Christmas in Rhineland-Palatinate: Game for the festive table!

Christmas in Rhineland-Palatinate: Game for the festive table!

The festive season is approaching and many people in Rhineland-Palatinate are choosing venison as a tasty Christmas roast. Especially in the run-up to Christmas, the increased demand for domestic roe deer, wild boar and red deer is reflected, which exceeds the supply from the forestry authorities. This reports n-tv. Environment Minister Katrin Eder (Greens) recently provided information about the sales figures in Mainz and referred to the legal framework that regulates hunting and the supply of game meat.

In 2024, more than 19,000 wild animals were shot by forest departments to meet demand. The strict legal requirements not only guarantee animal protection and sustainability, but also ensure the quality of the wild boar meat, which can be purchased at forestry offices in the country. Marketing takes place directly to consumers under the highest hygiene standards.

Healthy eating with venison

Game meat is not only considered a delicacy, but also healthy. It has a high muscle meat content, little fat and is rich in iron, zinc and selenium. This combination of nutrients makes game a valuable part of a balanced diet. According to a brochure from the Rhineland-Palatinate Climate Protection Ministry, which is aimed at hunters, venison meets the requirements of an animal welfare-friendly and CO2-neutral diet. The publication also deals with the regulations on food hygiene when producing game meat. The brochure can be found at mkuem.rlp.de be downloaded.

Wild animals that grow in their natural habitat do not need to be transported, which explains their lower carbon footprint. The Rhineland-Palatinate Consumer Center recommends game meat as a climate-friendly alternative to conventional meat. It is also estimated that wild animals grow without the use of antibiotics, which is another plus point for health.

Important information for consumers

As for freshness, it can be determined by the color of the meat. Depending on the animal species, this varies from red-brown to black-brown. It is recommended that game meat be cooked thoroughly in order to kill possible pathogens, as nutrition expert Marlene Bär from the consumer advice center notes. When choosing game meat, it is advisable to ask the local hunter directly about the ammunition used, as conventional hunting ammunition often contains lead, which can contaminate the meat.

Sophie Röckert from the consumer advice center is also calling for mandatory labeling of the origin of game meat, even if labeling in supermarkets is currently voluntary. The origin is particularly important, as a certain part of the game meat is imported from New Zealand for European trade, which entails long transport routes and different husbandry conditions.

In conclusion, venison is not only a delicious part of the feast, but also offers numerous health and environmental benefits. All the better that there are numerous opportunities in Rhineland-Palatinate to source regional game and thus support local added value.