Expert: Keith Patton - 5/14/2008

Question
I have heard that in some European countries that they will hang their ducks and geese (with entrails) until the neck falls off. At that time it would be then considered good to eat. If this is true, could you give me a full description as to how and what the benefits of this method are.

Answer
Trevor:

Wild game is low in fat and considered dry.  Pheasant and wild fowl were hung.  This gave the enzymes time to work on the meat, breaking it down.  It could bet rank smelling.  But the meat does appear to benifit from it.  Remember that salmonella is introduced into poultry in the packing plants.  It is not present in wild fowl taken in the field.  I have keep ducks unplucked for up to 5 days at low temperature with not problems.



Keith