Capons?

[wambly]

They are castrated roosters ...
slaughtered at 8 months or less.
5 to 8 lbs..
usualy very tender.
roast or butter roast

 

[cape chef]

wambly is right on the money.
They are also fattened to increase flavor.
Prepare as you would chicken

 

[mudbug]

How does emasculation affect flavor?

 

[mezzaluna]

I think making them fatter makes them more flavorful. I favor a slow roast for capons.

 

[mudbug]

I saw these at the store the other day. I looked it up and understand that they are an emasculated rooster. Are they of a certain age? How do they differ from other poultry? What is the best way to prepare them?

TIA

 

[cape chef]

I am not sure how castration improves the flavor of the capon,

 

[pete]

Castration does not directly make them tastier. After they are castrated they grow larger and fatter. Its this fattening that makes them so much tastier.

 

[cape chef]

Good Q MaryeO. I know that capons are male and castrated , But I do not think the same proccess
goe's into those dreaded Pur^*e oven stuffers

 

[cape chef]

Thats funny. At work once a month we do a renissance dinner. A acting company comes in.KIng Arther, Lancealot and Quienaver (sp) and of course merlin. I would do midevil fare and even have a small role. When Arther was about to behead a guest I would come in with my steel and cleaver and invite everyone to dinner. Arther would throw his sword at my feet and bow!! I wish I got royalties

 

[cape chef]

Here Here to hypocras

 

[pete]

Another great book about 13th century cooking and eating habits is "Fabulous Feasts". It is mostly a reference book, but has a number of recipes towards the end of the book. My favorite chapter though is the chapter that details food laws that governed the markets in 13th century London.