Unusual Meats Around The World

Adventurous people who love to eat often find themselves pushing the limit when it comes to dining choices.  Apart from engaging in exciting hobbies, activities and pastimes their palate sometimes also have the same cravings for something out of the ordinary.  For those who have the means to travel, a highlight of a trip to foreign lands and exotic locals surely include trying out the local gourmet recipe not commonly served back home.  For those who just stay at home, a source of unusual meats could be nearer or easier than most people think.  There are a number of companies that specializing in dealing with exotic meats from different parts of the world.  For most Americans the meat from buffaloes, goats and rabbits and game such as elk and antelope already fall into this category.  But for those who have even more exotic tastes, their choices of meats can cause other people to wonder if they’re looking at a menu or a zoo brochure.  Not a lot of people know animals like alligators, camels, ostriches, llamas and turtles are edible and consumed in many parts of the world – particularly in Australia, Africa and Asia.  Though consuming most of these meats are touted for their health benefits such as being low fat, hormone- and antibiotic-free, the motivation for more people is simply to satisfy the craving for something adventurous. Restaurants down under include menu items that highlight exotic meats.  There’s even some that combine three or more in a single serving like an appetizer or entrée with alligator, emu and kangaroo.  China and other Asian countries serve dog meat which is enough for some to consider making a report to PETA. The challenge comes when the frozen parcel of meat arrives at your doorstep.  Though some have similar qualities to beef, pork and chicken, there’s probably unique flavor and texture characteristics not to mention a different aroma.  Surprisingly, a number of these unusual meats when sliced into steaks and fillets  look like regular steaks.  Ostrich for instance can be cooked the same way as beef and the resulting taste is very similar without the high levels of fat and cholesterol.