Pigeon / Squab
🌿 proteinsEasy to use

Pigeon / Squab

Worldwide — pigeons were among the first birds domesticated by humans (10,000+ years ago). Squab (young pigeon under 4 weeks old) has been a luxury food since ancient Egypt and Rome.Available year-round from specialty farms and butchersRich, dark, and intensely savory with a slight iron note. More complex and gamey than chicken or duck. The breast is especially prized — best served medium-rare.

Did You Know?

Pigeon is one of the few birds where the breast meat is dark, not white — because pigeons fly long distances and have high myoglobin content in their flight muscles.

Overview

Worldwide — pigeons were among the first birds domesticated by humans (10 · Available year-round from specialty farms and butchers · proteins

Young domesticated pigeon, prized in fine dining for its rich, dark, tender meat with a flavor somewhere between duck and beef. A luxury ingredient in French, Chinese, and Moroccan cuisines.

Worldwide — pigeons were among the first birds domesticated by humans (10

Origin

Available year-round from specialty farms and butchers

Season

Easy

Difficulty

proteins

Category

Flavor Profile

Richdarkand intensely savory with a slight iron note. More complex and gamey than chicken or duck. The breast is especially prized — best served medium-rare.

Storage Tips

Refrigerate and use within 1–2 days. Freeze up to 3 months. Handle like duck — not like chicken.

Photo Gallery

How to Cook with Pigeon / Squab

Recipes, pairings, substitutes, and professional tips

Cooking Tips

Sear the breast quickly and serve medium-rare (60°C/140°F) for optimal flavor and tenderness. Braise legs separately as they need longer cooking. Classic in bastilla (Moroccan pigeon pie).

Best Pairings

cherriesred winethymemushroomsfoie graslentils

Substitutes

Duck breast (larger), quail (smaller), grouse, partridge

Nutrition & Health Benefits

The nutritional profile and health properties of Pigeon / Squab

Nutrition Highlights

fat

7.5

carbs

0

fiber

0

protein

17.5

calories

142

Quick Facts

Categoryproteins
OriginWorldwide — pigeons were among the first birds domesticated by humans (10,000+ years ago). Squab (young pigeon under 4 weeks old) has been a luxury food since ancient Egypt and Rome.
SeasonAvailable year-round from specialty farms and butchers
DifficultyEasy

Health Benefits

Excellent source of protein, iron, B vitamins, selenium, and zinc. Dark meat provides more nutrients per gram than chicken breast.

Pigeon / Squab Photos

3 photos showcasing Pigeon / Squab in its many forms

3
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Pigeon / Squab

proteins

OriginWorldwide — pigeons were among the first birds domesticated by humans (10
SeasonAvailable year-round from specialty farms and butchers
DifficultyEasy

Flavor Notes

Richdarkand intensely savory with a slight iron note. More complex and gamey than chicken or duck. The breast is especially prized — best served medium-rare.

Pairs Well With

cherriesred winethymemushroomsfoie graslentils

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