked curry: 

This flavorful curry recipe involves placing your chosen meat breasts, diced onions, garlic, ginger, curry paste, and canned coconut milk into a slow cooker and cooking on low for 6-8 hours, or until the poultry meat is tender and cooked through. This dish can be served over brown rice or corn for a balanced and filling meal

Finally, store your meals properly: Once your meals are cooked, divide them into portions and store them in airtight containers. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Batch cooking with poultry products can be a great way to simplify meal preparation while also making sure that no food is wasted.

The versatility of poultry products allows you to prepare a great variety of dishes to enjoy during the week. By following these tips, you can create original and yummy  meals to enjoy alone on the couch, with your friends on the terrace or with your family in the dining room!

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. For guidance on balanced and healthy diets, please refer to the National Food Dietary Guidelines: https://knowledge4policy.ec.europa.eu/health-promotion-knowledge-gateway/food-based-dietary-guidelines-europe-source-documents-food_en

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. For guidance on balanced and healthy diets, please refer to the National Food Dietary Guidelines: https://knowledge4policy.ec.europa.eu/health-promotion-knowledge-gateway/food-based-dietary-guidelines-europe-source-documents-food_en

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No matter which European country the poultry meat comes from, consumers can always rely on food safety, environmental protection, and animal welfare. Being a major trading partner in the global poultry meat market, the EU has proved to be a role model by having some of the highest standards in the world.