Foie gras

One of the world's great luxury foods, foie gras (literally, 'fattened liver') is the liver of either duck or goose. Goose, which is considered to be more flavourful and to have the finer texture, is the more expensive. The method used in the production of foie gras from either bird is highly controversial, and involves force-feeding them in order that their livers fatten up to the required weight of 300g, which is six times the weight of a normal liver.

The production of foie gras is banned in the UK, although it is still legal to sell, buy and consume it. Gascony, in south-west France, is the main hub of production and Hungary is also a big producer. Despite the controversy surrounding foie gras, its creamy, silky texture and unique flavour, quite unlike any other liver, means that it remains a sought-after ingredient. It can be bought whole and raw (known as lobes), semi-cooked (micuit) or cooked in paté, blocks or mousse.

For more information about foie gras regulations see Food Standards Agency.