Our planet, Earth, is home to a vast array of animal species that are beyond count. For those who love to explore unique and exotic foods, trying out bizarre animals is often the ultimate adventure.
But, there exist some types of foods that seem shocking and abnormal, and yet, several cultures have their own reasons and justifications for consuming these animals.
In this discussion, we will delve into seventeen different types of strange animals that people consume as food.
Believe it or not, some regions that eat weird and bizarre animal parts actually boast some of the best cuisines in the world. Of course, like always, there will be two sides to a coin!
1. Dogs
While most people keep dogs as pets or security, others see dogs as very tantalizing and delicious animals to eat. Most people consider dog eating as an abomination, but it is eaten most widely in most African and Asian regions. Dog meat in China is called gou rou.
2. Spider
In Cambodia, Spiders are considered one of the most delicious delicacies. These Spiders are smoked dried and sold at roadside shops on the street, it was said that people developed a taste for them after they were almost starved to death during pol pot by the Khmer Rouge in 1979 and have enjoyed the delicacy since then.
3. Rats
In North Korea, rats are believed to have a great protein content. The rats are barbecued with spices and a minimum amount of pepper. You might be tempted to take a bite even if you don't like rats. It was revealed that the delicacy was discovered as a result of starvation many years ago.
4. Alligators
This might not be new to some parts of the world, but alligators are widely eaten in the USA (Southern part). Alligators' meat and some portions of eggs are said to be a good source of meat for humans, considering their composition of low-fat and high protein. It is concluded to be mild in flavor but high in texture.
5. Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers are considered as crunchy snacks in Thailand and are believed to be a healthy source of protein. It can be enjoyed with some chocolate or candy syrup. Someone once made a joke about Jiminy Cricket approving of its brother's species enjoyed as snacks, but the people of Thailand would disagree.
6. Silkworms
Silkworms are also called Beondegi, a fancy term for the word Silkworm. This unusual animal is seasoned slightly enticingly and sold on the street. According to people who have tasted it, Beondegi tastes like seasoned wood which makes it stand out, but no one can specifically say what wood tastes like.
7. Frogs
Frog is another strange animal people eat more frequently than you can think, it can be prepared similarly to chicken in a variety of ways such as fried, boiled, or roasted, it is also used to make special pepper soup. Frogs are also eaten in Southeast Asia, France, and some other parts of the United States.
8. Crocodile
Crocodiles are considered meat for the elites in countries like Asia, Africa, and even Australia. It is like a classic alternative to chicken and crabs. Some people disclosed that crocodile meat is firm textured and can be a little bit tough if it is slightly overcooked. It is high in protein and also contains fatty acids such as omega-3.
9. Tuna Eyeball
This is one of the Japanese fish delicacies that people barely know about. Tuna eyeball is a delicacy that almost seems like a nightmare, it is made with sauteed pepper giving it a savory and mildly spicy taste. This Japanese dish is said to be one of those delicacies that taste far better than they look.
10. Duck Tongue
Most people don't even know that ducks have tongues, before discussing how it tastes. Well, ducks do have tongues and they are more delicious than you can imagine. Mildly fried and seasoned, just like any other animal, duck tongues are fatty meats and melt in the mouth. So yummy!
11. Cats
You might find this unbelievable but some Asian culturetures eat this pet as a healthy source of protein, you can find this on the menu of cuisines and restaurants across China, Korea, and Vietnam. They do not see these pets the same way we see them.
12. Octopus
Octopuses are cooked and eaten in many ways and across the world. Often, it is prepared by grilling or boiling, boiling makes it tender while grilling gives it a strong smoky flavor but some food adventurers eat the creature alive.
13. Chicken Feet
Chicken is a meat variety enjoyed around the world, but chicken feet are particularly enjoyed in South Africa and Asia. They are considered delicacies that can be grilled or fried and enjoyed at any time of day. Many people find that chicken feet have a unique flavor that sets them apart from the rest of the chicken.
14. Snails
Snails can be prepared and enjoyed in a variety of ways, one of the most popular ways is called escargot. Escargot is a French delicacy where snails are cooked with herb butter and garlic, it can be enjoyed with pasta or spaghetti. Snail is widely enjoyed in several countries like Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Nigeria.
15. Goat Head/Sheep Head
The head of a goat or sheep is mostly enjoyed in countries like Morocco and Ethiopia. The head is either roasted or stewed, but in other countries like Italy and France, it is pate or used as stock for soup and stew; the eyes and the brain are said to be the most delicious parts, but it is hard to tell which country eats it the most.
16. Cockscomb
This delicacy is most common among European chefs, the combs from the head of a recently deceased cock are roasted and garnished with sauces and spice, and cockscomb can be enjoyed with grains or cereals.
17. Scorpion
Scorpion is widely eaten in China. It is deep-fried and sold on roadside stalls on the streets. Scorpions might believe in poison and strange animals to eat, but eating something as such makes one feel like an immortal god or goddess.