Pigeon Breast, 2 Breasts

Wild Pigeon Breast 2pk is a pack of two wild wood pigeon breasts — intensely flavoured, deeply coloured and quick to cook. Pigeon breast is among the most robustly flavoured of all game meats. In particular, the meat is very dark and rich with a mineral, savoury depth. As a result, it pairs beautifully with bold, sweet and acidic flavours that balance and complement its intensity. Furthermore, it cooks in minutes and makes an impressive starter or light main course.

About British Wild Game Birds

Wild game birds are among the most sustainably sourced and naturally reared proteins available. They live free in their natural habitat. As a result, they feed on wild grains, berries, insects and seeds throughout their lives. This diet gives their meat a depth of flavour that no farmed bird can replicate. In particular, the meat is leaner and more muscular than domestic poultry. Furthermore, it is darker in colour — reflecting a life of genuine exercise and wild feeding. However, this leanness means wild game requires careful cooking. It is less forgiving than chicken and rewards those who pay attention to temperature and timing. Additionally, wild game is highly seasonal in the UK. The shooting seasons are strictly regulated to ensure sustainable populations year after year.

The game birds available from The Artisan Food Company are sourced from well-managed British shoots and trusted European suppliers. In particular, every bird is properly hung and prepared before despatch. As a result, the flavour is fully developed and the texture is exactly as it should be. Furthermore, game birds should always be brought to room temperature before cooking. Cold birds go into the oven unevenly and the result is always disappointing. Moreover, a brief rest after cooking is essential — it allows the juices to redistribute and makes carving considerably easier. Additionally, the carcasses of game birds make the most extraordinary stock and should never be thrown away after the meal.

How to Cook & Serve

To get the very best from Wild Pigeon Breast 2pk:

• Season generously with sea salt and sear in a very hot, dry pan for 2 minutes per side.
• The breast must be served pink — it should feel slightly springy when pressed.
• However, even one minute’s overcooking makes pigeon dry and unpleasant, so watch carefully.
• Furthermore, pigeon breast is outstanding served warm on a salad of bitter leaves, walnuts and a sherry vinegar dressing.

Perfect Pairings

Wild Pigeon Breast 2pk pairs beautifully with:

• Roasted beetroot, watercress and a walnut oil dressing — the classic pigeon salad
• A full-bodied Pinot Noir, Gevrey-Chambertin or a Crozes-Hermitage
• Celeriac purée, lentils du Puy or a rich red wine and juniper reduction
• Pickled cherries, pomegranate molasses or crispy pancetta as a garnish

Storage: Keep refrigerated and use by the date shown. Bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. Wild game birds also freeze well — freeze on the day of delivery for best results. Furthermore, defrost slowly in the fridge overnight before cooking. The carcass makes outstanding stock — simmer with aromatics for 2 to 3 hours after the meal. Delivered fresh and oven-ready.

However you cook it, Wild Pigeon Breast 2pk brings a depth of flavour and a connection to the natural world that no farmed bird can replicate. Moreover, taking the time to cook game well is one of the great pleasures of the kitchen.