Bresse chicken facts for kids
A labelled poulet de Bresse
|
|
| Type | pullet, chicken or capon |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | France |
| Region or state | Bresse |
| Other information | Protected designation of origin (PDO) and appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) status |
The Poulet de Bresse (say "poo-lay duh Bress") is a very special type of chicken from France. It's known for being one of the best chickens in the world!
This chicken has a special status called appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) and Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). This means it can only come from a specific area in eastern France called Bresse. It also has to be a certain type of white chicken called the Bresse Gauloise breed. This special status makes sure the chicken is always top quality and comes from its true home.
Contents
A Special Chicken: History of Poulet de Bresse
Chickens from the Bresse area have been famous for a very long time. People have always thought they were excellent.
The Queen of Poultry
A famous French lawyer and food lover named Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin (who lived from 1755 to 1826) once called the Bresse chicken "the queen of poultry, the poultry of kings." This shows how highly it was thought of, even hundreds of years ago!
Protecting the Name
The special name "Volaille de Bresse" (which means Bresse poultry) was first protected by law in 1936. Later, in 1957, it received the official appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) status. This legal protection helps keep the quality and tradition of Poulet de Bresse alive.
Today, many famous chefs and food experts agree that Poulet de Bresse is the best table chicken in the world. For example, Heston Blumenthal, a well-known chef, even featured it in one of his cookbooks.
How Poulet de Bresse is Raised
Poulet de Bresse chickens are raised in a very specific way. This helps make them so special and tasty.
Where They Come From
These chickens can only be raised in a certain part of eastern France. This area is about 100 kilometers long and 40 kilometers wide. It includes parts of three French regions: Ain, Jura, and Saône-et-Loire. Important towns in this area include Bourg-en-Bresse, Mâcon, and Dole.
Strict Rules for Farmers
Only about 1.2 million Poulet de Bresse chickens are produced each year. This is a very small number compared to all the chickens raised in France. About 200 farmers are allowed to raise them. Each farmer must have at least 0.5 hectares (about 1.2 acres) of open land for the chickens to roam. Also, each chicken must have at least 10 square meters of space outside.
Every chicken must also be checked by a special center called the Centre de Sélection de la Volaille de Bresse. This makes sure only the best chickens of the Bresse breed are used.
Their Special Diet
The chickens live outdoors for at least four months. From about 35 days old, they eat a special diet of cereals and dairy products. Farmers keep the protein in their food low on purpose. This encourages the chickens to look for insects and other natural foods in the fields.
Before they are sold, the chickens spend time in a special, darkened shed called an épinette. Here, they are fed a lot of maize (corn) and milk. This final feeding stage helps them get extra plump and flavorful.
Different Types of Bresse Poultry
- Poulets (young chickens) are fattened for two weeks. They are at least four months old and weigh at least 1.2 kg when they are ready.
- Poulardes (large hens) are fattened for four weeks. They are at least five months old and weigh at least 1.8 kg.
- Chapons (capons, which are specially prepared male chickens) are also fattened for four weeks. They are at least eight months old and weigh at least 3 kg.
How They Are Sold
When you buy a Poulet de Bresse, it usually still has its head and special slate-blue legs. These features are a sign that it's a real Poulet de Bresse. Each chicken also has a metal ring on its left leg with the producer's name. This helps prove it's authentic.
Because of all these special rules and care, Poulet de Bresse chickens cost more than regular chickens. People are willing to pay more for their amazing taste and quality!
See also
In Spanish: Pollo de Bresse para niños
