Though all rats are not “Jerry”, people love them as a source of entertainment in every corner of the world. But do you believe some love rats not as a cartoon but as dishes? Yes, you might be disgusted by it now but for many, it’s delicious meat.
Rat is a common food in many places in the world and many Asian countries in particular. Their presence in the rice field is one reason behind it. Thailand, Taiwan and Vietnam are some Southeast Asian countries where rats are on the menu. Not surprisingly, most of the roadside stands sell that cooked rats besides the rice fields.
In China, generally, rats are sold as both raw meat and cooked. Some of the markets sell live rats also. Rat is prepared in various ways depending on personal taste. Grill, Barbeque, and Stew are the most common. In a stew, the rats are supplemented with vegetables. Rat stew is on a festival menu in the northern part of India. The Adi Tribe who resides there eat this special stew to celebrate their occasions.
Australian tribal people also consume rat meat. The Aboriginal people in Australia cook by holding them over the fire with a stick. In Africa, some communities have a long tradition of eating rats. In Nigeria, for instance, the African giant rat is a favourite among all ethnic groups. Rat stew is also famous in the Mexican state of Zacatecas. Since colonial times this traditional food has been served and it is known by the name “Caldo de rata”. It is seen as a piece of heritage and a matter of pride in that region. Many people even believe that it can treat diabetes, the flu and cough. It is also served to cure a hangover in local bars and restaurants.
It may come as a shock to some that the rat stew is quite famous in the neighbouring country of Mexico. Though most people in the United States of America don’t eat it, it can be found in the state of West Virginia. They offer this as an example of traditional local cuisine. Eating rat meat is also common practice among bushcraft survivalists. In Europe, rats were on normal diets many years ago. In parts of Europe, sometimes people used to eat rat pie. This was reported to have been a treat for the rich of France and England and was not consumed by the common folk.
There is a great chance that the consumption of rat meat will go beyond cultural and geographical borders and will be a common thing across the globe. According to FAO, the human population on Earth is expected to reach 9 billion by 2050, which will require a 50% increase in food production. Some experts suggest that farming and eating rodents could be one solution to this problem.
So, when are you going to eat one?
