Let's talk liver. For those unfamiliar with foie gras, wikipedia describes it accurately as: "the liver of a duck or a goose that has been specially fattened by gavage (as defined by French law)."
Basically it is the swollen, decadent liver of a force-fed duck or goose. It is one of the most popular French delicacies, as well as one of the oldest (the ancient Egyptians were creating similar items more than two millennium ago). Foie gras is in danger though. Many US cities/states are looking into passing bans on the sale and production of foie. California has already passed a law that will ban the dish starting in 2012. Chicago has already passed a ban on selling the food, complete with a $250-$500 fine for breaching said ban. Trouble is brewing overseas for the dish as well. France (which produces almost 80% of the world's foie gras) is equally under attack by various animal rights groups who view the force-feeding process as inhumane. The European Union has already disallowed production of foie gras in any country that isn't already producing it.
You can read more on the issue here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foie_gras_controversy
Anyway, I'm curious what everyone else's opinion on this topic is.
Me personally? I hate to sound cruel, but I don't see the problem with it. We're just a part of the food chain, eating a critter lower than us on the chain. Maybe it's not the most humane of conditions, but honestly I'm not bothered. But, I am very interested in this topic as I have not yet had a chance to try this legendary dish. So my new mission in life is finding a good place that offers foie and getting my fill while I still can.
Thoughts on the topic or even on foie gras itself?
Friday, February 1, 2008
A quick post on Foie Gras.
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3 comments:
Personally I'm not into eating organs of animals but I'm not sure why the fuss on this item. They sell pigs feet, brains (not sure from what animal), calves liver, gizzards, etc. Why is a duck's well fed liver such a big deal?
Just my opinion. BTW, hope you get to try it if you really want to.
Oh, Hi B. When are you coming to visit/move here?
When enjoying this delectable delicacy, my only real concern has been not for the bird who gave its all, but rather for the aggregate consequences to my arteries...
While admitting that gavage is a revolting practice-- and certainly nothing I'd ever care to see-- foie gras is truly a divine indulgence and I'll be very sorry to watch it disappear into the dark, gaping maw of political correctness.
A quick update just in case anyone ever happens to stumble upon my poor, neglected site......
...I finally got to try foie gras. :)
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