Why Can You Eat Duck Rare But Not Chicken? Resolved

Last Updated on September 12, 2024 by Shari Mason

There is a potential health risk associated with consuming undercooked poultry, but it is often confusing that duck can be safely consumed medium-rare while chicken cannot.

We will provide an overview of why duck can be eaten rare while chicken should always be cooked thoroughly. 

We’ll examine the differences in how ducks and chickens are raised, the composition of their meat, and how they should be cooked to ensure safety.

Why Can Duck Be Eaten Rare But Not Chicken?

Generally, the way ducks have been raised and processed plays a big part in why they can be eaten rare (or medium rare). Ducks are claimed to be not as intensively farmed as chicken, which are usually raised in dirty environment.

However, like poultry, ducks are recommended to be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent the risk of foodborne diseases.

Ducks also have a much higher fat content than chickens, which makes them perfect for rare cooking. The high-fat content helps keep the meat moist and tender, even when cooked at lower temperatures. 

Duck [1] is also much more flavorful than chicken, which makes it enjoyable to eat even when cooked rare. The combination of the fat content and flavor makes rare duck a delicious and safe choice for dinner. 

Meanwhile, chicken does not have the same fat content as ducks, so it is unsuitable to be cooked rare. When cooked at low temperatures, the meat becomes dry and tough. 

Furthermore, the flavor may become too intense, making the chicken unpalatable. For these reasons, cooking chicken at low temperatures is not recommended. 

Instead, cooking chicken at higher temperatures is best to ensure it is safe and enjoyable.

Read: Can You Eat Cold Cooked Chicken?

Why Should You Eat Duck Medium Rare?

Eating duck medium rare is an excellent way to enjoy the meat’s full flavor. It has a slightly sweet, buttery flavor that is enhanced by the tender texture of the meat when prepared to medium rare. 

Medium rare duck is also a healthier option than cooking duck too well done, as the fat content is lower when the meat is cooked to medium rare. This can help reduce the risk of heart disease and obesity. 

Additionally, cooking duck to medium rare helps to retain some of its natural juices, making it juicier and more flavorful.

Read: What Are The Red Spots On Chicken Meat?

Can You Eat Duck Raw?

No, it would be best if you did not eat duck raw. Raw ducks can contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning.

“Be like a duck. Calm on the surface, but always paddling like the dickens underneath.”

– Michael Caine, English Actor

When consuming raw duck, there is an increased risk of contracting Salmonella, e. coli, and campylobacter infections. 

Furthermore, raw duck flesh may also contain parasites that can harm human health. To reduce the risk of food-borne illness, the duck should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165°F.

Read: Can There Be Worms In Chicken Meat?

What Happens When You Eat Raw Duck?

When you eat raw duck, you are exposing yourself to the risk of food-borne illnesses [2].

Raw poultry consumption can lead to salmonella or campylobacter infections, which can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

Raw ducks may also contain parasites such as roundworms and tapeworms, which can be picked up from the bird’s diet and cause dangerous health problems. 

Raw duck also contains higher levels of bacteria than cooked poultry, which can lead to food poisoning and other illnesses. 

Eating raw duck can also lead to a higher risk of choking since the bones may not be broken down during digestion.

Why Does Chicken Have To Be Fully Cooked But Not Duck?

Chicken must be cooked to a higher temperature than duck because it is more susceptible to the growth of harmful bacteria. 

Bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli can be present in poultry, and cooking chicken to a higher temperature than duck kills these bacteria and reduces the risk of food-borne illnesses. 

On the other hand, duck does not have the same level of bacteria risks, so it can be cooked to a lower temperature without food-borne illness.

Why Should Duck Be Cooked Only To Medium Rare?

Cooking duck to medium rare is important because it ensures the meat is tender and juicy. This is because if the duck is cooked too long, it can become dry and tough due to the high-fat content in the meat. 

Cooking duck to medium rare also helps keep its flavor intact, as cooking it too long can cause the taste to become bitter.

FAQs

In Conclusion

While it is possible to eat rare duck meat, it is not recommended to eat it, as it is could also contain harmful bacteria that can cause serious illnesses. 

Eating rare chicken meat can be dangerous for your health, so it is important to ensure it is cooked before consuming it.

References:

1. https://www.britannica.com/animal/duck
2. https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/foodborne-germs.html