Previously, we discussed a group of insects enjoyed as food by people from different countries. But did you know that some of us also have cravings for rodents and other mammals that, in our culture, plague our homes? You’d better believe it! In fact, some of the pest control services in their area hunt these animals down so they can sell them to hungry customers!
The idea might seem gross for us who consider eating rodents a taboo. But others look at these critters and see only mouth-watering delicacies. Let’s take a look at some of the mammals pestering us that have found their way into someone’s plate.
Rats and Mice
Rats and mice serve as staple food in many countries, particularly in India, China, Zambia, and Malawi, largely due to the substantial amount of protein they provide. The Chinese even took this practice one precarious step up, using these rodents as a wine flavoring as well as for medicinal purposes. It’s also proven that humans during pre-historic times rely on these critters for their dietary needs. Today, though, a lot of countries consider eating these pests a taboo and European states like Germany and the United Kingdom have banned its eating, citing ethical concerns.
Rabbits and Hares
Rabbits and hares are also craved by many for the meat they provide, and some countries in Europe, Australia, and the Middle East even raise them with the hopes of domesticating them. All in all, around 200 million tons worth of rabbit and hare meat is produced throughout the globe every year. As for taste, a lot of people say that it’s very similar to chicken meat, and even renowned chef Mark Bittman states that this is due to the rabbits having the same blank palettes most chickens possess. Indeed, cooking techniques for rabbit are similar to those employed when preparing poultry dishes.
Badgers
Native Americans back then used to rely on badgers not just for their fur, but for their meat as well! This practice would be later adapted by the European settlers. European countries like Britain also harbor a taste for these critters, and it was reported that citizens there used these mammals for meat from the period World War 2 up to the late 1950’s. Elsewhere, the French use badger meat in several of their dishes, including Blaireau au sang while in Russians and some of its neighboring states, consumption is still widespread (they particularly like it in their cooked goulash). Other countries around the world who find badger appetizing include Spain, Japan, and Croatia.
As strange and horrible as eating these pests might seem for some of us, there are people all over the world who crave for these animals with drooling mouths. And despite ethical and health concerns, these critters, nonetheless, provided them with their daily supply of meat and protein. Just in case, though, that these critters try to invade your home and you don’t want to capture them to enjoy their meat, call the nearest pest control and have your problem sorted out!