Marketing Share: The Gizzard of Awes

Marketing Share: The Gizzard of Awes

We’re off to see the gizzard, the wonderful gizzard of awes; and there sure is a lot to be in awe of. Some people are fearful of gizzards, but that just comes from ignorance. There are so many wonderful things about gizzards, from their versatility and health benefits, to just being down right delicious. Let’s take a peek behind the curtain so we can understand gizzards more.

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.  

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