Emu is a very lean (97% fat free) red meat, similar to beef in both taste and appearance. It is higher in iron, protein, Vitamins A, C, and B12 than beef and lower in cholesterol than chicken. Since Emu can be raised naturally, the meat contains no chemical additives.
Emu meat gives red meat lovers what they want and health-conscious consumers what they need. Five Star chefs praise Emu meat for its ability to absorb a variety of spices and flavorings in preparing gourmet dishes. A mature emu yields 30 - 35 lbs. of meat.
Most of the 5 star restaurants and hotels in Australia serve emu meat. Emu meat was so well received by passengers that Quantas Airlines served emu meat on its first class flights for one year in 1994, when normally their menu is changed every 6 months.
When placed on a grading machine, in the lab, to detect the tenderness of the meat, it was compared to No. 1 grade USDA beef of rib eye. With 1 being the most tender, the emu meat graded 4 and the best beef rib eye graded 10. The American Chefs Foundation (12,000 members) awarded a gold medal for taste, appearance, and overall impression. It was compared favourably with beef tenderloin. Wisconsin Emu Association conducted a survey of the meat. The results were as follows:
In l994 several Australian farmers negotiated contracts with France worth a total of $5.9 million over the next 3 years.
If half of the US population was to eat 4 oz. of emu meat per year they will require 1,500,000 emus.
| Emu | Pork | Beef | Poultry | Deer | Fish | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water (%) | 73.6 | 70 | 75 | 73-75 | 74-75 | 82 |
| Fat (%) | 1.7-4.5 | 25 | 2-15 | 1-3 | 3.3 | 1 |
| Protein (%) | 21.2 | 18-28 | 18-22 | 23-24 | 20.6 | 16 |
| Collagen | 1.1-2 | 0.5 | 1.24 | |||
| Magnesium mg/100g | 29-31 | 17-25 | 20 | 20-27 | 29 | 25-50 |
| Phosphorus mg/100g | 485 | 249 | 240-500 | |||
| Cholesterol mg/100g | 39-48 | 80-105 | 63 | 64-90 | ||
| Calcium mg/100g | 4.5-7.7 | 10 | 10 | 8-17 | 7 | 20-40 |
| Calories Kcal/100g | 113-127 | 319 | 157 | 114 | 108 | 70-120 |
