Foie gras is the fattened liver of a goose or duck. It is the staple dish for French people. One of the major downsides of the dish is that it is highly expensive. The unique production methods attribute to its high cost.
In this article, we will learn more about the reasons behind the high price of foie gras.
What is Foie grass?
Foie grass is an ultimate culinary delight for the king of pâtés. It is a fatty liver that is made from the livers of specifically fattened duck or geese. The dish is widely consumed by people in France. Many believe that this nutritious food is the reason behind the longer life-expectancy of French people.
Loaded with numerous vital vitamins and minerals, it tastes extremely delicious. However, it comes with a hefty price tag. Foie Gras Gourmet is one of the leading places that offer a wide collection of premium quality goose foie gras, and duck foie gras. foie gras at restaurant is mostly served as a starter.
Why Is Foie Gras Expensive?
In terms of price, this single appetizer costs the same as the cost of the main course. In New York City, eight pounds of foie gras costs around 250 bucks. Now the question arises, what makes it that much expensive. There are a few reasons for it.
- Firstly, the foie gras geese and ducks are costly to raise. They consume more food and mature very slowly. In comparison to chicken, they take up to 2 ½ times more to mature.
- Secondly, the distinctive method of its production further increases its cost. In their final weeks of lives, they are force-fed to increase the size of their liver. The overall capital investment needed to set up and maintain a foie gras farm to obtain the output is 21/2 times more than that of a chicken farm.
- Thirdly, its high cost is due to protest by animal rights activists who are against the cruel method of production. They believe foie gras to be among the inhumane foods in the market. Due to their protest, the supply of the product has substantially reduced.
- The fourth reason is the feeding process that contributes to its high cost. Compared to a normal duck, the ducks that are force-fed for enlarging the liver cost more money. They are fed more grains and corn via a metal tube several times a day.
As an estimated around four pounds of grains is fed daily. This results in feeding tons of feeds to grow their liver ten times greater than the normal size.
- Finally, besides the cost of grains, the production method also involves a lot of time and labour. Several workers are employed to raise and yield the final product. Also, the dish is only available in expensive restaurants as it requires skilled chefs to prepare the dish.
Foie Gras Consumption in France and Other Nations
French law requires a minimum of 80% percent of foie gras has to be the liver, but unfortunately, the law is evaded. Purée de foie gras contains below 55 percent.
Due to the delicate texture, foie gras melts very easily. So, it is served chilled. In countries outside France, people are not in support of its inhumane production and can’t afford this luxury dish.
Conclusion
These are the reasons that contribute to the high cost of foie grass. Due to the inhumane traditional methods of cultivation, several countries have banned this controversial product. Weigh its pros and cons before you consume this product.
