What does a raccoon taste like? If you’re a meat lover, especially exotic ones, this question would be in your mind.
Like any exotic meat, raccoon meat is not found on the open market.
So, many people don’t know what this meat tastes like.
Some may even wonder if it’s edible- to which we say yes.
This post serves as a guide to what raccoons taste like.
We will also provide tips on how to cook this meat and if there is any risk to having this raccoon meat.
What is Raccoon?
A raccoon is a nocturnal animal known for its intelligence. It’s a mammal found mainly in North America.
This little furry animal is known for its distinctive features, especially its tail and masked face.
Another fascinating aspect of this animal is that it’s been around for decades.
Raccoons are omnivorous animals and are surprisingly seen during the day.
It eats fish, snails, fruits, and vegetables.
You can also see them feasting on garbage in the city if there is food scarcity.
Hence, cleaning and cooking raccoon meat thoroughly is necessary before consuming it.
Raccoons are also scavengers, which make them likely to carry parasite or diseases.
Their meat might be nutritional, but proper cleaning and cooking are required.
It also applies to any exotic or bush meats since they are prone to carry diseases.
What Does Raccoon Taste Like?
The taste of raccoon meat may vary depending on what it eats.
If it feeds on dead animals or garbage, it is likely to have an unpleasant smell.
Raccoon meat tastes like chicken or turkey but greasier.
Some even say it tastes like beef, but that’s debatable.
Everyone has different taste buds, so you may not get the same feedback.
But one thing we can say is that- raccoon meat is tender and buttery.
It’s rich-flavored meat that tastes best when it’s roasted or barbecued.
This meat’s texture is tender, making it delightful to eat.
However, its strong smell might be offsetting.
We’d suggest using herbs or spices to eliminate the smell.
It might be smelly when raw, but once you cook correctly, the smell goes away.
Those who have tasted the meat also compare it to fried lamb.
It shares the same tender texture and flavor.
Unlike other exotic meat, raccoon meat is tastier, mainly because of its buttery texture.
It’s not chewy or strenuous, mixed with enriching flavor.
Eventually, it depends on how you cook the meat.
Correctly cooked raccoon meat shouldn’t be tough or chewy.
That way, you can enjoy its soft texture and the aroma of herbs.
Getting your hands on good quality raccoon meat would be an excellent way to enjoy this exotic meat.
It’s tastier, healthy, and safe for your health.
However, that seems challenging as this meat is not found mainly in the open market.
How to Cook Raccoon?
Raccoons are scavengers and filthy animals.
If you get your hands on this exotic meat, ensure that you clean it properly.
Wash the meat with clean water twice or thrice to get rid of dirt.
Once the meat is cleaned, set it aside and wash your hand before you proceed with cooking.
Slice the meat according to your preference and season it with salt and herbs.
This will help eliminate strong odor and make it more flavorful.
Since the meat is tender, you don’t have to marinate it overnight.
You can cook this exotic meat differently, but our recommendation is roasted.
Also, to have a better taste, remove fats from the meat.
Check the steps below to make a roasted raccoon.
But before that, these are required ingredients that you should have:
- ½ cup flour.
- Black pepper.
- Bay leaves.
- Onions.
- Cooking oil.
- Salt.
Season the meat pieces with pepper and salt; bread them with flour.
Take a frying pan and sprinkle cooking oil over it.
Put the pieces and then brown for some minutes.
Once the pieces are brown, transfer them to a roasting pan.
Add bay leaves and slice onion for more flavor.
Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake at 375F for two hours.
And there you go. The roasted raccoon is cooked and ready to eat.
What is the Risk of Eating Raccoon Meat?
Racoon meat is edible, and there is no risk attached to it unless it’s undercooked.
Since this animal is filthy, it might carry diseases or bacteria.
Hence, it’s crucial to cook thoroughly to eliminate these.
You’d be surprised to know that this exotic meat is packed with nutrients.
It’s healthier than beef and is a rich source of protein and potassium.
But be wary when purchasing raccoon meat.
Some people might sell infected ones, which we’ll not know, especially if you’re new.
Ensure that the meat doesn’t have too much odor.
Admittedly, it has a strong smell, but poor-quality ones might smell worse.
Avoid eating raw raccoon meat which might be dangerous.
Additionally, if you have health issues like a weak immune system, then it would be better not to have it.
We also advise pregnant women to avoid eating this exotic meat.
It might not be suitable for your newborn as this meat might carry diseases that would be harmful to your baby.
Compared to other exotic meat, raccoon meat is tastier because of its tender texture.
Eventually, it all depends on how you prepare and cook the meat.
Final Thought
As we conclude the article, we hope it was helpful and has answered your question regarding raccoon meat and its taste.
This tiny animal is popularly known for its distinct features and intelligence.
Its meat is tender and not chewy compared to other exotic meats. It’s edible and nutritional too.
However, avoid having undercooked raccoon meat as it may carry parasites or other diseases.
It might be harmful to your health, leading to various health implications.
So, clean the meat well before you cook it.
If you’re new, refer to the guide above on cooking and preparing raccoon meat.
