What you Need to Know about Foie Gras: The Jewel of French Haute Cuisine

To understand everything about foie gras, you have to go back in time; In fact, Images have been found as far back as ancient Egypt, from which we can deduce that foie gras was already consumed at that time, a classic and special product with characteristics that we only find in foie gras. It is undoubtedly the French's favorite product; no other product rivals a good goose, duck liver or foie gras which today make foie gras an inseparable element of French gastronomic and cultural heritage.

But what exactly is foie gras, what are the different varieties, what should we know about foie gras before buying it and how can we know which foie to select? We are more than happy to explain to you how to confidently choose the buy goose and duck liver! 

What is foie gras and how is it made?

Literally, foie gras means fatty liver. Someone once discovered, quite by chance, that just before geese migrate to warmer climes, they gorge themselves which results in their developing a "fatty" liver. Their bodies naturally stored some of the energy from gorging in their liver, resulting in a larger liver. Foie gras comes in two types: goose and duck liver. 

Whole or block foie gras: what is the difference? 

In addition to selecting duck or goose, you can also choose between whole or block foie gras. Whole goose or duck foie gras is made from a single liver. 

Block, on the other hand, is made from several small pieces from different livers. A block of foie gras is perfect on toast as an appetizer while a slice of whole foie gras can be served on a plate with a salad or a some fruit as a starter.

Is foie gras the same as pâté?

Foie gras is a gourmet product made from the fattened liver of a duck or goose. This liver undergoes a special feeding process. On the other hand, pâté is a smooth paste that is generally prepared by cooking and blending meat, poultry, fish, or vegetables with spices, herbs, and often some type of fat such as butter. While liver can be one of the ingredients in pâté, it is not necessarily the fattened liver of a duck or goose like foie gras. Pâté can be more accessible and versatile than foie gras, as it can be made with a variety of ingredients and is commonly served as an appetizer or as part of a meal.

So, while pâté may contain foie gras as one of its ingredients, it is not considered foie gras.

Where do I find quality foie gras? 

The quality of a goose liver or duck liver is linked to the production method used, the origin of the product, and its geographic location. The place where the goose or duck is raised undoubtedly affects the quality and taste of the final product. 

Foie gras is an authentic product that thrives on animal welfare care and tradition. Goose foie gras has a slightly pink color and a very subtle taste. A little salt and pepper is sufficient to enhance this product. Duck foie gras has a slightly darker color and a more robust flavor yet remains very mild and elegant. 

 Where does the best foie gras come from? 

Southwestern France is the region of France that undoubtedly produces the best goose and duck livers. So, when looking for a good foie gras, it is advisable to buy one produced in this region. 

Duck and goose foie gras from the Landes.

Foiesgrasgourmet.com has developed a special selection of foie gras with care, passion, and love for classic French tradition. Our products come from the Landes, one of the departments in the South-West. In our range, you will find a whole goose foie gras in block but two duck liver variants are also available. 

We pride ourselves, too, on offering innovative new products! We have recently developed two special variants: a block of duck foie gras with Speculoos and a block of duck foie gras with figs. These two flavors go perfectly with duck liver and are now available in jars. 

If you are looking for a high-quality and tasty duck or goose foie gras made in a traditional way, then you need to look no further than Foie Gras Gourmet for the best choice.