Guinea Pig Peruvian Food Peru Food

Cultivated by the incas in the andes for centuries the guinea pig was cheaper to raise and required less room to farm than pigs and cattle. Believe it or not guinea pigs originated in the andean region colombia ecuador bolivia and peru and were originally raised specifically for eating. Guinea pigs are also high in protein and low in fat and cholesterol.

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Eating Cuy Peruvian Guinea Pig Delicacy Food Travel Peruvian Recipes Local Cuisine Amazing Food Experiences

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Guinea pigs are cute and cuddly and eating one is like eating your pet dog.

Guinea pig peruvian food peru food. A typical meal of cuy guinea pig served with salad and potatoes one of the more unique delicacies in peruvian food is cuy a baked or fried guinea pig served with potatoes. When cooked guinea pigs tend to have an expression of either a maniacal joy or b blood curdling terror. Guinea pig cuy is a delicacy that is very typically associated with typical peruvian cuisine but it is also eaten throughout other countries of south america such as ecuador colombia and bolivia. A traditional food guinea pig called cuy in peru has been served whole on special occasions since inca times.

Cuy pronounced kwee which is guinea pig. It s not a regular meal for peruvians but is often served on special occasions such as holidays and birthdays. Even if you didn t the very sight of a roasted guinea pig can send shivers down your spine. It wasn t until the spanish came and started sending guinea pigs to europe that the furry creatures were treated as pets.

Eating cuy is such a tradition in fact an estimated 65 million guinea pigs are consumed annually in peru that there are festivals celebrating the humble beast with contests for the best dressed largest and of course best tasting guinea pig. What they are is a delicious delicacy best served with potatoes and salsa. While it might seem unconventional to tuck into furry critters better known as domesticated pets in the west this indigenous mammal has been a staple. At first it was hard to get permission for.

Peruvians even declared a national holiday every second friday in october to celebrate the guinea pig. Ex pat bolivians and peruvians are prepared to pay 30 for a guinea pig that they eat on special occasions chopped up and deep fried a bit like chicken. In peru it s estimated that some 65 million guinea pigs are consumed each year. Guinea pig or cuy as it s known in peru is a tough one to swallow if you ve ever had a guinea pig as a pet.