EVEN in Shanghai, a city full of novel ideas, eating peacock still seems an exotic thing to do.
Now, using blue peacocks from a farm in South China's Hainan Province, the Shanghai Rainbow Hotel has begun offering peacock banquets, giving locals a chance to savour these beautiful birds at the hotel's elegant restaurant.
For those who are on a diet but who really want to eat something meaty, peacocks are the answer.
The fat content of peacock meat is very low, only 0.8 to 1 per cent, while the levels of protein, vitamins, calcium and other microelements are high. The nutritional value of a peacock is much higher than that of fish or snake.
In China, peacock, due to its high nutritional value, has become an example of the special poultry whose development the country vigorously encourages.
Peacock is also much beloved by cooks. The special texture of the meat makes it suitable for different cooking methods, from boiling to stir-frying, and from stewing to roasting.
However it is cooked, the peacock meat turns out to be wonderful. The very best, as experienced chefs from the Rainbow Hotel pointed out, is peacock soup, with a mixed sweet and fragrant flavour.
Peacock meat also works to eliminate toxins from the inner body, an important function for those white-collars who, due to their heavy schedules, are vulnerable to becoming constipation sufferers.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, peacocks have for a long time been viewed as an aid to the nourishment of Yin, supplementing the function of the kidneys. Research found that all the nourishment contained in peacock meat is very easily absorbed by the human body.
After so much information about the nutritional and medicinal benefits of peacock meat, the reader may think that peacock may taste as bitter as medicine. Believe it or not, the flavour is wonderful. Besides, the presentation of each course, so delicately made into the peacock appearance, is also a delight to the eyes.
Make the time if you want this novel experience ?the banquets are only available until October 7.
2000 Yan'an Xilu
Tel: 6275-3388 ext 3318, 3394
