As Muslims, we are sometimes asked whether certain animals are halal or haram. Among those, Quail is one of the most popular bird meat in recent times. In this post, we will discuss Quail and whether eating is permissible according to Islamic law.
So is Quail Halal? As per Islamic Scholars, birds that don’t tear flesh with their claws are halal. Quail, one of such birds that live on plant-based food, is entirely safe to say it is halal.
What is Quail?
A quail is a group of mid-sized birds that are short and soft. It is an exquisite type of bird. Its meat is consumed all over the world and is in high demand. We also consume quail egg along with its meat.
They are hatched the same way as chickens and have a lot of similar characteristics. They come in three colours, blue, white, and black. One of their unique characteristics is that they clean their feathers from time to keep them away from small insects and pests.
Different types of Quail Bird
There are over 130+ types of Quail all over the world. But only a handful are commonly raised for meat production.
The most popular varieties of Quail raised for meat include the Japanese Quail, bobwhite quail, Coturnix quail, and Tibetan sandgrouse, each with its distinct flavour.
Japanese Quails are primarily found in East Asia. They are small, with males averaging about 8 ounces (225 grams) and females averaging about 6 ounces (170 grams). The best part while breeding them is they produce over 200 eggs in the first year. Japanese Quails are delicious and somewhat similar to chicken.
Northern Bobwhite, also known as Bobwhite Quail, is slightly bigger than Japanese Quail. Males averaged 10 ounces (284 grams), and females averaged 8 ounces (225 grams). This breed of Quail has declined to almost over 85% since 1966. Farmers are trying hard to ensure Bobwhite Quail doesn’t become extinct and thus is not widely used for consumption.
When it’s come to the closest alternative to raising chicken, Coturnix Quail is what comes to our mind. Males only average about 5 ounces (142 grams), while females only average about 4 ounces (113 grams). They come in golden yellow or black with yellow marks all over the body. This type of Quail matures faster and is an excellent option for cultivation.
Quail usually is mid-sized, but Tibetan sandgrouse is big. It is about 30-40 cm long, and males can reach up to 2 pounds (907 grams), while females only average about 1 pound (454 grams). They breed mainly from May to June. It is believed to have originated from Tso-Morriri in Ladakh in 1850, but it can also be found in Tibet, China, and the Himalayas. It also tastes similar to chicken and is a bit gamey.
If one wish to know whether trading of Quail is Halal or Haram watch this video:
What makes Quail Bird halal?
The basic concept by Islamic scholars is that a bird is halal only if it doesn’t tear flesh using its claw (source). Thus, the Quail is a bird that lives on plant-based food, falls under this criteria, and is therefore totally halal. Even its egg is halal.
But it is always asked to ensure that the bird is adequately slaughtered in a halal manner, that is, by slitting the bird’s throat.
Benefits of Eating Quail
Quail, like chicken, is an excellent source of protein for the body. But what makes it even better is the small size and thin meat. They are suitable for eyes, skin, and bones. Quail eggs are also nutritious and a good source of Vitamin A. In case you find none where you stay, you can opt for Quorn products, they taste like meat but is a vegan product.
But make sure not to consume it daily. Rest is fine and good for consumption when cleaned and cooked well.
Where to buy Quail?
Thou there are various ways to purchase Quail and its eggs, but the best and most convenient way would be to get it from the supermarket, an online retailer, or directly from a quail farm. If you are getting the processed Quail, ensure halal standards do it.
