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GEESE

Geese have been domesticated for almost 5000 years.

Many varieties of geese were being bred in ancient India, Egypt and China.  Geese have been raised for food, for their eggs, their feathers (quill pens) and their down (insulation, pillows). Domesticated geese also make good 'watchdogs,' hissing and honking loudly when strangers come around.

Geese have less meat and more bone then chicken or turkey. Allow at least 1 1/2 pounds per person when buying a goose.  Smaller birds are preferred - look for ones 8 to 12 pounds for roasting, as larger (older) birds will be tough and should be braised.  Farm raised geese are very fatty - wild geese are leaner.

Top 5 Geese Countries: (2000)
China - 203 million
Egypt - 9 million
Romania - 4 million
Russia - 3.3 million
Madagascar - 3.1 million      

Supposedly, Alfred Hitchock was going through customs one time and was asked by a customs official to state his occupation. Hitchock replied that he was a producer. 'What do you produce?' asked the official. 'Gooseflesh' replied Hitchcock.