Why Roast Goose is a Brilliant Choice for Christmas

When it comes to the Christmas lunch, many of us reach for the familiar – turkey with all the trimmings. But have you ever thought about serving roast goose instead? If you're looking for something traditional yet a little different this year, I can wholeheartedly recommend it. At Copas Farm Shop, our free-range geese have been a part of Christmas for generations, and there's something wonderfully nostalgic and festive about gathering around the table with a golden, crispy-skinned goose at the centre.

So, if you’ve never tried it before – or haven’t had it in years – let me share why roast goose might just become the new favourite on your family’s Christmas menu.

A Rich, Traditional Flavour That’s Hard to Beat

There’s no getting around it – goose simply tastes amazing. The meat is darker, richer, and more succulent, and there’s a slight sweetness to it that comes from its natural fat content. That fat does something magical when roasted: the skin crisps up beautifully, and you’re left with moist, tender meat underneath.

Goose can hold its own flavour wise with just a little seasoning and a classic apple or prune stuffing needed. It’s not showy or fussy – just proper, honest food with a history behind it.

A Stunning Centrepiece for the Christmas Table

Let’s be honest – presentation matters on Christmas Day. A roast goose really does make a statement. With its burnished, crispy skin and mouth-watering aroma, it’s guaranteed to get people talking as soon as it leaves the oven.

Serving goose creates a sense of occasion. It feels special, and it gives your meal that little bit of drama and celebration we all look for during the festive season. Whether it’s your first time hosting or part of a long-standing family tradition, bringing a goose to the table is always a showstopper. 

A Cooking Tradition That Brings Everyone Together

One of the things I love most about goose is how it turns cooking into a shared experience. Preparing a goose isn’t just about the end result – it’s the process. From ordering your bird (we recommend pre-ordering early to avoid disappointment here at Copas Farm Shop!) to basting it in the oven and carving it at the table, it’s a team effort.

The smell of a goose roasting away fills the house and draws people into the kitchen. You’ll find everyone popping in to check how it’s coming along. It sparks stories – grandparents sharing how they had goose when they were young, or someone remembering a Christmas spent abroad where goose was the star of the meal.

It’s also incredibly rewarding. Once you’ve served a roast goose, it becomes something people look forward to year after year. And if there’s any leftover (a big ‘if’!), it makes cracking sandwiches, hearty soups, or even a rich goose ragu.

Health Benefits You Might Not Expect

Goose gets a bit of an unfair reputation for being too rich or indulgent, but the truth is, it’s surprisingly nutritious. It’s packed with protein – great for keeping you full and supporting muscle repair – and it contains significantly more iron than chicken or turkey, which is ideal during the colder months when our energy can dip.

The fat, which renders out during roasting and can be collected, is high in monounsaturated fats – the same kind you find in olive oil. Used sparingly, goose fat is brilliant for roasting potatoes (trust me – they’ll be the best you’ve ever had) and can be kept for ages in the fridge.

Make This Christmas a Goose One

At Copas Farm Shop, we raise our free-range geese with care, letting them roam freely on grass pastures and feeding them a natural cereal-based diet to full adult maturity. That means the meat you’re serving is not only tastier but ethically reared too. And when you buy from us, you’re supporting British farming and a family-run business that’s been doing this for decades.

Christmas is a time for traditions – both old and new. If you’re looking to try something that feels classic but a bit different, roast goose is a brilliant way to go. It’s comforting, celebratory, and just the right amount of indulgent. More importantly, it’s the sort of meal people remember long after the crackers have been pulled, and the plates cleared.

Pre-ordering Your Goose

Pre-orders are now open at Copas Farm Shop, and our geese tend to go quickly – so think about ordering yours soon and take the stress out of the Christmas Day meal planning. Whether it’s your first goose or your fifteenth, we promise it’ll be something special.