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Ostrich a la King

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jehan in South Africa,, Community & Culture,, Family Holidays,, Food & Wine,, News & Current Affairs,,
October 12th, 2011 at 3:28pm
Tags: africa,, Garden Route,, Health,, Ostriches,, Oudtshoorn,, south africa,

On our recent Garden Route Educational we spent a night in Oudtshoorn  - It is nestled between the Outeniqua  and Swartberg Mountains and is  fast becoming a popular tourist destination.  It is home to the Cango Caves, meerkats and  the Swartberg Mountains world Heritage site.

Oudtshoorn  is also known as the Ostrich Capital of the world.     

More than 65% of the world's ostriches are found in South Africa and the country also accounts for 80% of ostrich products in the world. South Africa started ostrich farming in 1864 and as such, has a major historic advantage, not to mention the  natural conditions ideal for ostrich production.

At present export income amounts to R1,2 billion annually with 90% of both leather and meat products being exported.  Ostrich meat currently contributes about 62% of income for the ostrich industry. A recent avian flu virus seriously affected the industry, which meant a ban on exports of all meat production. The ban has only recently been lifted and only in some parts of Western Cape. Its is estimated that South Africa lost approximately R100 million per month in direct income due to the ban.

Ostrich Meat

Ostrich meat is fast becoming the first choice amongst red meat lovers, particularly for its phenomenal health benefits and delicious yet subtle taste. It has 1/3 the calories of beef and is virtually cholesterol free. It is  easy to prepare and you can easily find  hundreds of mouth watering recipes on the internet.

                           

Ostrich  steak with honey mustard sauce  - picture taken from www.ideasmag.co.za

Ostrich Leather

This beautiful leather is distinctive  for its  pattern of bumps where the feathers were removed - it is exotic, supple and durable. Leather products can be found almost everywhere but the majority are in Europe, the USA, Japan.

Leather products  - Picture courtesy of www.brandymineleathers.com

Ostrich Feathers

Ostrich feathers are sought after throughout the world  for their decorative purpose, be it on the runways of Milan or used as nifty and colourful dusters. The plumes are almost perfectly symmetrical and known as the jewels of the Ostrich feathers.

 Ostrich feather purse - picture courtesy of www.bagwhiz.com

 Ostrich feathers used as party decorations - picture courtesy of www.partyspace.com

Ostrich Arts and Crafts

The ostrich egg can be used to make beautiful ornaments for your home and are perfect as gifts. The eggs can transformed through decoupage  or carving the strong shell to make items such as beautiful lamps.

 Decorative decoupage egg - picture courtesy of www.rebirth.co.za

 

source:

www. eyewitnessnews.co.za

www.ostrichsa.co.za

www.kleinkaroo.co.za 

 

 

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Recent Comment

  • 1: 

    Lovely article… smile Ostrich riding is a must if you haven’t done so yet .. haha

    Professional Expert
    ashley
    October 14th, 2011 at 1:04pm

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