Sometimes, I tell myself that if it’s from the sea, the salt water probably washes away germs and keeps the animal clean… But for some of these sea animals, I might need a little more convincing.
1. Seahorse
Out of all the sea animals people eat, I couldn’t believe this one until I saw it. People in China actually sell fried seahorse on the streets! :o
(Photo via flickr.com)
2. Sea Lion
Yes, sea lions. Sea lions are consumed in parts of Alaska and are said to be chewy. If you search, you will find recipes on how to cook them. 0.0 There is little evidence to prove that sea lions are consumed elsewhere.
(Photo via flickr.com)
3. Starfish
Like seahorse, starfish in China is deep fried and served on a stick.
I imagine it’s pretty hard and crunchy.
(Photo via flickr.com)
4. Turtle
Sea turtles have long been consumed in different parts of the world, however, the population is becoming critically low fast, so many of its species have become endangered, leading sea turtle hunting to be illegal in many countries. It is also dried and shredded in parts of Asia and served as a snack.
(Photo via flickr.com)
5. Manatee
Manatee meat is said to adapt readily to recipes for beef. In fact, the manatee is known as the cattle of the sea and is mostly eaten in parts of West Africa, despite being illegal in most places.
(Photo via flickr.com)
6. Lionfish
Though poisonous, if properly prepared, lionfish can taste much better than the snapper and has an even better texture of meat. However, because of fear and lack of expertise, it is not consumed in many parts of the world.
(Photo via flickr.com)
7. Krill
These are like baby shrimp, except that they have many tiny legs and external gills. If you love shrimp, you’ll absolutely love krill, despite the fact that they are usually used as fish bait–probably because they are under-discovered as awesome seafood.
(Photo via flickr.com)
8. Shark
Yes, sharks are high among the list of sea animals that you might not have known are edible. Sharks have been eaten in parts of the world by seafarers and local fishermen as a sign of prowess. It is also believed to boost male libido. Pictured above, shark fin soup is popular in Asia.
(Photo via flickr.com)
9. Crocodile
Like sharks, crocodiles are thought in parts of the world to boost male libido and also eaten as a sign of prowess. However, in some countries, only the tail of the crocodile is consumed, leaving the body to be discarded. This practice is illegal in most countries. Even so, crocodile meat is pickled in Cuba and served as a delicacy in some parts of America, Thailand, China, and South Africa.
(Photo of crocodile tail fillet via flickr.com)
10. Whale
No, that’s not beef steak, it’s whale steak! Like the steak we are used to, there are different cuts in the world of whale meat. The tail or fluke meat is more expensive than the belly meat, fetching for up to $600 per kilo. Now, as if it weren’t interesting enough, imagine eating them raw! That’s right, whales are simply a must have in your sushi if you are ever to visit Japan, or a Japanese restaurant!
(Photo via flickr.com)
11. Cuttlefish
Cuttlefish is popular in Italy.
It is also dried, shredded, and served as a snack in parts of Asia.
(Photo via flickr.com)
12. Octopus
Octopuses (yes, not octopii) are consumed after careful preparation, including proper boiling to get rid of the residual ink, slime, and horrible smell. It can be prepared by itself or combined in a seafood mix. Octopuses are also eaten raw with special sauces in Japan.
(Photo via flickr.com)
13. Dolphin
I know, it’s sad. But it’s true…Dolphin meat is eaten in certain parts of the world, including Japan. It is also said to be an important source of food for the people of Nunavut, a Canadian territory.
(Photo via flickr.com)
14. Jellyfish
Jellyfish are mostly harvested in Southeast Asia for food and have to undergo a rigorous preparation process which can take up to forty days, before being ready for consumption.
(Photo via flickr.com)
They are often served cold in side dishes and salads.
(Photo of jellyfish salad via flickr.com)
15. Squid
This is popular in Japan and known as calamari in the US, Britain, and Mediterranean countries. You’d be surprised how many people don’t know calamari is squid!
(Photo via flickr.com)
Uh oh, somebody’s not happy about this.
