WOULD you eat Rudolph for Christmas? A record number of Queenslanders are ordering venison for their festive table.
Suppliers are reporting a bumper year for the "supermeat'', which is ultra lean, high in protein and iron and low in cholesterol.
"We have had more Christmas orders for venison than ever before. Queenslanders are looking for more healthy options and thanks to television cooking shows people are more adventurous with their cooking," said Maureen Pickstone from Lyall Deer Farm.
"Years ago it was mostly Europeans who were interested."
"I buy in venison from South Australia. A leg for the Christmas table would be about $29 per kilo but I sell diced for about $25. You don't need much venison on your plate as it is very rich but it is extra healthy and tasty,'' she said.
Jason Brooker from Naturally Australian Meat and Game in Brisbane agrees that there has been a shift towards deer.
"It's more expensive than turkey A boneless shoulder of venison would be somewhere around $17 per kilo, turkey maybe $8 and over. But it is top quality meat and if not overcooked very enjoyable,'' he said.
"Queenslanders are definitely more adventurous with what they serve on Christmas Day but certain nationalities are attracted to different types of meat. English for example love a goose,'' he said.
The Chop Shop Butchers at Forest Lake Brisbane sells geese for approximately $24 per kilo.
Ham and turkey are big with the Irish. The Superbutcher is advertising a Beenleigh ham for $12.99 per kilo.
Australians enjoy turkey but duck and pork are also favourites. Simon's Gourmet Gallery in Brisbane sells duck at $14.95 per kilo and pork roast at $18.95 per kilo.
Seafood and cold meats are popular with people from Scandinavian countries. The Polish love their fish.
Fish for Christmas? C'mon, a big ass roast ham leg is the ticket!
