17 Exotic Foods That Are Not as Dangerous as You Think

Adventurous eaters often get curious about foods from around the world that might seem, well, a little intimidating. Perhaps you’ve seen these dishes on a travel show or seen them on the menu of a trendy restaurant. Many of them sound daring, edgy, even scary, but they’re actually much safer than you’d think. Once you’ve got a little bit of context, you’ll realize that these exotic dishes are more about flavor and cultural experience than any real danger.

In fact, many of these foods have undeserved reputations that prevent people from trying them. People around the world eat them every day with no problems, but the myths and misunderstandings keep growing, as preparation and ingredients are often mysterious. So let’s take a look at some of these interesting foods, why they’re safe, and maybe even encourage you to try something new.

Fugu (Pufferfish)

The fish is famously difficult to prepare because of the toxic tetrodotoxin. Fugu can only be served in Japan by licensed chefs, who become trained to prepare this deadly dish through rigorous programs that can extend over 3 years. Japan’s Ministry of Health says no deaths have been attributed to professionally prepared fugu since tighter regulations were introduced. This is to say that fugu isn’t something you should try at home all by yourself. Fugu is only safe for consumption when prepared by the experts.

Casu Marzu (Maggot Cheese)

Live maggots is something that often gives the Sardinian cheese a its bad reputation. However, this is part of what makes Casu Marzu so delicious. The cheese is mushed down by the maggots who produce a soft texture and very intense taste. Although it’s banned in some countries, locals in Sardinia still eat it and there are no known health risks of eating it as long as it’s fresh and handled correctly.

Escamoles (Ant Larvae)

Escamoles are ant larvae that have been eaten in Mexico since Aztec times, and are often called ‘Mexican caviar.’ They’re harvested with care and are considered safe and tasty, with a buttery flavor that’s great in tacos. Escamoles are packed with protein and minerals, and many tourists try them without problem.

Balut (Fertilized Duck Egg)

Balut is common in the Philippines and areas of Southeast Asia, and it may be intimidating when you realize it’s a partially developed duck embryo located inside an egg. As long as it’s cooked thoroughly, this street food is high in protein and safe to eat. Balut fans say it tastes like a rich, umami soup, and that there’s no danger to be had beyond overcoming its appearance.

Hakarl (Fermented Shark)

Iceland themselves try and ferment various seafood to kill off any toxins — we’re talking about items like crab, cod, mackerel, and of course, Greenland shark. Hakarl is eaten safely all around by Icelanders. The strong ammonia smell is actually perfectly safe and is even a delicacy at festivals. Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain even gave it a go, saying it was an ‘acquired taste’ not a dangerous one.

Century Eggs

Century eggs, also known as thousand-year-old eggs, are duck, chicken or quail eggs preserved in a process that takes a thousand years. Century eggs are completely safe, despite their unique color and strong aroma. The clay, salt and ash in which they’re cured improves their flavor while helping to preserve them. It turns out that century eggs are no more dangerous than hard boiled eggs.

Blood Sausage

Blood sausage or black pudding is consumed throughout Europe, Asia and Latin America. Blood, spices, and grains go into the sausage and the preparation makes it safe to eat. Cooking destroys the bacteria and heat from cooking kills it, so really blood sausage is not riskier than any other cooked meat product. It’s high in iron, which is really good for energy levels.

Huitlacoche (Corn Smut)

It’s a Mexican delicacy, a fungus that grows on corn, and is often likened to mushrooms for its earthy flavor. Huitlacoche, which is known as “Mexican truffle,” is packed with protein and antioxidants. The smut itself isn’t harmful and is even totally safe and delicious in tacos and quesadillas.

Bird’s Nest Soup

Bird’s nest soup is a very highly priced dish in China, obtained by the birds’ saliva cementing the nests of swiftlets together. It may sound strange, but the nests are cleaned thoroughly before cooking. Research in the Journal of Food Science found that bird’s nest soup is high in amino acids and safe to eat after cleaning and preparation.

Sannakji (Live Octopus)

Korean Sannakji is a dish featuring raw, freshly cut squirming octopus tentacles on the plate. The movement actually means the octopus is dead and fine to eat. The main thing is to chew it thoroughly, as the tentacles can stick to the throat. Many Koreans have no trouble eating sannakji, and even those who can’t are fascinated.

Kangaroo Meat

Kangaroo meat is lean, flavorful, and safe to eat when cooked — it’s common in Australia. It’s high in protein and low in fat, so it’s healthier than most traditional red meats. The Australian National University study found that kangaroo meat is no more dangerous than beef, so long as it is cooked to the appropriate temperatures.

Durian

Durian is nicknamed the “king of fruits,” and as a result, its smell is so pungent, it can be overpowering. Durian is a nutritious fruit with fiber and vitamins, but some think it’s hazardous because of its pungent odor. Fans say the flavor, a sweet, custardy one, is worth the initial shock, and it’s perfectly safe.

Sea Cucumber

Sea cucumber is popular in Chinese cuisine, but its appearance and texture are strange. It’s safe to eat, and it’s high in nutrients, despite fears. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. It’s about doing proper preparation, removing any bitterness, making it safe, and delicious.

Snake Wine

Snake wine is rice wine infused with a whole snake, and is popular in Southeast Asia. If it’s made the traditional way, the alcohol neutralizes any toxins in the snake and is safe to drink. It is said to have medicinal properties, even though it’s a bitter taste.

Surströmming (Fermented Herring)

Surströmming is a Swedish delicacy, a fermented fish, with a strong odor, that is entirely safe to eat and is served with flatbread and potatoes. The smell can be off putting, but somehow Swedes love its unique flavor. If handled properly, experts say the fermentation process kills off harmful bacteria and it’s safe.

Fried Tarantulas

Fried tarantulas are a Cambodian street food favourite, crunchy and often likened to soft shell crab. Fried thoroughly, they’re high in protein and safe. They are great as a savory snack, and the frying actually kills any potentially harmful bacteria.

Century Plant Liquor

This Mexican beverage is made from agave plants, and is similar to tequila, but usually has a worm or scorpion at the bottom of the bottle. The alcohol preserves the creature, and if you’re feeling brave, there’s no harm in eating it. It’s a funny, safe way to finish off a normal drink.

Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights

Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights

How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro

How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro

10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience

Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.

But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.

10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience