This Christmas season is bringing families together around tables laden with festive foods, and at the center of many of these meals is Chester, the beloved bird often preferred over turkey or other poultry options. With the celebration drawing near, grocery markets are experiencing increased foot traffic as shoppers search for the freshest ingredients for their Christmas feasts.
According to Jornal do Acre, local markets, like Mercado Municipal Elias Mansour in Rio Branco, are buzzing with activity. A nearby consumer expressed excitement about the variety available, stating, "É porco, é peixe, é salpicão, é tudo de bom, é peru assado... com certeza, aqui [Mercado Elias Mansour] é um lugar essencial pra gente encontrar tudo no mesmo local." This reflects the communal spirit of the holiday, where family members gather to share sumptuous meals and create lasting memories.
Unfortunately, the festive season also brings challenges, especially when it involves budgeting for Christmas meals. A recent study from the Brazilian Supermarket Association (Abras) shows the cost of what’s known as the "cesta natalina" (Christmas basket) has risen by 7.7% this year compared to 2022, totaling around R$ 345.23. This basket includes essentials such as roasted turkey, champagne, and traditional sweets, with meats like Chester becoming increasingly popular.
Shoppers have specific preferences and expectations when selecting their festive poultry. A price comparison by g1 on options like turkey, Chester, and pork revealed the average costs. For Chester, prices range from R$ 12.99 to R$ 24.58 per kilo, translating to an average of R$ 71.51 for the tasty dish, reinforcing its status as the star of many Christmas tables.
Chef Andre Mombrine, who owns Terrazzo Espaço Bistrô, has shared his culinary secrets to perfecting Chester for the holiday season. He reminds home cooks to take special care when preparing chicken or Chester, emphasizing the importance of using fruits and herbs for flavor. "The Chester is an emblematic dish. Both it and the pork loin evoke thoughts of Christmas. The tips I provided make it even tastier. I bet everyone will enjoy it more; it becomes such a stunning dish!" Chef Mombrine explained enthusiastically.
His preparation suggestions include stuffing the bird with onion, lemon, and orange, and then injecting it with flavor using the "Dry Rub" seasoning from Premier Temperos. These techniques not only infuse moisture and flavor but also make the presentation dazzling. After preparing the Chester, he advises wrapping it securely and slow-roasting it until it reaches the right temperature, ensuring it’s cooked to perfection and safe for consumption.
But what is it about Chester itself? Many people enjoy this dish without fully grasping its origins. According to BRF, which owns the Perdigão brand, Chester is not just any bird; it has roots tracing back to specially bred chicken lines brought from Scotland to Brazil. Since its introduction as a Christmas staple, this bird's unique qualities and careful breeding processes have elevated its popularity during the holiday season. The company highlights Chester’s characteristics: it’s larger than average poultry, contains no added hormones, and boasts tender meat with less fat than regular chicken.
It’s noteworthy to mention BRF produces Chester primarily to cater to the high demand during Christmas, running its operations from March onwards each year. The company emphasizes transparency about their farming practices to shed light on any misconceptions surrounding Chester. Luciana Bulau, executive manager at Perdigão, shared insights, stating, "Although only sold during the holiday season, we start production early to build anticipation, making Chester synonymous with Brazilian Christmas celebrations."
While families prepare to gather around their festive meals, Chester continues to symbolize togetherness—becoming more than just food but rather part of cherished traditions and shared experiences. Whether it’s paired with sides, sauces, or sweets, Chester has secured its place as the go-to dish for many during the joyous Christmas season.
