Guinea pig, or cuy, is a common source of protein in Peru with an estimated 65 million rodents eaten annually. The meat is compared to rabbit and traditionally prepared by grilling. Other unusual animals eaten include squirrel brains in Kentucky, fried scorpions in China, and rat cane in Ghana.
Peruvians really do eat rodents: Guinea pig is a common source of protein in Peru, with an estimated 65 million rodents eaten each year in the South American country. Rural areas of Peru near the Andes are typically the most common guinea pig eaters. The rodents are raised on a diet that includes vegetable peelings and alfalfa. Peruvians refer to cooked guinea pig as cuy and the flavor of the meat is often compared to rabbit. It is traditionally prepared by searing or grilling the whole carcass over an open fire and then eaten straight off the bone using two hands.
Read more about unusual animals that are eaten:
In parts of the state of Kentucky, squirrel brains are eaten as a delicacy.
Fried scorpions are a common snack in China, with the taste of fried arthropods likened to popcorn and sold in bags or on sticks.
Rodents make up a significant amount of the protein consumed in Ghana: About half of the local meat consumed in the African country is rat cane.
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