Valentine’s Day might come late for goose this year

An increasing number of goose eggs will go on sale this spring as producers seek to cater for growing interest from consumers, retailers and restaurants.

Like the goose, the eggs are a seasonal product only available from mid February to July when days start to shorten and the geese go off lay.

The country’s largest gosling hatchery, Norfolk Geese, reports that more of its customers are keeping back birds reared last autumn for egg production this spring.

"We’ve seen a gradual increase in farmers producing goose eggs, but I’ve never known interest like this year," says Eddie Hegarty, partner of Norfolk Geese and vice chairman of British Goose Producers, part of the British Poultry Council.

"From Cornwall to Essex, there are producers looking to increase availability of goose eggs. We normally expect the first egg on Valentine’s Day. Last spring was early and so were the first goose eggs, but with the wintry weather they could well be a little later this year."

Chefs like to use goose eggs for baking, consumers often puzzle over how long to boil a goose egg — but for Eddie the perfect way to eat them is in an omelette.

"They make a fantastic omelette with a rich colour and gorgeous taste, cooked with a little cream, a few onions and a bit of cheese," adds Mr Hegarty. "Quite a treat for a family of four."

For more information visit www.goose.cc

For further information contact

Eddie Hegarty

Norfolk Geese

01379 676391

Jeremy Blackburn

British Poultry Council

020 7202 4760

Roger Ranson

BHR Communications

0845 402 6527

Issued by BHR Communications, The White Cottage, The Street, Long Stratton, Norwich NR15 2XJ, e-mail: bhr@bhrcommunications.co.uk