Sit before freezing?

Some asked on facebook "Why do you let the meat sit before putting in the freezer?"

My answer: Some people let the meat age for 12 to 24 hours before freezing. The aging period allows enzymes in the meat to begin a tenderizing process which is helpful because the meat is so low in fat. It also helps the flavor.  After the skinning and gutting, I would put the meat on ice to chill in an ice chest while I process a few more. After a while I got back and get one of the chilled carcasses and get it ready for a freezer bag. Then I take the freezer bags and let them sit in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours. Then move to the freezer.

It is important that all the rabbit be thoroughly chilled before going into the refrigerator. Spread the bags around so they all stay cool or a warm body in one of the bags could start to spoil! Same for putting in the freezer. Be sure to spread the bags around for a day or two  so they all get frozen, then you can pile them together in the freezer.





One more thing, a lot of folks do not age the meat. I've done it both ways. I prefer to age it if I have time.

Other people will do it differently. Your mileage may vary. Void where prohibited.

Britain's Rabbit Grand National Show

Britain's Rabbit Grand National Show features the best of Britain. See the article:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2093389/Burgess-Premier-Small-Animal-Show-2012-Rabbit-Grand-National-attracts-best-Britains-bunnies.html

Caught on Web

Caught on the Web - Sites of Interest

40 Interesting Facts about Rabbits

This list is posted at Three Ladies Rabbitry

http://www.threelittleladiesrabbitry.com/rabbitfacts.php

#8 ARBA recognizes 47 breeds, not 45 breeds

#39 I don't agree with. Sweaty muzzles are a sign of heat stress.

Information on the internet should always be tested with logic and your experience. Your rabbits do not read the internet so they do not know all that information applies to them.

Rabbit Farm in the news

Champlain Valley Rabbitry, Vermont USA

http://www.7dvt.com/2006/rabbit-run

New processing plant in Marion NC

Will handle poultry and rabbit for local producers

http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20120110/NEWS/301100018/Poultry-processor-open

Bologna Sandwiches and Roasted Rabbit by Habeeb Sollum

Includes roast rabbit recipe

http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles/salloum61.html

Alebrijes Mexican bistro serving unique dishes with lamb, duck, rabbit, Lodi, Calif.

http://www.lodinews.com/dining/article_d7403966-48fe-11e1-a67b-0019bb2963f4.html

Have a good day!

The Christmas Bunny

On Facebook, the creator of the movie "The Christmas Bunny" apologized to the House Rabbit activists for basically not living up to their expectations. I say those expectations are unreasonable and illogical. See some of the comments at "A Message - The Christmas Bunny"

Some of my postings follow:
As a former 4H rabbit project leader, I'm glad that you showcased a educational farm where rabbits are raised. Not only do they help educate thousands of visitors each year, they helped YOUR film project. Your film even helped the House Rabbit Network chapters that sold copies of the DVD to raise revenues. You did nothing wrong. In my book, you don't need to apologize.

The bad breeders that are mentioned represent a fraction of a percent of all breeders. Most breeders are responsible. There are millions of rabbit born on farms in this country. Rabbits provide food and employment for many people in this country and in the world at large! Rabbits feed the world.

I do surveys on rabbit breeds and populations. I trade information with thousands of 4H and FFA rabbit breeders every month. And the commercial rabbit breeders I trade info with tell me the showbunny population is only a small percentage of all the domestic rabbits. The number of "bad" breeders are still a small fraction of a percent of all breeders. The number of rabbits in shelters are only a tiny fraction of the total population.

... saying that some breeders eat the reject showbunnies is a statement of truth. The truth is not going to hurt breeders. Because if one believes in science then the fact is that rabbits feed the world. Food chain! Food chain! Food chain! Rabbits eat grass. They get eaten by other animals. The amazing birth rate of rabbits is because so many get eaten. Most rabbits in the wild get eaten before they are a year old. Breeders who eat rabbit as food are fulfilling the purpose of the rabbit on this planet. Rabbits feed the world.

USDA is not the final authority on rabbit nor should they be. They are a federal agency. State and county regulations and codes often classify rabbits as livestock. State and county regulations also require that rabbits/livestock be cared for humanely. Animal herdsmanship standards require that rabbits be cared for humanely.

Have a good day!

Savoury rabbit stew

Savoury rabbit stew recipe.

From Brandon Sun newspaper
http://www.brandonsun.com/lifestyles/breaking-news/savoury-rabbit-stew-with-blueberries-a-warming-meal-after-outdoor-winter-sports-136334023.html?thx=y

Have a good day!

Bob Whitman's Collection

Bob Whitman wrote the book "Domestic Rabbits and Their Histories:Breeds of the World"

Bob got his information from the ARBA library as well as from his own collection
of rabbit books and memorabilia.

I just found this link to a youtube video showing his collection
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n398Sg-6C2k&feature=player_embedded#!

He was also Director of the botanical garden in Beaumont, Texas.

Have a good day!

New Zealand Rabbit Colors

Photo: 3 NZ Bucks-Big Daddy (Black), Johnny (White), Snavely Buck (Red)

The New Zealand breed rabbit was created in USA. Red was the original color recognized. The White and Black varieties became recognized later. The White dominates as a color of choice for meat processors while the Black provides a dense, deep color fur. The Red also provides a deep color fur and I would consider it a "Heritage" variety of a USA rabbit breed.

Photo is from the rabbitgeek files.

Have a good day!