Goat is one of the most widely eaten meats in the world, and more families in North Carolina are cooking it every year. Here are straight answers to the questions we hear most. The safety guidance follows the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Is goat meat graded?
No. There are no quality or yield grades for goat meat.
What are the retail cuts of goat?
Retail cuts of goat are similar to those for lamb or mutton. Goat should have light pink to bright red, firm, fine-grained flesh with well-distributed white fat. In some breeds of goat, there can be color variation between males and females; in other breeds, there is no difference
Where is goat meat consumed?
The demand for meat from goats has increased in some markets of the Southeastern USA, which has led to new marketing opportunities for the small farmer/rancher. There has been an increase in the influx of ethnic groups from areas of the world where goat meat comprises a significant portion of the diet. In addition, there has been an increase in the consumption of "ethnic" foods as consumers explore and broaden their culinary experiences. Goat meat is often served in specialty dishes centered at festival or holiday events.
Is goat classified as "red" meat?
Yes, goat is considered red meat.
Safe Handling of Goat Meat
Handle goat the same as any other type of meat. At the grocery store, make your selection of goat meat from the refrigerator case just before checking out at the register. Put packages of raw meat in disposable plastic bags (if available) to contain any leakage, which could cross-contaminate cooked foods or raw produce. Take packaged meat home immediately and refrigerate it at 40 °F or below; use within 3 to 5 days (1 or 2 days for ground goat meat), or freeze (0 °F or below) for up to a year. However, if kept frozen continuously, it will be safe indefinitely.
Before and after handling any raw meat or poultry, always wash hands in warm, soapy water for 20 seconds.
Safe Thawing
There are three ways to thaw meat: in the refrigerator, in cold water, and in the microwave. Never thaw on the counter or in other non-refrigerated locations. It's best to plan ahead for slow, safe thawing in the refrigerator. To thaw in cold water, do not remove packaging. Be sure the package is airtight or put it into a leakproof bag. Submerge the package in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Cook immediately.
When microwave-defrosting meat, plan to cook it immediately after thawing because some areas of the food may become warm and begin to cook during microwaving-defrosting. Partially cooking food is not recommended because any bacteria present wouldn't have been destroyed.
Foods defrosted in the microwave or by the cold water method should be cooked before refrigerating or refreezing because they may have been held at temperatures above 40 °F, where bacteria multiply rapidly.
Cooking of Goat Meat
For safety, cook ground goat meat to 160 °F as measured with a food thermometer. Cook all raw goat steaks, chops, and roasts to a minimum internal temperature of 145 °F as measured with a food thermometer before removing meat from the heat source. For safety and quality, allow meat to rest for at least three minutes before carving or consuming. For reasons of personal preference, consumers may choose to cook meat to higher temperatures. Less tender cuts should be braised (roasted or simmered with a small amount of liquid in a tightly covered pan) or stewed.
Kid meat lends itself to all recipes for lamb: chops, leg or shoulder, crown roasts, rack or saddle, and kebabs. A goat carcass rarely has much fat to protect it from drying. Goat meat is generally quite lean, although its higher moisture content makes it tender when handled properly.
The meat of adult goats is almost always subjected to stewing because of its relative toughness, but in stews, it is flavorful and tender.
Storage Times
Consumers should follow these tips for home storage of goat meat.
Follow handling recommendations on the product. Keep meat in its package until it's ready to be used.
Take goat meat home immediately and refrigerate at 40 °F or below.
For best quality, use ground or cubed goat meat (such as stew meat) within 2 days of purchase and larger cuts within 3 to 5 days, or freeze the meat at 0 °F or below.
It is safe to freeze meat in its original packaging. If freezing longer than 2 months, overwrap as you would any food for long-term storage.
Ground or cubed goat meat will keep its best quality in the freezer for 4 months. Larger cuts, such as chops, steaks, legs, or loins, will keep their best quality 6 to 9 months; ground meat, 3 to 4 months. Frozen goat meat remains safe indefinitely if kept frozen continuously.
Order Goat From Rivas Ranch
Whole goat and goat freezer boxes, with Standard or Halal options. Whole animals are booked by month with at least 30 days notice.
Questions? text us at 336-747-3070. We answer by text so every answer is in writing.
Keep Reading
- Halal Beef, Lamb, Goat, and Chicken in the Triad
- Where to Buy Rivas Ranch Meat Locally
- Single-Origin Beef: Why No Co-Mingled Meat Matters
Originally published on rivasranch.com on 2022-04-04.