Exotic Foods: It harms?

  Introduction  

  A. Exotic Foods  

The food which is weird or strange for a certain person. Exotic foods contain any unusual type of meats, vegetables, fruits, or spices with unique flavors or tastes.

  1. Exotic Fruits  

a. Horned Melons

b. Mamey Sapote

c. Prickly pear

e. Oriental melon

  2. Origin and Flavor of Exotic food  

  3. Nutritional Aspect of Exotic Fruit  

  4. Exotic Vegetables  

a. Asparagus

b. Lettuce

c. Kale

d. Zucchini

e. Artichoke

  4. Location and Taste of Exotic vegetables  

  5. Nutritional aspect of Exotic Vegetables  

  6. Exotic meat  

a. Antelope

b. Wild Boar

c. Beef 

d. Kangaroo

e. Buffalo

  7. Location and Taste of Exotic Meat  

  8. Nutritional aspect of Exotic Meat  

  9. Most Dangerous Exotic food  

a. Fugu

Fugu is the infamous Japanese pufferfish that contains a deadly toxin called tetrodotoxin.    If it is not prepared by a license chef who knows how to remove the poisonous parts of the fish the person can die within minutes of eating it. Even a tiny amount of tetrodotoxin can cause paralysis, respiratory failure, and cardiac arrest.

b. Casu Marzu

Casu Marzu is a type of cheese made from sheep’s milk that is infested with live maggots. The cheese is left to rot until the larvae of cheeseflies hatch and start eating the cheese. The maggots make the cheese creamy and soft but also release toxins and bacteria that can cause food poisoning, Allergic reactions, and intestinal infections. The maggots can sometimes also jump into your eyes, mouth, or nose causing infections.

c. Sannakji

Sannakji is a Korean dish consisting of live octopus chopped into small pieces and served with sesame oil and sesame seeds. The octopus tentacles are still moving and wriggling on the plate which seems too exciting for some people whereas horrifying for some people. The main risk of eating is choking on the suction cups which can stick to your mouth or throat and block the airway. 

d. Ackee

Ackee is a fruit that is native to West Africa but also popular in Jamaica where it’s part of the national dish of ackee and saltfish. It has a creamy texture and nutty flavor that goes well with savory dishes but it can also be fatal if eaten unripe or improperly prepared. The fruit ackee contains a toxin called hypoglycin which can severely lower your blood sugar levels and can cause a condition called Jamaican vomiting sickness. This can lead to seizures, coma, and death if left untreated.

e. Monkey Brains

This is a controversial delicacy in some parts of Asia and Africa where monkeys are killed and their brains are eaten raw or cooked. Some people believe that eating monkey brains can enhance intelligence or cure diseases, but no scientific evidence supports these claims. On the contrary, eating monkey brains exposes you to various diseases and parasites such as rabies, Herpes B virus, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) which is a fatal brain disorder.

f. Hakarl

Hakarl is a traditional Icelandic dish made from fermented shark meat. The shark is buried underground for several months until it decomposes and develops a strong ammonia smell. Then it is cut into pieces and hung to dry for a few months. The result is a pungent and rubbery delicacy that locals consider an acquired taste. Some people say it tastes like rotten cheese while others compare it to urine or bleach.

g. Pangium Edule

Pangium Edule is a tropical fruit that grows in Southeast Asia. It has a brown shell and soft pulp with large seeds inside. It has a strong and bitter taste. It is often used to make sauces, cakes, and candies. It is also believed to have medicinal benefits and can treat skin diseases and malaria. However, Pangium Edule is also extremely poisonous if eaten raw or improperly prepared. The seeds contain a substance called hydrogen cyanide which can interfere with the oxygen supply to your cells and cause suffocation and death. To avoid this, the Pangium Edule seeds must be boiled in water for several days before eating. The water must be changed frequently to remove the toxins.

h. Blood Clams

Blood Clams are a type of clam found in China and other Asian countries with red blood-like liquid inside their shells. They’re considered a delicacy by some people who eat them raw or lightly cooked with vinegar and ginger. However, blood clams can harbor pathogens and viruses such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis E, Typhoid, and dysentery. Eating them causes severe infections and liver damage.

i. Giant Bullfrogs 

Giant Bullfrog is  a species of frog native to southern Africa that can grow up to 20 cm long and weight up to 1 kilogram. They are hunted and eaten by  some people who consider them a delicacy and source of protein. However, giant bullfrogs can secrete toxins through their skin that can cause kidney failure if ingested. Moreover, young frogs that have not yet bred can contain another toxin called oshiketakata that can cause temporary paralysis.

j. Rhubarb Leaves

Rhubarb is a vegetable with bright red stalks that is often used to make pies, jams, and other desserts. The stalks have a tart flavor that balances well with sweet ingredients. But rhubarb also has a poisonous part that is it’s leaves leaves contain oxalic acid which is a chemical that can cause kidney damage, seizures, and death if consumed in large amounts. Oxalic acid can also be found in other foods like spinach and beet greens but in much lower concentrations. Cooking does not destroy oxalic acid. So rhubarb leaves never be eaten or used for anything.

  10. Risks of Exotic food