In different environments around the world, there are a great number of different culinary tastes. And for the most part — if you look hard enough — someone, somewhere, will be cooking just about anything you can think of. The general rule is: If it’s edible and someone is hungry enough, it will be eaten. But there are certain delicacies or culinary trends that are rarely encountered by most people, and the practice of dining on endangered animals is one of them.
The list that follows highlights several endangered animals that are eaten in certain cultures. If you ever get the chance to try one of them, it may be wise to check the legality of the practice and consume at your own risk.
1- Gorilla/chimpanzee
The closest relatives to humans, these animals are hunted in Central Africa. Over the past few years, there has been an increase in the commercial trade of wild game, which is termed “bush meat.” Some people blame the problem on the logging industry, which has extended roads into areas that were formerly inaccessible to hunters. Furthermore, many local communities regard bush meat as an important natural resource.
How it’s eaten: They are generally butchered, smoked and sold as bush meat, an increasingly popular delicacy in Africa. It is not uncommon to find smoked whole monkeys for sale along rural roads.
2- Green turtle
Most marine turtles are considered protected and many are nearly extinct. Throughout the world, though, turtles are considered a delicacy. They are extremely popular on the African coasts, as well as in the Baja Peninsula. Turtle is also a favored dish in certain parts of the Gulf Coast region.
How it’s eaten: Turtle meat is generally tough and the green turtle is often considered the best-tasting. It is often cooked slowly and made into various types of stew. If the turtle is young, it can be grilled or sauteed. Drinking the blood of a turtle is also said to have medicinal values.
3- Chinese giant salamander
The Chinese giant salamander is the world’s largest amphibian; it grows to as much as 110 pounds and five feet in length. Its large size makes it easy to hunt and it can be sold for $100 a kilogram. Illegal hunting is forcing it into extinction in China. The population of the giant salamander has fallen 80% since the 1960s.
How it’s eaten: The primary method of cooking the Chinese giant salamander is by steaming it or simmering it in a soup.
4- Elephant
Though it is often assumed that elephants are poached mainly for their ivory tusks, their meat is considered a delicacy in Central Africa. The mere size of the animal makes it possible to garner hundreds of pounds of meat that can be sold and used to feed entire villages.
How it’s eaten: The flesh of an elephant is often coarse; the tender trunk and feet are considered the best parts to eat. Like primates, elephant is generally smoked, and used in stews and soups.
5- Pangolin
The pangolin is a scaly, anteater-type animal found in China; it looks much like a cross between a possum and an armadillo. Pangolin has risen in popularity in Thailand and China in recent years. In China, its meat is a popular meal, while its blood and scales are used as health remedies and aphrodisiacs. The scales supposedly cure swelling, promote blood circulation and help mothers produce breast milk. The meat sells at nearly $100 a kilogram and is coveted by gourmets, wealthy businessmen and traditional medicine practitioners.
How it’s eaten: The scales and blood are mixed with herbs to be taken as medicines. The meat is light and is often served smoked or steamed.
6- Black bear
The black bear is a small bear that can be found in most parts of North America. Many are hunted illegally for their meat. Other species of bear are hunted throughout the world and used for everything from meat to paws to bile, which is used as medicine.
How it’s eaten: The meat is often cubed and slow-cooked in stews. It can also be sauteed, baked or served as steak.
7- Rhinoceros
The rhino is found in Africa and its horn is used for medicinal purposes in many African countries, as well as in parts of Asia. It is believed to be effective against snake bites, headaches, fever, and insanity, and it’s also used as an aphrodisiac.
How it’s eaten: The horn is generally crushed into a powder and mixed with milk or water. It is also snorted to cure bloody noses. The legs and feet are considered a delicacy by certain African tribes, and are roasted for several hours.
8- Blue whale
The whale has historically been caught for its meat, though the whale’s oil has always been the most important product. The tail is considered a delicacy in Japan and is eaten raw. The belly fat is sold as whale bacon. While the blue whale population is greatly diminished, it is still hunted for meat, though other species of whales are more commonly fished. Many Western countries are currently mounting a campaign to ban the fishing of this animal.
How it’s eaten: Often cooked much like beef, it can be grilled like a steak, fried or seared in oil. It is also served as sushi in Japan.
9- Dolphin
Dolphin meat was originally sold in the ‘70s under the name “muchame.” It is traditionally an Italian dish made from meat extracted from the dolphin’s dorsal fin. The delicacy is popular in Peru and Japan, and although the killing of dolphins has been prohibited since 1990, there still exists a black market for the product.
How it’s eaten: Muchame is served with avocado, onions and crackers. The meat from the flanks of the dolphin is called “chanco marino” (sea pig), and is dark with a strong flavor.
10- Tiger
Bengali tigers live primarily in India. As a result of poaching, it is estimated that approximately 4,000 exist worldwide. It is currently illegal in China to sell tiger meat, though some restaurateurs will have it on their menus. Be careful: One restaurant claiming to sell tiger stir-fry was found to have been serving donkey meat marinated in tiger urine. Tiger parts are also revered for their medicinal value. The powdered bones are used to treat ulcers, rheumatism and typhoid. The eyes are used to fight epilepsy and malaria.
How it’s eaten: A traditional Chinese dish is fried Bengali tiger meat. Tiger penis soup is used to boost virility.
Endangered delicacies
Many of these animals are difficult to find on the open market, and though some are still served in restaurants, the legality of this practice may be questionable. Many of these products can be found with some sly inquisitions at local markets in many parts of Africa or Asia.
(By Michael Miller Via Askmen.com)
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1 comment so far ↓
Missy…
great post…I look forward to reading more! thanks alot!…
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