EXOTIC FOODS FROM AROUND THE WORLD II

Balut (Philippines)

The most well-known exotic food in the Philippines is balut, a boiled duck’s egg which has the embryo inside. Balut is considered to be an aphrodisiac even though there is no scientific evidence for such a claim yet. But it is so certainly enjoyed by several Filipinos. Balut has been popular also abroad being featured in some reality tv shows like the American Hell’s Kitchen and Fear Factor.

The best balut variety is the one referred to as “wrapped in white,” also known in Tagalog as balut sa puti. “Balut sa puti” is a duck embryo which is a18 days old.  

Lutefisk (Nordic countries)

Lutefisk is a native dish from the Nordic countries. It is made using klippfisk(salted/dried whitefish) or air-dried whitefish (aged stockfish) and lye(lut).

It has gelatinous texture and has pungent odor. The literal meaning of the name is “lye fish.”

Lutefisk is commonly served with side dishes such as "old" cheese (gammelost), syrup, geitost (goat cheese), white sauce, clarified or melted butter, mashed rutabaga, white sauce, gravy, lefse, green pea stew, potatoes, green peas or bacon. Particularly, it is eaten with meatballs in the United States. The side dishes are different from family-to-family and region-to-region.

Kukicha (Japan)

Kukicha or bocha from Japan is a combination of stalks, twigs and stems and is commonly available as green tea. Kuchicha has creamy sweet and mild nutty flavour and is rich in calcium and antioxidants. Moreover, it helps to minimize acidity levels. It can be combined with juice as drinks for chidren. Kukicha has naturally very litte caffeine content.

Persimmons (Japan)

Persimmon, the national fruit of Japan, is a type of berry. They area eaten cooked, raw, fresh or dried and is rich in iron, calcium ant potassium - among some other nutrients. Regular consumption of persimmon helps lessen risks of heart attacks. Moreover, the peel minimizes signs of aging.

Czernina (Lithuania and Poland)

Czernina, also known in English as duck blood soup, is also created from hen, pig or rabbit blood.  It has sweet and sour taste from the balance of vinegar and sugar and is well-known in Lithuania and Poland. Other ingredients incorporated into the dish are honey, apple vinegar, dried pears, plum or pear syrup and cherries or plums. It has been an iconic dish in Poland until 19^th century. It was claimed by the "Polish Heritage Cookery” that it was given to an unsuccessful suitor implying that his advances are not accepted. Similar to some other Polish soups, czernina is served frequently with dumplings, macaroni, fried noodles, kluski and boiled potatoes.

Termites (Africa and Indonesia)

Termites are consumed in several cultures. Having a nutty flavour when cooked, they are said to be comparable with roasted almonds. They are cooked with no trouble in their own oils and richly contain fat and protein.  Termites are prominent in Africa and Indonesia where they are friend then consumed as roadside snacks.

Read more about exotic foods EXOTIC FOODS FROM AROUND THE WORLD I
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