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HISTORYMeat from deer has been important in the human diet since prehistoric times. The term venison (from the Latin venari - to hunt) originally referred to meat from any wild animal. For centuries, deer parks owned by European aristocrats have been used as a source of sport and high quality food. This concentration of valuable meat with access restricted to the elite few has long been a source of conflict between poacher and gamekeeper. BIOLOGYDeer are ruminant animals belonging to the family Cervidae. They are characterised by having antlers, rather than horns, and small, unspecialized stomachs. Instead of grazing on vast quantities of grass, deer tend to select easily digestible shoots, young leaves, fruit, fungi and lichens. NUTRITIONVenison is rich in protein and lower in fat than other red meats. It is a good source of B vitamins, iron, phosphorus, zinc and selenium. TIPSBUYING STORING PREPARING Good quality steaks and tenderloin can be pan-fried but try to avoid overcooking. Serving with a sauce is recommended. To maintain maximum succulence, Mrs Beeton (in her Book of Household Management) recommends serving venison on very hot plates as venison fat has a high melting point. This seems like sensible advice as cold venison is certainly much less appetizing than, say, cold beef. Excellent partnering flavors for venison include juniper, gin, red wine, port, rosemary and redcurrant. OTHER STUFFSeventeenth-century London-based diarist Samuel Pepys wrote highly of venison dishes on a number of occasions, including: At the Clerk’s chamber I met with Simons and Luellin, and went with them to Mr. Mount’s chamber at the Cock Pit, where we had some rare pot venison, and ale to abundance till almost twelve at night, and after a song round we went home. ...and... Mr. Moore and I and several others being invited to-day by Mr. Goodman, a friend of his, we dined at the Bullhead upon the best venison pasty that ever I eat of in my life, and with one dish more, it was the best dinner I ever was at. PICK OF THE RECIPES
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