National Duckling Month celebrates the culinary versatility and health benefits of duckling meat throughout May. Discover new recipes, explore global preparations, and appreciate this lean, high-protein delicacy. Embrace the opportunity to try duckling dishes, support sustainable farming, and share your favorite culinary creations.
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History of National Duckling Month
The existence of ducks dates back a long time. Most varieties of domesticated duck are the descendants of the Mallard. Another very common domestic duck is the Muscovy duck. The Mandarin Duck and its relative, the Wood Duck, are also domesticated but far less common than Mallards or Muscovies. The Mallard duck is wild in many areas of Europe, Asia, North America, and North Africa. They are known for having a distinctive curled feather on the back of the male and were domesticated in 4000 B.C. by Egyptians, Chinese, and Europeans.
Muscovy Ducks do not make the quacking sound of the Mallard, except when chased or caught. They were domesticated in Central and South America before Christopher Columbus arrived in the Western Hemisphere in 1492. Over the years, as ducks became more popular, many countries used them as food. According to the U.S Department of Agriculture, over 30 million ducks are raised for meat in the U.S. each year. Many of these ducks are grown on small farms and in back yards, but the majority of ducks are raised on large commercial duck farms in California, Indiana, and Pennsylvania.
Sometime back, Long Island, New York, was the epicenter for commercial duck raising. In 1873, one Pekin drake and three hens of massive sizes were imported from China. As conditions were favorable for the ducking market in New York City, the industry peaked with over 16 million ducks raised on Long Island farms. The increase in the duck population led to Senator Jesse Helms introducing a bill in 1988 to make May the National Duckling Month. The first celebration of National Duckling Month was held in 1989.
National Duckling Month timeline
The Egyptians, Chinese, and Europeans domesticate Mallard Ducks.
Muscovy Ducks are domesticated in Central and South America.
One Pekin drake and three huge hens are smuggled onto Long Island, New York, causing a boom in industrial duck farming.
Senator Jesse Helms introduces a bill to celebrate National Duckling Month.
National Duckling Month is celebrated for the first time in May.
National Duckling Month FAQs
When is National Duckling Month?
In 2027, National Duckling Month will again be celebrated throughout May, from Saturday, May 1, to Monday, May 31. This annual observance encourages exploring new duckling recipes and preparations.
How popular is duck meat globally?
Globally, duck consumption is significant, especially in regions with strong culinary traditions around poultry. While not as common as chicken, its unique taste and nutritional profile make it a cherished delicacy in diverse cultures, from European confit to Asian roasted duck.
What are the health benefits of duck meat?
Often considered a delicacy, duck meat provides essential nutrients, including niacin, phosphorus, and zinc. Its high protein content supports muscle health, and its fat, though higher than chicken breast, contains beneficial monounsaturated fatty acids when consumed in moderation.
Is duckling meat different from duck meat?
While both come from ducks, duckling meat is generally sourced from younger birds, resulting in a finer texture and a less gamey taste. Mature duck meat, from older birds, often has a richer, more robust flavor and can be tougher, requiring different cooking methods.
National Duckling Month Activities
Prepare a duckling meal
Prepare a meal made from duckling meat to celebrate the day. Supporting the day this way helps boost the industry.
Take a cooking class
Learn how to make some duckling dishes. This way, you don't have to wait for ducking day to treat yourself to excellent meals.
Order a duckling dish at a restaurant
Visit a decent restaurant and order dishes made from duckling meat. Additionally, this assists in increasing duckling growers' visibility and financial gain.
5 Amazing Facts About Ducks
Ducks have accents
City ducks have different accents than country ducks and are typically louder.
Ducklings communicate before hatching
Ducklings learn to communicate with each other in the eggs and try hatching simultaneously.
Ducks have great vision
Ducks can notice more important details of objects in the distance than humans.
Ducks are clean animals
Ducks not only preen their feathers to keep them clean but also keep their nests free of debris and waste.
Ducks can sleep with one eye open
Ducks can watch out for predators by sleeping with one eye open.
Why We Love National Duckling Month
It boosts economy
Ducklings as food are given extra consideration during National Duckling Month. As more ducklings are sold during that time, this supports the economy.
It makes us healthy
Ducklings are one of the healthiest meat to consume. Not only do they have a good amount of protein, but they're also low in saturated fat.
The food is delicious
If you've ever had a meal made of duckling meat, you will know how delicious it is. If you haven't, now's the time to check what you've missed.
