Meat
Hare
Hare is the dark, richly gamey meat of wild Lepus species, leaner and more assertive than rabbit with a denser texture and deep burgundy colour when hung. Classic European cookery treats mature hare with marinades, blood-enriched sauces, and long braises; young leverets may be roasted more gently. Jugged hare, German Hasenpfeffer, and Italian lepre al civet showcase the meat’s affinity for red wine, juniper, and spice. Supply is seasonal and largely wild, so careful ageing and thorough cooking are traditional.
Also known as: Hare, Lièvre, Hase, Lepre, Liebre
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A sample of named types with their own origin and culinary profiles.
Characteristics
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Nutrition and pairings
Nutrition
Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.
Nutrition Facts
Per 100 g edible portion
Amount per 100 g
- Total Fat 11.8 g
- Saturated Fat 5.31 g
- Trans Fat 0.2 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 5 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 1.05 g
- Cholesterol 74.3 mg
- Sodium 58.2 mg
- Salt 0.16 g
- Total Carbohydrate 0 g
- Dietary Fibre 0 g
- Total Sugars 0 g
- Complex / starch 0 g
- Protein 22.3 g
- Water 57.6 g
- Energy 195 kcal
- Water 57.6 g
- Protein 22.3 g
- Animal Protein 21.2 g
- Fat 11.8 g
- Saturated Fat 5.31 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 1.05 g
- Trans Fat 0.2 g
- Vitamins 42.1 mg
- Vitamin A 20 µg
- Vitamin B1 — Thiamine 0.07 mg
- Vitamin B2 — Riboflavin 0.18 mg
- Vitamin B3 — Niacin 4.98 mg
- Vitamin B5 — Pantothenic Acid 0.54 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.35 mg
- Vitamin B7 — Biotin 2.2 µg
- Vitamin B9 — Folate 6.9 µg
- Vitamin B12 — Cobalamin 3.1 µg
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Vitamin D 0.2 µg
- Vitamin E 0.25 mg
- Vitamin K 1.3 µg
- Minerals 302 mg
- Major Minerals 290 mg
- Trace Minerals 11.7 mg
- Salt 0.16 g
- Sodium Chloride 0.16 g
- Cholesterol 74.3 mg
Vitamins
vitamin-c: 2 · vitamin-b12-cobalamin: 3.1 · vitamin-a: 20 · vitamin-b1-thiamine: 0.07 · vitamin-b2-riboflavin: 0.18 · vitamin-b3-niacin: 4.98 · vitamin-b5-pantothenic-acid: 0.54 · vitamin-b6: 0.35 · vitamin-b7-biotin: 2.2 · vitamin-b9-folate: 6.9 · vitamin-d: 0.2 · vitamin-e: 0.25 · vitamin-k: 1.3 ·
Minerals
Sodium: 58.2 · Potassium: 166 · Calcium: 66 · Iron: 3.6 · Zinc: 3.1 · Iodine: 5 ·
Muscle meat is protein-dense with variable marbling fat.
In the kitchen
Culinary partners and combinations that usually underperform with Hare.
Usually avoid with
Often clash in flavour or tradition
History
Hares were hunted across Eurasia and Africa as a primary wild protein long before agriculture.
Medieval and early modern European courts prized hare for feast dishes and preserved game cookery.
Central European hunting traditions codified hare seasons and recipes such as Hasenpfeffer.
Specialty game dealers and restaurants maintain demand for wild hare in season across Europe.