
🌿 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
🌿
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.
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Pairs Well With
cherriesred winethymemushroomsfoie graslentils
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