What Is a Cornish Hen?

Chicken always makes a good meal. It provides white meat and is rich in protein but low in fat. Back in the days when poultry farmers had to raise chickens in the farmyard, chicken was a seasonal treat. Farmers began thinking of ways to speed up the growth of chickens to ensure abundant supply. The Rock Cornish hen, more commonly known as Cornish hen, is a result of crossbreeding various game hens to produce a small chicken with all-white meat that is ready to cook at 4 weeks. Cornish hen is no heavier than 2.2 pounds and is the perfect chicken for a single serving.

  1. History

    • In July 1955, the Saturday Evening Post published an article acknowledging the French-born Alphonsine "Therese" Makowsky as the original breeder of the Cornish hen. Therese and her husband retired in a 200-acre farm in northeastern Connecticut, where they bred and sold African guinea hens. However, they lost their flock to a fire in 1949 and Therese decided to breed the Cornish game chicken, a small bird with short legs and plump breasts, with other birds, including the White Plymouth Rock hen and the Malay fighting cock. The result was named Rock Cornish hen, which was meant only as a proxy for African guinea hens. The former became more popular, however, and while production of the latter stopped, sales of Cornish hen soared.

    Poultry Raising

    • High-quality commercial feeds are the largest cost when it comes to raising Cornish hens. These heavy eaters will likely consume at least 4 pounds of starter feeds before heading to the slaughterhouse. Provide at least an inch of drinking space for each bird. A good heating system is just as important. A temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for 1-week-old chicks. Drop the temperature by 5° for each succeeding week until it reaches 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Bacteria and Handling

    • Cornish hens thrive in high-temperature environments, making them a breeding ground for bacteria. Some strains commonly associated with chicken are Salmonella Enteritidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Campylobacter jejuni. Freezing raw chicken does not kill bacteria, but it can stop further growth. Cornish hen should be kept frozen at 32 degrees Fahrenheit in a disposable plastic bag until thawing time. Do not allow raw chicken or its juices to come in contact with other foods that are eaten fresh, such as fruits and vegetables. The only way to kill bacteria in Cornish hen is by thorough cooking.

    Recipes

    • Best roasted or grilled because of its tender meat, the Cornish hen is usually sold whole and sold out during the winter. The most popular Cornish hen dishes are quick and easy to prepare and usually have bold and unique flavors. Cornish hen stuffed with just about anything, from pork, beef, seafood, oyster or rice creates a sumptuous lunch. Seasoned with lemon, pepper, garlic, olive oil and salt and pepper, Cornish hen makes a good substitute for Thanksgiving turkey.