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Types Of Foie Gras

Hannah Abaffy
  |   January 15, 2015   |  

What is Foie Gras?

A culinary delicacy cherished by gourmands, Foie Gras is the epitome of luxury dining. An ingredient renowned for its unparalleled richness and velvety texture, it’s derived from the liver of specially fattened ducks or geese. A culinary masterpiece, its rich profile and sumptuous texture have made it one of the most celebrated foods in history.

Types of Foie Gras

While there are many preparations and methods of preservation for this luxury good, there are only two types: goose and duck. The livers of these migratory birds are special in their ability to hold and retain fat, and when paired with the ancient technique of gavage, can grow up to ten times their original size, transforming into a rich and luxuriously smooth ingredient that can be enjoyed on its own or added to recipes to infuse them with savory flavor.

Goose vs Duck

When choosing your favorite form (goose or duck) there are a few things to consider. Goose liver is considered the more refined of the two, with a milder flavor and a smoother, more luxurious texture. Duck is bolder with an assertive meaty taste some prefer! Easier to produce, it is also more readily available and more affordable. The more popular of the two, duck represents 90% of the Foie Gras on the market.

  • Goose liver: Offering a silken texture with a rich, subtle flavor that is sophisticated and almost creamy.
  • Duck liver: More rustic in terms of both texture and flavor. Earthier with a more pronounced taste and bolder finish. Best for hot preparations.

Foie Gras by Country of Origin

  • French: The Mecca of foie gras production is Gascony, a region in France where the "best" is still produced today. Using centuries of culinary expertise, the French have perfected the art of preparing this delicious ingredient and incorporated it as a classic element within their gastronomic tradition.
  • Canadian: Another producer, with their French heritage and culinary enthusiasm, it comes as no surprise that regions of this country are responsible for some of the finest goose and duck liver in the world.
  • American: One of the newest producers, the U.S. has already established itself as one of the forefront manufacturers in the industry. Farms like Hudson Valley and La Belle create top-tier lobes with textures and flavors to match any of the most well-established old-world varieties.

Preparation/Preservation:

The picture of refinement Foie Gras comes in many variations, from whole lobes, to morsels, mousses, patés, and torchons, there’s no end to the delicious varieties available.

  • Foie Gras Entier: Whole liver of duck (canard) or goose (oie), cooked and preserved, usually in a block, and contains no extra additives. The best product you can find.
  • Bloc of Foie Gras: Smaller pieces of duck or goose liver whipped and condensed together into a block. Traditional recipes include the addition of truffles.
  • Mousse of Foie Gras: Pieces of lobe ground or pureed together into a smooth preparation and whipped into a mousse.
  • Pate de Foie Gras: Usually liver combined with other meat products, like pork, duck, or veal. The content of foie gras is less than that of other products. It is a smooth, consistent spread-like bloc, which is excellent when served with crackers or toast.
  • Semi-cooked Pasteurized Foie Gras or Micuit: Partially cooked and preserved to maintain as much of the original consistency, texture, and flavor as possible.
  • Fully Cooked: The most traditional way to prepare this delicacy, fully cooked liver is preserved in its fat and sterilized; this variety is stored in a cool, dark place. Like wine, preserved foie gras ages gracefully, packaged in tubes or a classic farm-style jar.

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Author

Hannah Abaffy

Chef-Copywriter-Sultan of Sweets

Working in the hospitality industry for well over a decade, Chef Hannah Abaffy has held every position available in a restaurant kitchen. From line cook to executive pastry chef, she calls on her ten-plus years of work in the field and her culinary degree to write about our gourmet ingredients and craft informational articles and blog posts that will help you elevate everything from a wedge of cheese to a lobe of foie gras.

From working with food every day to writing about it, Hannah is now a contributing author for Gourmet Food Store, along with her work helping restaurants develop recipes and craft menus and running her award-nominated food history blog Milk and Honey.

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Questions and Answers

Q:What is the difference between foie gras entier and bloc?
A:Entier consists of whole or lobe-like pieces, typically packed in a jar or vacuum-sealed package. It is essentially the unaltered liver, maintaining its natural shape and structure. Bloc is blended or emulsified, typically mixed with other ingredients like cream or wine. It is then molded into a block or terrine shape.
Q:What is the difference between duck foie gras and goose foie gras?
A:The primary differences between duck and goose liver lie in the source animal, flavor, and texture. Duck tends to have a slightly stronger and more assertive flavor; goose is milder and more delicate.
Q:Which country produces the most foie gras?
A:While France dominates the global production of foie gras, different countries, including Hungary, Spain, and North America, also contribute to the production of this gourmet product.
Q:Where is the best foie gras from?
A:While finding the “best” is subjective, our sterling lineup of premium options from Canada and the U.S. represent some of the finest on the market. Sourced from farms that employ ethical and sustainable farming practices, find your favorite brand by sampling all our delightful options!
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