Venison: a deliciously sustainable superfood

We are delighted to be making incredible wild venison from the Miserden Estate near Stroud available on the WeFarmShop app, so we thought we’d take this opportunity to look at the many and varied reasons why venison is such a brilliant product.  

In this blog we’ll discuss its health benefits, why managing the venison population is important to countryside management, how it tastes, and we’ll also include some wonderful recipes that will really whet your appetite.  

When it comes to lean, flavoursome, and sustainable protein sources, venison is an underrated gem. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie, a health-conscious eater, or someone looking to make more eco-friendly choices, venison deserves a place on your plate. 

The health benefits of venison 

Venison, or deer meat, is one of the healthiest red meats available. It’s incredibly lean -containing significantly less fat than beef or pork - making it an excellent choice for anyone watching their saturated fat intake. It's also high in protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B, which supports energy production, muscle maintenance, and a healthy immune system. 

Another perk? It’s free from the hormones and antibiotics commonly found in intensively farmed meats and it’s a clean, nutrient-dense meat that aligns with paleo, keto, and low-carb lifestyles. 

Why managing the deer population is good for the countryside 

Venison is not just good for your body - it’s good for the planet too. Venison, when managed correctly, has a much lower environmental footprint compared to traditional livestock. Deer are efficient grazers and require less feed, water, and space than cattle and their managed presence on land supports biodiversity, prevent overgrazing in wild areas, and offer an efficient, low-impact way to meet rising meat demands. 

In regions where deer populations have exploded due to lack of natural predators, regulated hunting can also prevent ecological damage. When done ethically, venison culling offers a harmonious balance between land stewardship and food production. 

What does venison taste like? 

Venison has a rich, earthy flavour that reflects the animal’s natural diet of grasses, herbs, and berries. It’s more robust than lamb and when cooked properly, it’s tender, juicy, and absolutely mouthwatering. It's especially versatile - working well with sweet, spicy, and savoury profiles. 

Must-try venison recipes 

Ready to bring venison to your kitchen? Here are a few irresistible recipes to get started: 

Venison Wellington 

This recipe for Venison Wellington is a show stopper which uses a beautiful fillet of venison, wrapped in rich puff pastry, and served with caramelised onions and port jus. This is a decadent dish and one fit for any formal dinner party or special occasion. 

Venison chilli with chocolate 

We’ve enjoyed using this recipe which really lifts your standard chilli to a whole other level. Packed full of beans, spices and with the brilliant addition of dark chocolate – this provides a great use for minced venison and makes a lovely meal for a group of friends to enjoy together. 

Grilled venison burgers 

Another great use for minced venison is to make delicious venison burgers – the gamey flavours really hold their own, meaning you can be adventurous with your toppings and be bold with your choice of cheese! 

Slow-cooked venison stew 

You can make this easy, one-pot venison stew using diced venison, and simply serve it with some lovely homemade bread. It’s low in fat, high in protein, and it’s just a delicious and easy way to feed the family.   Whether you're seeking nutrition, sustainability, or just a new culinary adventure, venison delivers on all fronts. It’s time to discover (or rediscover) this naturally delicious meat and enjoy it in both traditional and modern recipes that bring out its best.  If you would like to get your hands on some of the small batch, wild venison from the Miserden Estate you should head straight over to the WeFarmShop app, as stocks are very limited and it’s sure to sell out fast…