BEAVER NOT BEEF

On discovering that the Cornwall Beaver Project had beaver in an enclosure prior to being released into the upper reaches of the River Fal, I was reminded of an occasion a few years ago when teaching at the Canadian Army Staff College in Kingston, Ontario. Whilst hunting duck in the ‘un-posted’ grounds of the State Penitentiary, I noticed a beaver lying motionless in shallow water about 2ft out from the bank. With a dinnerparty planned for my students and having no luck with the duck, I recalled hearing from an old trapper that beaver were considered to be tasty.

The animal was cleanly despatched and carried back to the car. After skinning, cleaning and jointing, the meat was marinated for a week in red wine prior to it being served up in a casserole. On the plate it resembled wide-grained but rather flaccid beef.

Almost everyone asked for second helpings though I have to record that when informed them that the dish they so enjoyed was their national animal there was the suspicion of humour failure. Mike Anderson Bathpool, Cornwall