Inaugural rabbit meat expo on cards

Millicent Dube, Showbiz Reporter

Meat lovers are in for a rare treat as the country is set to host its first Rabbit Meat Expo in Bulawayo next week. This comes at a time when demand for rabbit meat is soaring on the back of its immense health benefits.

 The expo that is being hosted by a rabbit meat company, Midesha Private Limited will be held next week Saturday at the Mystique Event Centre.

 Siphosethu Ncube-Moyo, the Midesha chairperson who is also the Zimbabwe Commercial Rabbit Breeders Association of Zimbabwe (Zicorba) vice president said the idea of the expo is to popularise the consumption of rabbit meat and showcase the many ways of preparing the dish, from traditional to fine-dining.

“We’ve seen a sharp rise in demand for rabbit meat mainly because of its numerous health benefits. The expo is thus meant to showcase the different ways of preparing rabbit meat, which is still relatively a new dish in the country,” said Ncube-Moyo.

She said the expo has been themed “The Big Deal” as it is an event that will bring families together to have fun while enjoying rabbit meat prepared by some of Bulawayo’s prominent chefs. 

“Rabbit meat is indeed a big deal on the meat market in Zimbabwe. Our vision as Midesha is to make rabbit meat a household dish in the country,” Ncube-Moyo said.

 Midesha is a corporate member of the rabbit farmers lobby group, Zicorba which has been promoting the production and consumption of rabbit meat in the country.

 Lemongroove Brands, a company that is working in conjunction with Midesha highlighted that they will be exhibiting and sharing possible recipes and dishes around the rabbit from making stir-fries to stews and braais. 

 Nutritionists and health experts say that rabbit meat is an “excellent” source of protein that keeps humans healthy by building and repairing their muscles, skin, and blood. It is also good as it does not contribute to high cholesterol and heart disease. 

 Ncube-Moyo said since rabbit meat is recommended by nutritionists as one of the best white meats available on the market, the public might as well stock it up in their refrigerators and make it the most common in their households. He said entertainment will be provided by The Travellers Band with Gilmore Tee being the MC.