8 of the ugliest animals consumed by man
Have you ever tried a roast bat wing? So how about a lamprey pie or anglerfish fillet? Although these species are quite ugly and scary, there are many people who appreciate their parts in various preparations. They are on the list of some of the ugliest animals consumed by humans. Want to know more? Check it out below.
1 - Monkfish
Also known as frogfish, this deep-water species is much appreciated at tables around the world. Despite its ugly and even frightening appearance, experts say its meat is very tasty and many people are missing out on enjoying this fish due to the first impression of its look.
Like codfish, monkfish is a fish widely used in Portuguese cuisine, being part of very traditional dishes there. Monkfish fillet is quite versatile and allows preparation in various forms, the most popular being the stews. Fish is also well appreciated in several other European countries, the United States, Peru, Chile and Korea.
2 - Bat
It's not just our friend Ozzy Osbourne who likes to enjoy a nice little bat. Visitors from China, Thailand and even Australia may come across bats being sold in food markets and restaurants. Even with its 'wing rat' style and appalling appearance to most people, there are those who like it on the plate.
But it is not any species that is good to eat, according to experts. Fruit-eating bat varieties are the most popular for this purpose. Bat meat can be prepared roasted, boiled in soups or fries. Famous chef Anthony Bourdain stated in one of his TV shows that the bat exudes a strong smell during cooking. But despite that, the taste is pleasant.
As with many meats, the bat would taste very similar to chicken. The chef advises marinating the meat with some peppers, onions or garlic to soften the odor. Did you write it down? Bat lovers are located more in the Philippines, Thailand, China, and the Pacific Islands.
3 - Panopea (geoduck)
Generous Panopea or geoduck, as it is known in English-speaking countries, is a marine mollusk much appreciated in North American and Eastern countries. Due to its weird appearance, many people believe that it has aphrodisiac properties and consume it in various recipes. It can be cooked quickly or served in the form of sashimi and ceviche.
4 - Warthog
We are already used to seeing boar meat in some restaurants - and it is quite tasty, like pork. However, the wild boar can still be a little uglier than its relative consumed here. This is the only species of pig that has adapted to the pasture and habitat of the African jungle savannah. Its diet is omnivorous, consisting of grasses, roots, fruits, bark, fungi, insects, eggs and carrion. Its meat is usually prepared roasted, and the animal is most consumed even in his homeland.
5 - Lamprey
This hideous sea animal is like an eel, but without a jaw, for its mouth is like a circular suction cup, the same diameter as its body, reinforced by a cartilage ring and armed with an equally cartilaginous scraper tongue.
Several species of lamprey are consumed as food. In Portugal, lamprey is commonly consumed in recipes such as lamprey rice, roasted on a skewer or marinade sauce. In England, it is part of one of the most traditional dishes of the British family: the lamprey pie. If even the queen approves, then it must be tasty! In Spain, France, Japan and Korea, its use is also appreciated.
6 - Sea Cucumber
The sea cucumber doesn't look very good either, but it can be very nutritious. This gelatinous delicacy can be prepared in various recipes with other types of seafood as part of a stew because it absorbs the taste of any ingredient that is cooked together.
It is widely used in Asian cuisine, having high value protein and anti-inflammatory components, which Orientals believe are useful for treating health problems such as rheumatism, arthritis, chronic fatigue and impotence.
7 - Grouper
Although it looks like a sea monster, the grouper is friendly and has a mild flavor that makes it very popular in grilled or baked. Healthy and very nutritious, grouper is a great source of protein, low in calories, as well as calcium and iron. This fish can be used in any type of preparation - baked, boiled, grilled, fried or stew - and its unique flavor only needs mild spices and fresh herbs.
8 - Wolf Eel
This shallow-water eel-like fish feeds on crustaceans, sea urchins and mussels, crushing them with their strong jaws. It lies in the northern Pacific Ocean, from the Sea of Japan to northern California. With this uninviting face, the wolf eel scares first-time shallow-water divers, but is rarely aggressive.
However, if she feels threatened, it can give painful bites to humans. Nevertheless, it is edible and has slightly sweetened meat, which looks great in fried or cooked preparations.
* Originally posted on 4/28/2014.
Recommended
