Foie Gras ? All goose and duck liver facts and information at the Butler Bureau

Foie Gras is the liver of a duck or goose that has been enlarged / fattened by force feeding a corn mash to the bird via a tube for the last 2 weeks of it’s life before slaughter. The verdict as to whether this is cruel to the animal or not remains debatable. In our view when farmed professionally it is not cruel. It is principally produced in France. The term foie gras is french for fatty liver.

How to eat foie gras

Consumed on its own with toast foie gras makes for a gourmet snack - as it is so rich a little goes a long way. It features heavily too in French gourmet cuisine where its richness is prized for adding flavour to a variety of dishes from artichoke hearts to zucchini.

A general accompaniment is a sweet fruit such as rhubarb, figs etc. which can be in the form of a jam or compote.

Goose liver is used more than duck in top quality restaurants as it has a more buttery texture than the slightly coarser duck liver. It is generally seared quickly on one or both sides in  a hot pan, over cooking will simply melt it away as the liver is so very fatty. Crispy brown on the outside but retaining a pinkish tinge near the center is what is aimed for.

What are the different types of Foie Gras?

Make sure you know what you are paying for. Don’t be fooled into buyng a pate that consists of only a percentage of foie gras, unless that is what you want.

Foie Gras Entier is the whole liver and nothing but the liver and can be bought either fully cooked, semi-cooked or fresh.

Foie Gras - will be pieces of liver molded into a whole.

Bloc de Foie Gras - usually tinned will be nearly 100% liver but when it states ‘avec morceaux’ (with pieces) may contain only half the weight in liver.

The same applies to Pate de Foie Gras, Mousse or Parfait

Where to buy foie gras online ?

The Butler Bureau recommends Our Gourmet Store when buying online.

If your local deli doesn’t stock fresh foie gras it may be that they don’t feel there is enough demand for such an expensive product with a limited shelf life. They may though have access to a supplier for a special order so just ask.