A few years ago, horse meat became a reviled product for being labeled as beef for making hamburgers. Fraudulent use, mainly due to the lower cost of this product, which led to the violation of traceability standards and controls. However, the consumption of horse meat does not carry any risk to the health of consumers, quite the opposite. But even today there is reluctance to eat this delicacy due to the consideration of the horse as a domestic or mounted animal, an antiquated convection that has transcended from the nobility and the wealthy classes to the common humanity.
Although in Spain there are no traditions linked to the consumption of horse meat, this is a food that has many fewer calories and is much more satiating than, for example, beef. We can find it in many butcher shops – some specialized -, restaurants and gourmet stores where it will stand out from the rest of the pieces due to its intense, very dark red color. Below, we tell you some of the health benefits that horse meat can give you.
Horse meat stands out for its low fat content (barely 1 gram per 100 of product) and a similar protein content compared to beef or pork. In addition, the pieces of fat are visible and can be easily removed before being consumed, making it ideal for patients with high cholesterol.
Another of its advantages is its high content of minerals such as zinc or iron, which makes this meat a recommended product for those people who suffer from anemia or immunodeficiency. They also contain magnesium and copper, which facilitate the assimilation of insulin for diabetics.
The consumption of horse meat carries a large contribution of fatty acids such as Omega-3 and B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12). These components help regulate the hormonal system, promote wound healing and help combat fatigue, among other benefits. How have we been able to remove a food with these characteristics from our table?
As with suckling pigs and lamb, the meat of the offspring of this species, that is, fillies and colts, is much tastier than that of adult horses. It is true that its flavor becomes much more intense and sweeter as the animal grows, but, like everything, it is just a matter of time to get used to it. However, its texture is very tender, juicy and digestive, so, unless prescribed by a doctor, moderate horse consumption is suitable for older people or people with chewing problems.
As mentioned before, a horse steak is much cheaper than a beef steak. But there are many more alternatives to grilled consumption. You can surprise your guests with a horse meat stew with vegetables – a serving of 125 grams per guest is enough – or cook it in the oven. For the latter case, marinate the meat for a couple of hours and let the piece marinate with the garnish for a couple of hours, before putting it in the oven for another two hours at 200 degrees.
