Join N1, leading suppliers of the best quality meat Cape Town and Johannesburg have to offer, as we delve into the wonderful world of Cluckonomics - the consumption of chicken, its nutritional value, and some fun ‘did you know’ facts.

Consumption

1. Chicken is the second most widely-eaten meat in the world after pork - pork comes in first at 36%, then poultry at 33%, followed by beef and goat/sheep at 24% and 5% respectively. (Source: usda.gov)
2. The world's largest producer of chicken meat is the United States, with a production of over 20 million metric tons in 2020. (Source: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service)
3. Brazil is the world's largest chicken meat exporter, with over 4 million metric tons exported in 2020. (Source: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service)
4. The average weight of a chicken breast is about 175-200 grams while the average weight of a whole chicken is approximately 1.5-2 kilograms. (Source: The Spruce Eats)
5. The chicken industry has seen a significant shift towards free-range and organic chicken production in recent years, driven by consumer demand for more ethically and sustainably raised poultry. (Source: The Poultry Site)

Nutrition

1. Chicken meat is a good source of high-quality protein, containing about 20 grams of protein per 100 grams. (Source: USDA FoodData Central)
2. Chicken meat is a rich source of essential nutrients such as vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and selenium. Chicken meat can be a good source of iron, with skinless chicken thighs containing approximately 1.4 milligrams of iron per 100 grams. (Source: USDA FoodData Central)
3. Chicken meat is relatively low in fat, with skinless chicken breasts containing around 2-3 grams of fat per 100 grams. (Source: USDA FoodData Central)
4. The amount of cholesterol in chicken meat can vary depending on the cut. A skinless chicken breast contains around 85 milligrams of cholesterol per 100 grams. (Source: USDA FoodData Central)
5. Chicken is considered a lean meat, with skinless chicken breasts providing about 165 calories per 100 grams. (Source: USDA FoodData Central)

Did You Know?

1. The world record for the largest chicken egg ever laid weighed 454 grams. (Source: Guinness World Records)
2. Chickens have been domesticated for thousands of years, with the earliest evidence of chicken domestication dating back to around 6000 BC. (Source: National Geographic)
3. The Romans regarded chickens as sacred animals and believed they had prophetic abilities. They often consulted chicken behaviour and the patterns of their pecking to predict future events. (Source: History.com)
4. The rooster has been a symbol of courage and vigilance in various cultures throughout history. It is associated with qualities such as bravery, protection, and a herald of the dawn. (Source: Encyclopedia Britannica)
5. The British supermarket chain Iceland marked its 50th anniversary in 2020 by collaborating with Sent Into Space to send a chicken nugget into the Earth's stratosphere using a weather balloon. (Source: Dailymail.co.uk)

And there you have it, 15 fascinating insights and trivia about the humble chicken. For more on our Halaal certified meat range, be sure to give us a call or send us an email - we’d love to hear from you!