Odd Foods

There are over 250 countries all over the world with all of them having their unique way of preparing food. However, what people in one country might eat on day-to-day basis can turn out be something rather inedible for others. So, “In this world what’s delicious is questionable.” and this post is going to talk about some of those foods that in my opinion kind of gross, they are not poisonous and are consumed by lots of people.
Century Egg.
Originated from china this egg, even though it is called a century egg, only takes a few months at most to prepare. A chicken or duck egg is covered in a mixture of dirt, ash and alkali and then buried into the ground, after a few weeks of this type of egg preservation it gives the egg a distinct green colour and a heavy smell of rotten eggs.

This is a traditional Chinese dish that has been around for centuries and according to the legend, it was discovered by one of the farmers that accidentally found eggs, that were left in the pool and decided to try them despise their dark green colour and smell.

It is usually prepared with tofu, served with porridge or rice, or served with pickled ginger root as a snack.

Blood Jelly.
This dish origin is located in South East Asia, Vietnam. This dish is said to be a result of farmers trying to use every part of the animal and getting the most nutrition out of it. Preparation includes mixing blood with fish sauce, chopped up meat, peanuts and herbs and leaving it in the fridge for up to a few hours.
This dish is often served as an entry during big dinners or celebrations.
Durian.
This fruit from South East Asia has been described as “Tastes like heaven and smells like hell”. Indeed this fruit has a very strong smell that reminds some people of rotten meat, fish and eggs. The outside of the fruit looks like an alien egg, green and covered in spikes. However what hides inside is what’s really interesting about this fruit. It is called “the king of fruits” for a reason. It contains high amount of Vitamin C, carbohydrates, potassium, protein and sugars. Durian is especially rich in natural fats that can help you to improve your health.

Durian is usually served as a desert by itself, however nowadays it can be found in candies, pies, ice-cream and pastry.

Fugu.
If it’s poisonous, don’t eat it this is one of the main rules that people usually follow in regards to food, however Japanese are famous in creating their own exceptions to the rules. Fugu fish has become one of those exceptions. Normally Fugu or puffer fish has a lethal amount of poison which is enough to kill. This type of fish has been consumed for centuries and was once considered as one of the most delicious type of fish that river could give. Today it is a popular tourist attraction, since it gives you the chills of eating a fish that could kill you. Chefs that prepare it are supposed to go through lengthy 7-year training, before they can start preparing it for the customers. Chefs with a lot of experience like to leave a tiny bit of poison on, which will make your tongue numb and they call it “the taste of death.” Just something to make the experience more exiting.

These 4 dishes are only a drop in the ocean of a vast variety of dishes, that are weird and unique, yet still amazing as they reflect the culture of the country of origin. I will try to cover them in my future posts.