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All ducks are not the same.
Did you know that there are many different breeds of duck? Each type yields very different products. In addition to White Pekin ducks, Muscovy, Moulard, and Mallard ducks are also marketed in the United States. The most popular breed in the United States is White Pekin or Long Island Style duck. When you visit a restaurant or a grocery store, chances are it is White Pekin.
White Pekin ducks originated in China thousands of years ago. They were brought to Long Island, and this area served as the center of the duck industry for several years. This is the origin of the term “Long Island Style Duck” which you may see on White Pekin packaging. To help you understand the differences in the duck breeds, we've included a brief description below.
Maple Leaf Farms' White Pekin – Our farm-raised White Pekin ducks yield the consistent, high quality products our customers have come to expect. Our duck produces a tender, mild meat that adapts to a wide range of flavor profiles and cuisines.
Muscovy – A duck breed with large, meaty males and smaller females. The Muscovy has a much stronger flavor than the White Pekin and is often selected for its breast or liver, which is often used for foie gras.
Moulard – A cross between a Muscovy duck and a White Pekin. The Moulard is larger and has a stronger, gamier taste than the Pekin and is considerably fattier. It can be stringy and chewy and is primarily raised for its liver for foie gras.
Mallard – Probably the most recognizable duck in North America, the mallard is the breed from which all domestic ducks, except the Muscovy, descended. Farm raised mallards are available on a limited basis. It is smaller and tougher than the Pekin. These ducks have very little fat, but often taste greasy and gamey. |
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