Guinea Pig Lovers Gather in Peruvian Festival
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A warning to all our readers! If you are a fan of this little critter you may want to skip this story). When the people of Peru in South America, say they love Guinea Pigs, they really mean it! This weekend thousands of them gathered to celebrate the third annual Guinea Pig Festival in the small coastal town of Huacho near Peru's capital Lima.
Guinea Pigs starred in all the festivities, which include competitions for the most fashionable guinea pig, fastest guinea pig, biggest guinea pig and ..........the tastiest guinea pig.
Yes, that is correct, for in Peru, guinea pigs are not considered cute pets, but a tasty treat.
According to the Peruvians who have been eating these critters since the time of the Incas, they taste better then rabbits, have very little grease and are very high in protein. They are eaten whole, either boiled or fried. Other more elaborate recipes include stuffing the pig with eggs and exotic spices.
Unlike larger animals, the guinea pig, which is native to the area, is found in abundance and grows quickly, making it a staple for people in the villages.
One of the chef's that was judging the contest thinks it is time to introduce guinea pig meat to fine-dining restaurants all over the world.
On a positive note, the winners of the competitions do not get served as food - at least not on festival day!
What do you think-Are you ready to try some guinea pig meat - be sure to add your comments below.
Source: Telegraph.co.uk
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rexyboigamerover 6 yearsi own a guinea pig named BOWTIE which is Seven now and the oldest was 14 yrs old- rexyboigamerover 6 yearsWOOHOO GUINEA PIGS!!! :D
guineapiggyover 6 yearsPeople in South America raise guinea pigs like we take cattle. For them it is completely normal and if they saw us eat McDonalds they would be disgusted at us just like we are disgusted at them eating something that is completely normal for them. It's all just a matter of perspective. I own a guinea pig and sure, I would hate eating it because I have guinea pigs for pets. However, the people in S. America see them as if they were just meat. The Aztecs, however, believed black guinea pigs had special power and used them for healing the sick and dying. Th Aztecs also raised them for food too. It wasn't until explorers brought back guinea pigs and people found out they made excellent pets. Queen Elizabeth the First, actually owned a guinea pig. So as I say, it's about perspective.- GuineaPiggyover 6 yearsI own a Teddy guinea pig named Tiberius. I got this guinea pig after my first one, that I had for three years, had to be put down because his teeth had Malloclussion and he was struggling to eat. I adopted Tiberius from an animal rescue around us, this was probably the best thing I have ever done. The person that the rescue got the animals from was not a good breeder. The person kept bunches of guinea pigs and rabbits in together. There were even quail, for goodness sake. As far as I can tell, when the rescue took the animals from the breeder, all of the animals were in awful shape. But with help from the rescue the animals soon became healthy. I am glad to report that Tiberius loves his big cage and enjoys having a cage all to himself! He is one of the best tempered guinea pigs I have ever met and doesn't bite... At all! If you are looking for a guinea pig or other animal to adopt, see if there is a rescue or shelter around you. I am positive that this was the best idea... Ever!
- dannyboiiiiiiiiover 6 yearsi love guinie pigs.
xolivia_rocksxover 6 yearseww why would you eat one thats so sAD?!?!?- blue hat personover 6 yearsI would NEVER EVER eat a guinea pig!
- peru haterover 6 yearswhy i have two of my very own they are the cutest animals in the world
- rexyboigamerover 6 yearsi live in peru
gymnastfr11over 6 yearsMy family and I have three guinea pigs they are the cuitest🌝
- guinea pig loveover 6 yearsi love guinea pigs i have my very own!
- boiover 6 yearsi have one