Does black chicken meat exist?

In this short article, we will answer the question “Does black chicken meat exist?” and will discuss the difference between this type of meat and show you how it is consumed.

Does black chicken meat exist?

Yes. It is also regarded as a superfood. Ayam Cemani, a native of Indonesia, has distinguished itself in the global arena even though there are now several varieties of black chickens, particularly in Asia. 

The species is worth a lot of money. Studies conducted by scientists on the island of Java suggest that the peculiarity may have developed as a result of crossings in the island’s creations. 

Additionally, this type of chicken’s internal organs, bones, and meat are all black, not just the outside. Only the transparent, cream-coloured eggs, which are the dominating colour, manage to conceal it. The breed is known as Ayam Cemani. 

A female Ayam Cemani cannot weigh more than 1.5 kilos, while a male can weigh up to 2.5 kg. They typically lay 150 eggs per year. 

The meat of this chicken, which is offered as a delicacy in some nations, is ingested by those who desire to gain muscle strength, slow the effects of ageing, or lessen the symptoms of illnesses like diabetes.

With almost 98.5 million tonnes consumed annually, chicken meat is the most popular type of protein in the world. However, if the skin colour were black, one has to wonder if it would still be as popular. The breed is referred to as Ayam Cemani. 

The maximum weight of an Ayam Cemani rooster is 2.5 kilogrammes, whereas the maximum weight of a female is 1.5 kilos. They produce 150 eggs annually on average. 

People who desire to gain muscle strength, slow the effects of ageing, or reduce the symptoms of diseases like diabetes ingest the meat of this bird, which is sold in some countries as a delicacy.

With almost 98.5 million tonnes consumed worldwide each year, chicken meat is the most popular type of protein. But one has to wonder if it would still be as well-liked if the flesh were black.  

Compared to the highly raised chickens that the majority of us consume, both naturally raised and wild chickens tend to be darker in colour. However, that is not even the type of dark meat I’m referring to. 

Compared to regular chickens, black meat chicken is of significantly greater quality. Any health-conscious person is interested in its peculiar-looking meat since it contains much less fat and much higher-quality protein.

Ritualistic element

Collectors are drawn to the birds because of their exotic species. Due to the numerous crosses that were made during the development of Ayam Cemani on the island of Java, it is quite rare. As part of rituals, the species is also ingested in Indonesia and parts of Asia.

Greenfire Farms claims that they are well-known for having “mystical powers.” The bird is thought to serve as an “excellent bridge between the human world and the otherworldly” because of its blackness.

Illicit market

“Greenfire Farms,” a business situated in Florida, United States, is earning large profits from the sale of the bird and is regarded as one of the most trustworthy breeders.

How do you consume flesh from a black chicken?

Because they believe the chicken is “strong” and hence has more energy, Chinese ladies frequently consume this black chicken after giving birth. Black chicken is also thought to benefit Yin, blood, lungs, and the stomach. Rarely is silkie flesh cooked?

The Chinese primarily utilise it to produce an amber-coloured soup with ginseng, dried local berries, and other ingredients like beans to make the most of its medicinal benefits. 

Although silkie chickens are usually sold as ornaments in the west, they are treasured for their meaty flavour in places like China where they are regarded as superfoods. 

Since the seventh or eighth century, the silkie, also known as “wu gu Ji” or “black-boned chicken,” has been regarded for its therapeutic properties.

But why is the bird’s colour so dark?

The reason for Ayam Cemani’s dark colouring is a genetic disorder called fibromatosis, which is brought on by a mutation that alters the way pigment-producing cells function. 

A gene termed endothelial-3 was found to be the cause of the hue shift, according to Swedish geneticist Leif Andersson (EDN3). It takes involvement in the control of the pigment-producing melanocyte cells. 

They are 10 times more prevalent in Ayam Cemani birds than in other breeds. According to a 2011 scientific study, the unusual genetic mutation is described as “a rearrangement complex that leads to enhanced production of endothelin 3, a gene.

This gene is known to promote the formation of pigment cells,” is what causes the distinctive trait of silkie chickens known as fibromatosis. 

The animal’s internal organs likewise darken as a result of the tremendous increase of pigment cells, which also causes the animal’s skin and bones to turn black.

Conclusion:

In this short article, we answered the question “Does black chicken meat exist?” discussed the difference between this type of meat and show you how it is consumed.

References:

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/why-black-chickens-fibromelanosis
https://hobiternak.com/delicious-black-chicken-meat/

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