To have a healthy diet, you should consider what type of nutrition your body needs based on your lifestyle. For more personal and advanced analysis of what your specific body needs based on your lifestyle, consult a nutritionist. For the purposes of this blog, the nutrition facts will be based on the average sedentary person.

Here’s What Your Body Needs

The information in this section is all based on the daily requirements for a healthy body of an average sedentary person.

Male

Calories: 2000 – 2400 (depending on age)

Protein: 56 grams

Female

Calories: 1600 – 2000 (depending on age)

Protein: 46 grams

Everyone should try to consume 100% of their Daily Value (%DV on nutrition labels) of dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, calcium, potassium, and iron. Vitamin B12 is also important, especially for people over the age of 50. For people with dark skin, and people insufficiently exposed to sunlight tend to need more vitamin D to help maintain bone health.

Here’s What Chicken Gizzards Have To Offer

Chicken gizzards offer many health benefits, and are packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals that will fit into a healthy diet.

Here’s what you can expect from a 1-cup serving of chicken gizzards:

Chicken Gizzard

212 calories

44g protein

4g fat

-1g saturated fat

Chicken gizzards are also a very good source of Vitamin B12, Iron, Phosphorus, Zinc, and Selenium, while staying low on saturated fat and salt.

Methods Of Cooking

The way you prepare chicken gizzards, and the sides you pair them with, can really complete your nutritional checklist. Some methods of preparation are healthier than others, but all things are good in moderation, and sometimes you need to treat yourself.

Here are some of the most common ways to prepare chicken gizzards:

Fried

The most common way you will see chicken gizzards prepared are fried. Like most fried foods, they are delicious. Unfortunately frying foods in oil or butter, with a breading can make them less healthy for you than you might want. If you want a delicious treat, fry your gizzards, but if you’re looking for something more healthy, there are healthier ways to prepare gizzards.

Sauteed and Braised

Season your gizzards and throw them in deep pot with some oil. By sauteing and browning the gizzards with herbs and spices you load them with flavor. This flavor is soaked up in the braising fluid, or broth, and makes for a healthy delicious meal.

Slow Cooked

Using a slow cooker is one of the easiest ways to cook a meal, but also one of the most time consuming. Simply add all of your ingredients into the slow cooker and put it on low for 6 to eight hours. This slow cooking process will tenderize the chicken gizzards so they will nearly melt in your mouth. Add veggies to your slow cooker for an easy nutritious meal.

Baked

Baking gizzards might sound unusual, but the texture will blow your mind. To prepare them, cut the gizzards in half, and season them with your desired herbs and spices. Bake them in the oven until the gizzards are browned. Serve these moist and juicy chicken gizzards with your sides of choice, and consider adding a sauce to the gizzards to really liven them up.

Grilled

Never thought you could grill chicken gizzards, did you? Well give it a shot! Properly prepare the chicken gizzards, and then let them boil in water for 15 minutes. Soak wooden skewers in water for 15 minutes while the gizzards are boiling. Skewer your chicken gizzards and place them over hot charcoal for about 15 minutes, turning them as needed to cook them through.

These are just a few of the ways you can make chicken gizzards the star of your next dinner party, or family meal. At Delong’s, we understand the poultry industry, and want everyone to enjoy poultry as much as we do. We hope that our passion for poultry encourages and inspires meals starring poultry consumption for generations to come.

With decades of experience, we are the leading experts on the gizzard production process.   For more information about how DeLong’s Gizzard Equipment can help you, request a free consultation today or call us at (800) 422-9134.  

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To enlighten you on the mysterious topic of gizzards, we have put together a list of 10 things you didn’t know about gizzards that is bound to have you serving gizzards at your next family dinner, or at least impressing your friends with trivia.

1) The Gizzard Is The Part Of The Chicken That Helps Them Break Down Food. 

Since chickens do not have teeth, they use abrasive materials like pebbles, grit, and sand, along with enzymes in the gizzard to break down large chunks of food.

2) They Are A Healthy Option.

Gizzards are packed full of protein. They also provide very important vitamins and minerals. In one ounce of chicken gizzards you will find 3% Riboflavin, 4% Niacin, 5% Vitamin B12, 1% Vitamin B6, 5% Phosphorus, 8% Zinc, and 16% Selenium.

3) They Are Relatively Inexpensive.

When it comes to saving money, chicken gizzards are the way to go. Often people forget about or discard the giblets of a chicken. That is wasting valuable nutrients that your body needs. You can purchase a pound of chicken gizzards for about $1.50.

4) Other Animals Have Gizzards. 

It might not surprise you but other poultry have gizzards too, like turkeys, ducks, fowl, emus, doves, and pigeons. A little more surprising might be that crocodiles, alligators, earthworms, some fish and crustaceans, and even dinosaurs have gizzards.

5) Gizzards Are Eaten Around The World, And Are Even Considered A Delicacy In Some Countries. 

Gizzards are a popular poultry dish worldwide. Gizzards are consumed in different inspiring and delicious ways on every habitable continent in the world. In some cultures, gizzards are even considered a delicacy, or are celebrated as part of a tradition. In Uganda, Cameroon, and Nigeria, the gizzard is traditionally set aside for the oldest and most respected male at the table.

6) There Are Many Ways To Prepare Chicken Gizzards.

There are endless ways to prepare chicken gizzards. Just to name a few; grilled, fried, boiled, broiled, pickled, curried, stewed, slow cooked, barbecued, or even as part of a soup.  

7) The Word Itself Comes From The Latin Word For Giblets.

The word “gizzard” has joined the English language after evolving over the years from Middle English “giser” which evolved from the Latin word “gigeria”, meaning giblets. In modern day English giblets include other parts of the chicken such as the heart, liver and kidneys, as well as the gizzard.

8) Gizzards Must Be Cleaned Out Before They Are Eaten. 

Since the gizzard’s primary function is in the digestive tract of animals involves it collecting and using sand, grit, and pebbles, it requires cleaning before eating. If not cleaned well, you may find some of the original debris used in the poultry’s digestion. If you buy prepackaged gizzards you likely will not have to clean them, but buying fresh gizzards from a butcher might be a different story.

You’re a gizzard expert now! Put your expertise to good use and make a delicious gizzard dish for dinner tonight.

With decades of experience, we are the leading experts on the gizzard production process. We hope that our expertise and insight in the industry continues the advancement and celebration of poultry consumption in today’s society. For more information about chicken gizzards, or to find out how DeLong’s Gizzard Equipment can help you, request a free consultation today or call us at (800) 422-9134.  

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Perhaps a higher production rate and less manual preparation would lead to increased consumer interest and consumption.

By using the right equipment for production and preparation you eliminate the majority of manual effort and increase the speed of production.

Quality Poultry Processing Equipment

Automatic Turkey Gizzard Peelers

Automatic turkey gizzard peelers save a lot of time and effort in the gizzard preparation process. It peels upwards of 90% of gizzards without damaging them. This model peels over 60 gizzards per minute.

The Automatic Gizzard Peeler is easy to use, and requires minimal manual intervention. It lets the gizzards to tumble back and forth which allows the gizzard lining ample opportunity to get caught in the rotating rollers. The sloped blades naturally encourage the gizzards to make their way to the Unloader Assembly, which takes the freshly peeled gizzards out of the machine.  

Chicken Gizzard Re-Peelers

The chicken gizzard re-peelers are equipped with specially designed rollers coupled with perfect speed and water flow to achieve 85-90% undamaged and peeled chicken gizzards. This model peels over 140 gizzards per minute.

These peeling machines are portable and can be placed anywhere in the Gizzard Production Department. Gizzards can enter the machine by either being pumped through a dewatterer, or fed into the chute from a conveyor or manually. The machine will do the rest of the work with the help of gravity to send your freshly peeled gizzards off to quality inspection.

The size, ease of maintenance, efficiency and price make these automatic peelers a must have in the poultry processing industry.

Poultry Defatters

Poultry defatters allow for easier acquisition of leaner poultry product in a timely and efficient manner.

Available for chicken, or turkey, these defatters are designed to remove fat from the gizzard prior to lining removal to produce a higher quality finished piece of meat. These products deliver consistent performance at a low cost.

Poultry Re-Peel Tables

These poultry re=peel tables are used to wash and aid in the peeling process for gizzards. The washing areas are supplied with water savers, and the tables are designed to have “good” product and “waste” product chutes.

These stainless steel tables utilize high washing pressure, and have sizes customizable to your needs.

Poultry Neck Skinners

These products are designed to remove skin from the top area of the chicken.

Whether part of an assembly line, or not, there are neck skinners available for you. They are easy to install in any scenario, and will handle normal line speeds of 140 birds per minute with virtually no damage to the meat.

Multipurpose Poultry Skinners

This machine was designed to work with turkeys or chickens to effortlessly remove skin and fat from breasts, thighs, drumsticks, and more. It is the most efficient and cost effective machine in the poultry processing industry today. This one machine does the job of many machines, so you will free up space in your plant. It is extremely versatile, easy to use, and requires minimal maintenance.

Increase your plant’s productivity and efficiency, while keeping your yields consistent with these quality machines. You will find yourself saving time, money, and energy by using these pieces of equipment, and wonder why you ever tried to accomplish these tasks any other way.

With decades of experience, DeLong’s is the leading experts on the gizzard production process. We hope that our expertise and insight in the industry provides our clients with useful information and equipment to maximize profitability and increase product yield. For more information about how DeLong’s Gizzard Equipment can help you, request a free consultation today or give us a call at (800) 422-9134.  

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Among other things, here are the top 5 reasons you should use gizzards in your next meal.

1) Protein

Gizzards are a great source of protein, and everyone needs their daily protein.

According to daily dietary intake values:

• The average sedentary man should consume 56 grams of protein
• The average sedentary woman should consume 46 grams of protein

A single one cup serving of chicken gizzards contains around 44 grams of protein.

Protein is essential in every person. They are responsible for creating your body’s muscles, tendons, organs, skin, enzymes, hormones, and more.

Eating protein has also been proven to help you lose weight by boosting the rate of your metabolism, and decreasing your appetite. By eating protein you will feel full for a longer period of time than eating food without protein, which will reduce your daily calorie intake. Reduced calorie intake is the easiest way to lose weight.

Protein is also crucial in the development and strengthening of muscles. Simply put, to gain muscle your body must synthesize more protein than it breaks down. So next time you lift weights or exercise, make sure you’re eating protein to support muscle growth.

2) Nutrients

On top of being high in protein, gizzards offer many other health benefits through the nutrients they offer. 

Based on getting 100% of your daily value of vitamins and minerals, in 1 cup of chicken gizzards you can find many important vitamins and minerals such as:

• 1% Vitamin E
• 3% Thiamin
• 18% Riboflavin
• 23% Niacin
• 5% Vitamin B6
• 2% Folate
• 25% Vitamin B12
• 7% Pantothenic Acid
• 2% Calcium
• 26% Iron
• 1% Magnesium
• 27% Phosphorus
• 7% Potassium
• 3% Sodium
• 43% Zinc
• 12% Copper
• 5% Manganese
• 85% Selenium

3) Price

One of the biggest factors on most people’s minds when they decide on what to eat for the day is price. Money can be tough, but your nutrition shouldn’t have to suffer because of it.

Luckily, chicken gizzards are very inexpensive. A pound of chicken gizzards can generally be purchased at around $1.50. When it comes to saving money, chicken gizzards are a great healthy choice that won’t break the bank, and will give you the most bang for your buck.

4) Taste

There are rumors that gizzards shouldn’t be eaten, taste gross, or are bad for you. These are all blatantly false and are often based in ignorance. The majority of these negative opinions about gizzards come from people who have never even tasted them before.

We encourage you to try them for yourself, and establish your own opinion. We think you will love them.

5) Versatility

One of the greatest things about gizzards is the versatility of the product. There are so many different ways you can cook them.

If you are looking for healthier options you can grill, bake, or slow-cook them. If you are looking for a more traditional and crispy option, you can bread and deep fry them. This is likely how you will find gizzards prepared in restaurants. Pair them with your sides of choice, from vegetables to other fried goods, and you’ve got yourself a delicious meal.

With decades of experience, DeLong’s is the leading experts on the gizzard production process. We hope that our expertise and insight in the industry continues the advancement and celebration of poultry consumption in today’s society. For more information about chicken gizzards, or to find out how DeLong’s Gizzard Equipment can help you, request a free consultation today or give us a call call at (800) 422-9134.  

The post Marketing Share: 5 Reasons You Should Use Gizzards In Your Next Meal appeared first on DeLong’s Gizzards & Poultry Processing Equipment.

There are lots of mixed opinions on gizzards. Unfortunately, most of the negative opinions about gizzards are held by people who have never eaten them, and don’t even know what they are. We’re here to bring awareness to all of the great things that gizzards have to offer, and to make them more of a staple protein pick.

Why Gizzards Seem So Outlandish

Think back to when you were young. You probably ate the same thing that most young people eat, chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, ice cream, etc. If someone had offered you chicken gizzards you probably would have been grossed out by the proposal. The reasoning behind that feeling? Ignorance. You merely just didn’t know what they were or how they would taste.

So What Are Gizzards? 
The gizzard is an organ found in the digestive tract of some animals like certain types of  poultry, fish, crustaceans, and worms.

What Do Gizzards Do?

The gizzard is used in the process of digestion to help break down food in animals that do not have teeth, or other ways of manually breaking down their own food. It actually collects pebbles, grit, and sand that the chicken has consumed and uses them in conjunction with digestive enzymes to break down food.

Why Haven’t You Heard of Them?

When’s the last time you saw a tv advertisement for gizzards of any kind? I don’t think I’ve ever seen one. When’s the last time you saw a depiction of a family, or anyone for that matter, eating gizzards on any entertainment platform. Probably never.

There is an extreme omission and complete disregard of gizzards in the media because of the negative stigma that surrounds the product. The first step to helping more people enjoy the delicious taste, and health benefits of gizzards is to normalize the product and clear up these misconceptions.

Here are some of the most common misconceptions about chicken gizzards, and the truth behind them.

1) They’re gross!

You should never judge a book by its cover. Most things you put in your body have looked unappetizing at some point. The next time somebody tells you that chicken gizzards are gross, you should ask them, “Have you ever tried them?”

This is the biggest problem surrounding chicken gizzards; the rumor that they’re gross, or taste bad. However, the majority of the people who say that have never tasted them, and are afraid to. Don’t let fear keep you from trying new things, because like chicken gizzards, they might be great!

2) They’re not meant to be eaten!

This is just outright false! As a matter of fact, in some cultures they are a delicacy. Any muscle of a chicken is edible. This includes the heart, the liver, and the gizzard. Gizzards can be cooked in a variety of healthy and tasty ways. Give it a shot and try it for yourself, we’re sure you’ll like them!

3) They’re not good for you!

Chicken gizzards actually have many health benefits. They are packed with protein, and important vitamins and minerals. In just a single cup serving of chicken gizzards you can find 44g of protein, 25% of your daily value of vitamin B12, 23% of your daily value of niacin, 18% of your daily value of riboflavin, 43% of your daily value of zinc, and 27% of your daily value of iron and phosphorus.

These components help your body form red blood cells, produce energy, keep your skin and hair healthy, and help encourage the proper functioning of your nervous system and your heart.

If you’re interested in learning more about chicken gizzards and how to market them to new and existing consumers in a positive light, check out our latest free guide, Marketing Your Chicken Gizzards.

At Delong’s we understand the in’s-and-out’s of the poultry industry, especially gizzards. We hope that our knowledge, passion, and dedication to our work in the poultry field will help continue the advancement of poultry consumption in today’s society.

With decades of experience, we are the leading experts on the gizzard production process. We hope that our expertise and insight in the industry provides our clients with useful information and equipment to maximize profitability and increase product yield. For more information about how DeLong’s Gizzard Equipment can help you, request a free consultation today or give us a call at (800) 422-9134.  

The post Marketing Share: Debunking Common Gizzard Misconceptions appeared first on DeLong’s Gizzards & Poultry Processing Equipment.

The Gizzard

Gizzards are not as scary or gross as people think. They are actually a key part to a chicken’s digestive system. After food moves through the esophagus, and into the crop, it will work its way into the gizzard. Since chickens don’t have teeth, the gizzard breaks down the large pieces of food that the chickens consume.

The gizzard works in a fascinating way. It actually collects pebbles, grit, and sand that the chicken has consumed and uses them in conjunction with digestive enzymes to break down food.

The Wonders

Besides their unique digestive function in poultry, what makes the gizzard such a wonder?

They don’t provide courage, brains, or a heart, but they do provide nutrients and many health benefits!

Macronutrients, and vitamins, and minerals! Oh, my! 

What makes gizzards so wonderful? Let’s look at the nutrition facts:

Macronutrients are necessary and required in large amounts because they provide the human body with energy throughout the day. Gizzards provide plenty of macronutrients! Here’s a comparison of 1 cup of chicken gizzards and 1 cup of chicken breast:

Chicken Gizzards

212 calories

44g protein

4g fat

-1g saturated fat

Chicken Breast

272 calories

50g protein

5g fat

-5g saturated fat

As you can see, chicken breasts and chicken gizzards provide very similar nutrition. If you’re looking for a healthier option, chicken gizzards might be for you. Gizzards are 60 calories less, and contain less fat less than a 1-cup serving of chicken breast, while still providing a similarly high amount of protein.

Vitamins are essential nutrients needed for normal growth. They are needed in smaller quantities than macronutrients because they cannot be synthesized by the body.

Chicken gizzards are a great source of Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is key to good health, it helps make your DNA and your red blood cells, as well as encourages proper functioning of your nervous system.

Minerals are necessary to keep your body working properly. They are used to build strong bones and teeth, and help to turn your food into energy.

Chicken gizzards are high in some essential minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium. Zinc helps form DNA and proteins and is involved with wound healing and immune function. Iron is necessary for producing red blood cells and producing energy for the body. Phosphorus is essential for proper muscle, nerve, and heart function.

With all the benefits that chicken gizzards offer, it is almost confusing why people don’t choose them over chicken breasts. We get it, there’s no place like home. But, chicken gizzards can be a very easy dish to prepare at home, and might even provide more health benefits than the usual chicken breast meals.

If you’re interested in learning more about chicken gizzards and how to market them to new and existing consumers in a positive light, check out our latest free guide, Marketing Your Chicken Gizzards.

At Delong’s we understand the in’s-and-out’s of the poultry industry, especially gizzards. We hope that our knowledge, passion, and dedication to our work in the poultry field will help continue the advancement of poultry consumption in today’s society.

With decades of experience, we are the leading experts on the gizzard production process. We hope that our expertise and insight in the industry provides our clients with useful information and equipment to maximize profitability and increase product yield. For more information about how DeLong’s Gizzard Equipment can help you, request a free consultation or give us a call at (800) 422-9134.  

The post Marketing Share: The Gizzard of Awes appeared first on DeLong’s Gizzards & Poultry Processing Equipment.

Gizzards don’t only serve as a party talking piece, they are very nutritious! The gizzard is actually one of the most nutritious parts of chicken; they are high in protein, low in fat, and contain many vitamins.

Below are some traditional southern gizzard recipes we think would be good to try! Or if you’re looking for an international taste, we’re talking about that next!

1. Fried Gizzards
   • Skip past the chicken legs, go straight for the gizzard. Trust us, southern fried gizzards are a must-have at any large gathering. Pair them with some celery and ranch and be ready to indulge. View full recipe.
2. Southern Dirty Rice
   • A popular dish down South and very filling. Try it out instead of fried rice!
     View Full Recipe
3. Gizzards-N-Grazy
   • A traditional southern rice and gravy dish, just add gizzards!
     View Full Recipe.

You may have thought that eating gizzards was a southern delicacy, but gizzards are enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. From street food in Haiti to fried gizzards at your local KFC, they are served in places you would never expect. In Indonesia, a fried chicken meal isn’t complete unless the gizzard is served alongside it. In Mexico, you can find gizzards in a breakfast burrito or served in a warm cup of soup. In Portugal, gizzards are served as a casual afternoon snack to hold you over for dinner. In Ghana, you will find gizzards served on your kebab with some of your favorite veggies around it. In Nigeria, peppered gizzards are one of their famous recipes. In Japan, they barbecue their gizzards and cook it in yakitori. In the United States, you can find gizzards served in the famous gumbo on the streets of New Orleans.

Do any of these peak your interest? They definitely peaked ours! Here are some recipes on our must try list.

• Gizzard Gumbo
• Nigerian Peppered Gizzards
• Chicken Gizzard Taco Filling
• Yakitori

Like what you ate? Take a picture and share the recipe of your next gizzard meal to get featured on our blog!

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Gizzards are not only important for birds, but can also play an important role in a healthy human diet. Gizzards are known for their nutritional value with high levels of potassium and iron, while being low in fat and a cheap source of protein. In addition to containing essential nutrients, they are a good source of vitamins like B12 and niacin. Many chefs consider gizzards a delicacy and commonly use them in soups and gumbos, so it shouldn’t be difficult to incorporate them into anyone’s diet.

Many people are not aware that gizzards and other giblets have their own harvesting process. In order to remove a gizzard from a bird and prepare it for consumption, birds must go through a giblet harvesting process. The first step in removing the giblets is to cut the gizzard open and remove the content within the gizzard. Then the fat is peeled from the gizzard with a tool called the defatter. This tool is important because it allows for a higher quality and more lean final product. Next, the yellow lining of the gizzard must be removed. For this step, users can either remove the lining manually with gizzard peeling rollers or remove the lining with an automatic gizzard peeler. The manual method requires users to hold and press the yellow lining of the gizzard onto the rollers. With the automatic gizzard peeler, the gizzards can be pumped in, fed into the chute from a conveyor, or fed into the entrance manually. Two rotating teeth rollers are driven by a motor to remove the inside yellow layer from the gizzards. Variable diameter peeling rollers cause the gizzard to tumble back and forth, allowing the gizzard lining several chances to be picked up by the peeling rollers. Once the yellow lining is removed from the gizzard, all of the giblets are collected and washed on a poultry repeel table. The sanitized giblets are chilled before being packed into a paper bag and inserted back into the eviscerated whole bird to be sold or for further processing.

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The gizzard is actually one of the most nutritious parts of chicken, despite the prominence of other poultry meat selections. It is high in protein. So high, in fact, that one cup of gizzard meat can satisfy up to 88% of your daily recommended value of protein. When your body breaks down proteins, they become amino acids which are important for muscle and tissue development in your body.

Gizzard meat is also low in fat, and high in vitamins. Gizzard contains several vitamins including Vitamin B12, which is essential for brain function and forming white blood cells, niacin, which is good for circulation and producing hormones, and riboflavin, which keeps your skin and hair healthy. Consuming gizzards will lead to increased levels of iron, phosphorus, and zinc consumption. Iron helps your body form red blood cells, phosphorus, which benefits heart and muscle function, and zinc, which, improves immune system functions.
Now that you know the health benefits that gizzards provide, would you consider trying gizzards? A pack of gizzards can be purchased at more grocery stores. However, if you aren’t ready to commit to gizzards as the main dish just yet, the gizzard is often packed within a turkey or chicken when you buy it from the grocery store. Gizzards are regarded as being very tasty and can be used in soups, gumbos, or fried to perfection. Check out this recipe to learn how to prepare gizzard as an appetizer for your next party!

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