Foie gras is a subcategory of luxury goose and duck liver, represented by the Spanish brand Malvasia. The range covers the whole scale of preparations - from whole fattened liver (entero, including a version with truffle) through premium mi-cuit, the finer parfait and the more accessible bloc to light mousse. The range is supplemented by cured duck breast (jamón de pato), a cured meat product made from duck. Foie gras is one of the classic French and Spanish gastronomic specialities, popular on the festive table.
How to find your way around this category
Entero is whole fattened liver with no additions - the most authentic and most premium version. Mi-cuit (literally "half cooked") is gently heat-treated foie gras, which retains the most of its natural texture and flavour. Parfait contains at least 75 % foie gras mixed with other ingredients for a creamier texture. Bloc is foie gras reconstituted from pieces of liver. Mousse has the lowest proportion of liver and the finest, lightest texture.
If you are deciding between goose and duck foie gras: goose is traditionally considered finer and more delicate, while duck has a more pronounced, more robust flavour.
Types of foie gras preparation
Preparation
Proportion of liver
Characteristics
Entero
100 %
Whole liver, the most authentic flavour
Mi-cuit
100 %
Gently heat-treated, premium texture
Parfait
min. 75 %
Creamier, finer consistency
Bloc
reconstituted from pieces
More accessible price, practical to slice
Mousse
the lowest
The lightest, finest texture
You will always find the specific weight and type (goose/duck) in the product detail.
How to serve and store foie gras
Foie gras is traditionally served chilled, cut into thin slices, with a little salt, pepper and a sweet accompaniment - fig jam, grape or port wine, or toasted bread. Cured duck breast (jamón de pato) is sliced in a similar way to classic ham, into thin slices, and is served on its own or as part of a cold platter.
Take foie gras out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes before serving - when slightly less cold, it has a more pronounced and fuller flavour.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between entero, parfait and mousse?
Entero is whole fattened liver with no additions, parfait contains at least 75 % liver mixed with other ingredients, and mousse has the lowest proportion of liver and the lightest texture.
What does mi-cuit mean?
Mi-cuit means "half cooked" - it is gently heat-treated foie gras, which retains its natural texture and flavour better than fully sterilised tinned versions.
Is goose or duck foie gras better?
Goose foie gras is traditionally considered finer and more delicate, while duck has a more pronounced, more robust flavour. The choice is a matter of personal preference.
How is foie gras served?
Chilled, cut into thin slices, with a little salt and pepper, accompanied by a sweet element such as fig jam or port wine, and toasted bread.
What is cured duck breast (jamón de pato)?
It is a cured meat product made from duck, cut into thin slices in a similar way to classic ham, with a pronounced, gently sweetish flavour.
The proportion of actual liver in the product and the type of bird (goose/duck). Also: entero and mi-cuit are the most authentic, parfait and mousse finer and more affordable.
What we base this on
On information from the producer Malvasia and on the standard classification of foie gras preparations. Also: we verify the specific proportion of liver and the weight on the individual products.
Where the limits are
The stock availability of individual items may change. Also: you will find the current status in the product detail.
What this category does not cover
Neither classic pâtés nor other gastronomic specialities. Also: you will find those in the Pâtés category.