Why a Christmas cockerel is worth crowing about
FARMERS OFFER TASTY BIRD FROM PAST AS A CHEAPER ALTERNATIVE TO TURKEY
CHRISTMAS is a time for the whole family to get together around the dinner table and tuck into some fabulous festive grub. However, the traditional turkey is not for everyone – and can be pricey.
Now a free-range farm near Burton is bringing back something from Christmas past and says it is proving increasingly sought after. The Christmas cockerel was a popular choice for a Christmas Day dinner until the 16th century before the turkey was first introduced.
Barton-based Packington Free Range, run by fourth generation farmers the Mercers, has found that the cockerel is making a comeback as people look to save money during the cost of living crisis as it is cheaper than turkey.
The Mercer family have won numerous industry awards and are recognised by celebrity chefs The Hairy Bikers,
who described Packington Free Range chickens “as some of the happiest in Britain!”. Ex-river Cottage chef Steve Lamb has also created unique cockerel recipes for Packington. A spokesman for the venue said: “Almost everyone who tastes a Packington cockerel comments on the depth of flavour from the meat. We’ve been rearing poultry for years and can tell you this beautiful, delicious depth comes from taking our time. “We rear our birds slower and for longer, to develop the exquisite flavour that only comes from a Packington cockerel. We understand that Christmas dinner is the most important meal of your year.
“That’s why we take extra care in every step, from rearing our Christmas cockerels from one-day-old chicks, to hand picking and packing every bird we send out. That’s what makes a Packington Christmas Cockerel so special.”