Venison is a term that many of us have become familiar with over the years. But have you ever stopped to ask yourself why deer meat is referred to in this way?
Let’s take a look at the history of venison to find out why it is called venison, as well as discover some interesting facts about this prime source of protein.
Why is Deer Meat Called Venison?
Deer meat has been known by many names throughout history, with some the most popular being “venison” and “game”. This article seeks to answer the question: Why is deer meat called venison?What is venison?
Venison is the term used to refer to the flesh of game animals, typically deer, but it can also be used to refer to the flesh of other animals like elk, reindeer, moose, geese and other birds, and also hares and rabbits.Venison is considered to be an excellent source of lean, nourishing protein and is widely enjoyed throughout the world as a favored dish.
Origin of the word “Venison”
The word “venison” is derived from the Latin word “venatio”, meaning “game or hunt”.Venatio was first used by the Romans, to refer to the hunt for deer. Later, the word became “venatio cervi” and eventually “venison”, dropping the Latin word for deer. Even today, the word “venison” remains synonymous with deer meat.
Cooking with Venison
Venison is widely used in many dishes across many different cultures. Some of the most popular game cooking methods include roasting, grilling, and smoking.Venison is especially popular in German, English, and Scandinavian cuisine. In the United States, deer hunting is a popular pastime, and the meat is served in everything from steaks to jerky to stews.
Using Venison in Recipes
Venison can be used in a variety of dishes, from burgers to roasts.It can be served with a range of sauces to improve its flavor, such as red wine sauces and sherry sauces. Venison can also be served in its traditional manner, such as a roast with game juices and vegetables. Venison steaks can be cooked in a variety of ways as well, such as grilled, pan-fried, or even slow-cooker.