My favorite part of the TV show “Fear Factor” is the horrified looks of contestants when they are forced to eat “strange” food. From live insects to cow brains, it’s amazing what some people would eat to win money. The show got me thinking about what different cultures view as normal food and what Western culture deem inedible. We live in a society where food is presented in neat packages, free of the gristle, head and innards of the animal. Food is also plentiful here and we have the luxury to choose what we want to eat. In other cultures, food is harder to come by and all aspects of an animal—brain, feet, insides—are readily and heartily consumed. From such parts there are many different delicacies and below is just a sampler of interesting choices. Bon Appetit.
Iceland
Hakari
After catching a shark, Icelanders bury the carcass in the ground for
several months till it’s good and rotted. Then they dig it up, cut it up and serve it cold.
Alaska
Stinkheads
A delicacy the Yup’ik Eskimos developed by cutting the heads off several salmon, burying them in the ground, then digging them up to eat. Apparently stinkheads are supposed to produce some hallucinogenic quality when eaten.
Papua New Guinea
Sago Worms
These worms feed off the Sago trees of Papua New Guinea. They are then cooked over a fire and served hot off the stick. Insects and worms have gained in popularity as a food choice due to their availability and their high protein content. In my research, I’ve found recipes for spider salad, banana worm bread, locust bisque and, my favorite, fried giant silkworm pupae.
Italy
Cibero
In Tuscany, there is a dish that utilizes the comb of a cock. You know, the red crown that male chickens have. Apparently the rooster comb is also a good source for Botox.
Philippines
Tiet Cahn
Duck’s blood is left to congeal on a plate and then spiced with lemon and herbs. It is customary to eat it with a cracker. Another interesting Filipino ingredient is Balut, a soft-boiled egg that contains partially developed duck embryo. This is a main stable on the “Fear Factor” eating challenge.
China/USA
Chicken Feet
A perennial favorite at dim sum, chicken feet have caused many of my friends to squirm when I order them. I love them. It’s tender and slippery when you first slip it in your mouth but oh so good. Remember to spit out the small bones before swallowing.
UNITED STATES
Opossum
President Jimmy Carter grew up eating opossum so it must be good, right? In addition, there’s rocky mountain oyster (bull testicles) and fried beaver tail.
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