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This gastronomic corner of Latvia is in the middle of the fields. And it doesn’t matter if you have to make a gravel road or wander through the forest roads, you have to come here.
Ostrich farm in Nornieki. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear
Ostriches are farmed on the Nornieki farm by farmers Peteris Gobzemis and Anda Šimane. “We started farming 10 years ago when we bought African black ostriches. We chose them because we wanted something exceptional. At first all the friends and family wanted to see them, then when the ostriches increased, we realized that we had to show them to others, ”said Peter.
Ostrich farm in Nornieki. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear
Can you pet an ostrich? “It just came to our knowledge then. Although they try to know the world with their beaks, they cannot bite, as if they were sniffing. But it could hurt your legs; it is still a large and strong bird. Therefore, it is better to pass through the enclosure. After all, an adult ostrich weighs between 150 and 160 kilograms, “Peter explained.
Ostrich farm in Nornieki. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear
Ostriches live on the farm from the egg stage until, according to host Peter, “restaurant tours.” These birds are unique, beautiful and charming, but not very intelligent: their eyes weigh 60 grams and their brain only 40 grams.
Ostrich farm in Nornieki. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear
Ostrich farm in Nornieki. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear
How do ostriches live?
Eggs laid by females are collected and stored in 36 degree incubators for 42 days. Later, the hatched birds are moved to special premises, where the best conditions for growth are created.
Ostrich farm in Nornieki. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear
The birds are kept free in large and spacious enclosures, eating grains and grass, communicating with each other, dancing love dances, mating and enjoying life in the sun.
Large ostriches need 2 kg of food per day: grains and grass. And as long as the ostrich grows and is suitable for slaughter, it consumes about 500 kg of feed.
Ostrich farm in Nornieki. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear
A fairy tale barn
Goats also live on the farm. But don’t be fooled, it’s not just a barn, it’s like a fairy tale. Everything about it is clean, bright and beautiful, because even professional photo shoots are often held here – goats, goats and children are very friendly, cute and ready to communicate with people.
Ostrich farm in Nornieki. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear
As we talked to Peter, we were surrounded by a swarm of goats trying to grab both the shirt and the shoelaces, all the while making them smile in his ears.
“Everyone is nice, always waiting for people to give them something,” Peter smiled.
Ostrich farm in Nornieki. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear
A farm without stress for its inhabitants
It is true that the residents of the farm are not sacrificed on the spot to spend their days here without stress. “The adult birds are taken to the slaughterhouse, and we fully prepare the meat for use and vacuum pack it. We sell meat on the farm, but we also sell it in Riga and other cities in Latvia, ”Peter explained.
For example, a kilo of ostrich meat for steak costs 28 euros. A kilo of minced meat for a hamburger costs 15 euros. Unfortunately, the farmers do not currently sell ostrich eggs, but dishes made with ostrich eggs can be ordered at the restaurant.
After the farm: a delightful experience in the restaurant “Ar putniem”
We tried some dishes that are made here mainly with local products. As the owner Peter himself is convinced, transporting products from hundreds of kilometers away, it makes no sense if you can find the most exclusive products right here within a 10-20 km radius.
Ostrich farm in Nornieki. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear
Tartar: fresh minced ostrich meat, smoked oil, buckwheat honey, mustard, green oil with black currant leaves, pickled chamomile (9.50 euros).
Strutienes carpaccio: Finely chopped cold-ripened ostrich, fennel and oven-dried garlic paste-homemade mayonnaise seasoned with hard goat cheese chips (9.50 euros).
Dessert – Catalan creammade with ostrich eggs (5 EUR).
Fresh goat cheese ice cream and fir buds with cucumber, lime snow and rose petals (5 EUR).
Ostrich farm in Nornieki. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear
“It’s tastier Catalan cream I have not eaten anywhere else. Even in Paris, ”Modesta said.
Ostrich farm in Nornieki. Source: DELFI / Modesta Bear
And Peter just added that people come to the restaurant located on the farm, even specifically for Catalan cream. And I really didn’t hesitate.
Well of course the dot on the “i” here was great espresso macchiato. And the whole gastronomic experience, with easy jazz music. Like having a good restaurant.
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