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Chef Diego Schattenhofer revolutionises Canarian cuisine with his research into native goat

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Diego Schattenhofer in front of the complete butchery of a Canarian goat, broken down into all its cuts, in the restaurant kitchen

Here we share a brief briefing and extract from the original article published on masscultura.com

A pioneering project in gastronomy

In an exciting fusion of gastronomy and science, chef Diego Schattenhofer has spent three years meticulously studying Canarian goat, an emblem of the archipelago’s culinary culture, but until now little explored in its entirety. Working closely with the Canary Islands Institute of Agricultural Research (ICIA), Schattenhofer has unravelled the secrets of the three native goat breeds: Palmera, Majorera and Tinerfeña, revealing the untapped potential of this traditional ingredient.

MassCultura feature on the chef’s research into Canarian goat

Key discoveries and their culinary application

The research has culminated in the discovery of the optimal conditions for the culinary use of goat: animals three years of age, weighing 90 kg and subjected to a maturation process of at least 122 days. These parameters guarantee meat with exceptional tenderness, softness, aroma and flavour, opening new avenues for Canarian gastronomy.

Innovation on the 1973 Taste menu

At the 1973 Taste restaurant, located in the Hotel Villa Cortés in Arona, Schattenhofer has integrated these findings into an innovative menu that celebrates Canarian goat in all its forms. From a quick-braised centre loin in tataki style, shoulder roast beef, to a delicate tartare, Schattenhofer offers a unique culinary experience that pays tribute to the rich gastronomic heritage of the Canary Islands.

Close-up of a brown Canarian goat with a yellow ear tag

Contribution to gastronomy and the preservation of tradition

Beyond his work in the kitchen, Schattenhofer has contributed to the preservation of Canarian culinary traditions, while driving a contemporary vision that links the islands’ aboriginal history with modern techniques and knowledge. This approach not only enriches the Canary Islands’ gastronomic offering but also places the region on the world culinary map as a destination for innovation and excellence.

A visionary of global cuisine

This project is just one of Schattenhofer’s many ventures, who has left his mark on the global gastronomic scene through his work with legends such as Martín Berasategui and his participation in renowned congresses. With a career spanning scientific research applied to gastronomy and the recovery of ancestral techniques, Schattenhofer stands out as a culinary visionary, whose passion and dedication continue to inspire chefs and foodies alike.

This post is a brief briefing and extract from the original article published on masscultura.com

Light-coated Canarian goat with short horns alongside the rest of the herd

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At the heart of the culinary revolution taking place in the Canary Islands is an innovative “goat chef” like Diego Schattenhofer, who, with his avant-garde approach, has transformed the way goat meat is perceived and enjoyed. His meticulous research and collaboration with the Canary Islands Institute of Agricultural Research have resulted in the exaltation of native flavours, where “Canarian-style goat meat” becomes the star of his acclaimed menu at the 1973 Taste restaurant.

The culinary experience offered by Schattenhofer is a journey through the essence of the Canary Islands, where the flavour of “Canarian-style goat meat” is enhanced in every dish. As a “goat chef”, his ability to combine contemporary techniques with traditional recipes results in a cuisine that respects and celebrates the islands’ gastronomic heritage, taking goat meat to an unprecedented level of excellence. Schattenhofer’s innovation and passion for Canarian gastronomy establish him as an essential point of reference in modern cuisine.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Diego Schattenhofer?
Diego Schattenhofer is an Argentine chef, based in the Canary Islands for 20 years, known for his innovative approach to gastronomy. He has trained with leading figures in cooking and has worked alongside renowned chefs. He currently leads culinary projects that fuse science and gastronomic tradition, with a particular interest in Canarian goat.
What has been Diego Schattenhofer's most recent project?
Diego Schattenhofer's most recent project has been the in-depth research into Canarian goat, collaborating with the ICIA to discover the optimal conditions that enhance the organoleptic qualities of this ingredient. This study has taken three years and has culminated in the creation of an innovative menu that highlights the various preparations of goat.
What discoveries have been made about Canarian goat?
The key discoveries include that goats aged two and a half to three years, weighing 90 kg and matured for a minimum of 122 days, offer the best meat quality. These conditions ensure meat with tenderness, softness, a lactic aroma and a distinctive flavour.
How is Canarian goat presented on the 1973 Taste menu?
On the 1973 Taste menu, Canarian goat is presented in various ways, including a quick-braised centre loin in tataki style, shoulder roast beef, tartare, stocks and broths from the leg, liver praline for ravioli, and butter, all designed to highlight the versatility and exceptional flavour of goat.
What impact does this project have on Canarian gastronomy?
This project not only pays tribute to the rich gastronomic heritage of the Canary Islands, but also introduces a contemporary vision that combines the history and aboriginal traditions with modern techniques. This positions the Canary Islands on the world culinary map as a destination for innovation and excellence, and promotes the use of local ingredients in new and exciting ways.