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Is reindeer meat on your menu?
By Melissa Martin, Ph.D.
Move over turkey and ham, reindeer meat is vying for a platter at the holiday dinner table and beyond.
No, not Rudolph or the other eight elusive creatures (Dasher, Dancer,
Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen) that transport
Santa’s sleigh around the world on Christmas. Kids, not to worry.
Rudolph will not be glazed, baked, or carved. Rudolph the Red-Nosed
Reindeer is safe.
In fact, the Alaska Department of Game and Fish website reports that
“Santa's reindeer (R.t. saintnicolas magicalus) look very similar to
common reindeer or caribou, but have many characteristics that
distinguish them from the seven other common subspecies.” And the
legendary reindeer are not to be hunted or eaten. “Little is known
about reproduction but it does appear that the life expectancy of
Santa’s reindeer is infinite. No deaths or fatalities have been
reported, and none are expected in the foreseeable future, though
stories are told of numerous “close calls” due to slippery rooftops and
heavy jet traffic around major airports.” Visit www.adfg.alaska.com to
read more.
Reindeer meat is popular in the Scandinavian countries. In Alaska and
Finland, reindeer sausage is sold in grocery stores. Do they order
reindeer sausage on pizza?
Reindeer and caribou are the same animal and are a member of the deer
family. In Europe, they are called reindeer. In North America, the
animals are called caribou if they are wild and reindeer if they are
domesticated. www.fda.gov. Anyone up for caribou casserole?
Why chew on reindeer parts? Because the meat is lean, healthy and
tasty. I have eaten wild deer meat (venison), but not reindeer. So I am
not speaking from a masticating experience.
Reindeer meat is a treat to some and a staple to others. This red meat
contains little fat and large doses of vitamin B12, iron, and zinc,
according to research by scientists at Norway’s University of Tromsų.
Who knew?
But cows may have a beef to pick with reindeer steaks during the
remaining eleven months of the year. Americans love their beefy burgers
during 4th of July celebrations, summer picnics, and grilled on an open
fire. And buffalo (bison) may try to box reindeer jerky. Pork may come
out punching if reindeer try to get into the hot dog business. But I
say there’s room at the table for all.
Visitors to Alaska who sample reindeer meat buy it when they return to
their homeland. So exporters of reindeer meat see an annual increase
for the product. And reindeer sausage is a longtime Alaskan staple.
So next year instead of a frozen turkey or a smoked ham, your employer
may give you a hunk of reindeer rump roast. Accept with gratitude and
chow down.
Melissa Martin, Ph.D., is an author, columnist, educator, and
therapist. She lives in Southern Ohio. Contact her at
melissamcolumnist@gmail.com.
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