Animals such as pigs, cows, and chickens are a common food source for many of us, but there are other options for those who want to explore the culinary world. Many countries and cities create dishes using uncommon ingredients, and knowing what special meat options are in the world may inspire you to travel and experience new cuisine! Continue reading to explore a list of unique animals that people eat worldwide.
Chocolate-Covered Ants
Ants, like many insects, are a pure source of protein and, when prepared properly, will make a nice snack to eat by the handful. Covering ants in chocolate will make a sweet snack with a nice crunch.
In countries such as China or Thailand, these snacks are a local delicacy that one could compare to the crunch and texture of chocolate pretzels. Some places will substitute ants with crickets for a larger chocolate-covered snack, but ants are more abundant, making them more popular for dipping in chocolate.
Snails
Escargot is an edible treat in the Mediterranean, Europe, Africa, and Asia. The name escargot refers to a snail that someone plans to eat. Traditional French restaurants will serve snails to their customers after repeatedly washing them with salt water and feeding them only flour to clean out their digestive tract. Snails are easy to find year around, and the flavor is similar to chicken, with a slight taste of mushroom and other seasonings. However, this flavor depends on the method used to prepare the dish.
Tequila Worms
The tequila worm is a small snack to pair with an alcoholic drink. This worm is one of the unique animals eaten by people, and although numerous beliefs surround its effects, there aren’t any actual side effects of eating the worm.
People have the choice to eat the worm at the bottom of a tequila bottle or drink, but it doesn’t add anything to the alcohol’s strength or flavor. The worm tastes similar to chicken and has a similar texture, giving you something to chew on as you order another drink.
Crocodile Jerky
Although crocodiles are large, lethal creatures, their meat makes a delicious snack packed with protein and unique flavors. One of the most surprising facts about jerky you should know is that cooks can create jerky using many different types of meats, and crocodile jerky is a popular choice.
Crocodile meat is lighter than other meats and will appear similar to chicken, but most say it tastes like pork. Many people enjoy crocodile jerky in places where these large reptiles live, such as Australia and parts of Asia. Shops in the US will serve crocodile jerky and other forms of crocodile meat as a special delicacy to share with the world.
People from across the globe enjoy unique foods that you may not have thought to eat. Broaden your mind and consider trying dishes with these uncommon ingredients to expand your palate and find newer, exciting foods.
