Chicken is the most popular type of edible bird, but it’s far from the only choice! If you’ve been thinking of diversifying your poultry consumption, you’ve likely wondered if quail might be a good option.
But before you invest in this luxurious alternative to chicken and turkey, you’ll want to ensure that quail suits your taste. But what does quail taste like? Let’s find out!
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Quail Tastes Like Chicken
Anyone who has eaten quail will likely tell you it tastes like high-quality chicken. After all, both poultry types are essentially birds with large breasts.
The primary difference between quail and chicken (when it comes to how they taste) is the depth of flavor.
While most chicken you’ll find at your local grocery store is relatively flavorless, especially if unseasoned, quail tends to have a richer flavor and a higher fat content. In some ways, this makes quail an excellent choice for those who enjoy the tender texture of chicken meat but the delicate flavor of duck.
But the experience of eating quail differs significantly from that of eating chicken. While you’ll want to discard chicken bones when chowing down on chicken legs, you can eat quails whole!
You Can Eat Quail Bones
Unlike chickens, which can only fly a distance of about 40ft (12.2m), quail can fly up to 300ft (91m)! This difference in flying ability comes down to body size and bone density.
Chickens, especially those bred for consumption, tend to be heavy-breasted birds with thick, rectangular bodies. To support this incredible body mass, these animals develop thick, sturdy skeletons that prohibit them from flying long distances.
But the common quail isn’t farmed to the same extent as domestic chickens. Instead, these birds are often allowed to remain somewhat wild, living on vast properties occasionally opened to hunters.
Consequently, the biology of quail birds differs significantly, with quail tending to be far more slender. Their bones are also lighter, allowing them to fly farther than their clucking cousins.
Because a quail’s bones are less dense, most quail dishes have bones inside. Diners have the option to consume the bones as well as the meat.
Though this might not be everyone’s cup of tea, the total edibility of quail makes it a prime choice, especially for those who prefer fine dining and elevated cuisine. But, just as with chicken, the flavor of a quail meal significantly varies depending on the seasonings used.
Seasonings Significantly Impact the Taste
If you’ve ever eaten an unseasoned baked chicken breast, you likely understand how crucial seasoning is. After all, a fried chicken leg tastes almost nothing like a plain boneless, skinless chicken breast!
The same concept applies to quail. Unseasoned quail meat may be slightly more flavorful than unseasoned chicken meat, but it still benefits from spices and seasonings like black pepper and salt.
Final Thoughts
If you’re curious to find out what quail tastes like, you might want to reserve a table at a fine dining establishment in your area. After all, many top-tier restaurants serve quail, and finding it for sale at your local chain supermarket can be challenging. Trying it at a restaurant will help you know if you like the flavor or quail and want to make it at home.