What Do Slugs Taste Like? Do They Taste Good?

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Video fried slugs

Humans are curious being, often intrigued to know about obscure things, including food that doesn’t fall under the conventional realm.

In this case, slugs may not be mainly known as a kitchen delicacy but have stirred interest among a specific section of the people.

However, is this shell-less mollusk edible or safe to eat? Unless you’re into unconventional foods, these questions are probably in your mind.

In this post, we’ll reveal what slugs taste like. Not only that, we’ll answer crucial aspects related to it.

Let’s get into it without further ado.

What are Slugs?

what are slugs What Do Slugs Taste Like? Do They Taste Good?

The term ‘slug’ refers to all forms of gastropod mollusks without a shell.

It’s also commonly known as a land slug.

Various kinds of this species are found across the globe, varying in shapes and sizes, but the external anatomy remains the same.

Like snails, it has tentacles on its head, giving sensory and optical senses.

Instead of a shell, it has a mantle covering the top of the head.

Although these species are categorized under the same class-Gastropoda, significant differences start from behavior to anatomy.

Water comprises half of the slugs’ bodies. These mollusks are found primarily on moist ground after heavy rain.

You’ll find them in the damp area under rocks, tree bark, and fallen logs during the dry season.

They have soft tissues which make them highly prone to desiccation due to the absence of an outer shell.

Hence, mucus generation is vital for this mollusk in order to survive.

What Do Slugs Taste Like?

what do slugs taste like 1 What Do Slugs Taste Like? Do They Taste Good?

Most people might be familiar with snails as part of kitchen delicacy compared to this shell-less mollusk.

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[Click Here to Shop .308 Winchester Ammo]What we can do is provide a framework to understand what average conditions might look like, and whether those are reasonably viable for a shot from the average shooter to harvest a black bear in the fewest number of shots possible, i.e., ethically. Let’s dive right in. In the question of “Is the .308 Winchester within the ideal range of suitable calibers for black bear hunting?” our answer is: Yes, the .308 Winchester is A GOOD CHOICE for black bear hunting, under average conditions, from a mid-range distance, with a medium grain expanding bullet, and with correct shot placement.Let’s look at those assumptions a bit closer in the following table. Assumption Value Caliber .308 Winchester Animal Species Black Bear Muzzle Energy 2620 foot-pounds Animal Weight 340 lbs Shot Distance 150 yardsWhat is the average muzzle energy for a .308 Winchester? In this case, we have assumed the average muzzle energy for a .308 Winchester round is approximately 2620 foot-pounds. What is the average weight of an adult male black bear? Here we have leaned conservative by taking the average weight of a male individual of the species, since females generally weigh less and require less stopping power. In this case, the average weight of an adult male black bear is approximately 340 lbs. [Click Here to Shop .308 Winchester Ammo]What is the distance this species is typically hunted from? Distance, of course, plays an important role in the viability of a given caliber in black bear hunting. The kinetic energy of the projectile drops dramatically the further downrange it travels primarily due to energy lost in the form of heat generated by friction against the air itself. This phenonemon is known as drag or air resistance. Thus, a caliber that is effective from 50 yards may not have enough stopping power from 200 yards. With that said, we have assumed the average hunting distance for black bear to be approximately 150 yards. What about the other assumptions? We have three other primary assumptions being made here. First, the average bullet weight is encapsulated in the average muzzle energy for the .308 Winchester. The second important assumption is ‘slightly-suboptimal’ to ‘optimal’ shot placement. That is to say, we assume the black bear being harvested is shot directly or nearly directly in the vitals (heart and/or lungs). The third assumption is that a projectile with appropriate terminal ballistics is being used, which for hunting usually means an expanding bullet.Various calibersA common thread you may encounter in online forums is anecdote after anecdote of large animals being brought down by small caliber bullets, or small animals surviving large caliber bullets. Of course those stories exist, and they are not disputed here. A 22LR cartridge can fell a bull elephant under the right conditions, and a newborn squirrel can survive a 50 BMG round under other specific conditions. Again, the goal of this article is simply to address the question of whether .308 Winchester is within the ideal range of suitable calibers to harvest black bear - and to this question, the response again is yes, the .308 Winchester is A GOOD CHOICE for black bear hunting. [Click Here to Shop .308 Winchester Ammo]This article does not serve as the final say, but simply as a starting point for beginner hunters, as well as a venue for further discussion. Please feel free to agree, disagree, and share stories from your own experience in the comments section below. Disclaimer: the information above is purely for illustrative purposes and should not be taken as permission to use a particular caliber, a statement of the legality or safety of using certain calibers, or legal advice in any way. You must read and understand your own local laws before hunting black bear to know whether your caliber of choice is a legal option.Foundry Outdoors is your trusted home for buying archery, camping, fishing, hunting, shooting sports, and outdoor gear online.We offer cheap ammo and bulk ammo deals on the most popular ammo calibers. We have a variety of deals on Rifle Ammo, Handgun Ammo, Shotgun Ammo & Rimfire Ammo, as well as ammo for target practice, plinking, hunting, or shooting competitions. Our website lists special deals on 9mm Ammo, 10mm Ammo, 45-70 Ammo, 6.5 Creedmoor ammo, 300 Blackout Ammo, 10mm Ammo, 5.56 Ammo, Underwood Ammo, Buffalo Bore Ammo and more special deals on bulk ammo.We offer a 100% Authenticity Guarantee on all products sold on our website. Please email us if you have questions about any of our product listings. Leave a commentComments have to be approved before showing up Your Name * Your Email * Your Comment * Post Comment

However, some people consume slugs.

It may not be the aesthetically pleasing creature, and to have it may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

That said, unconventional food like this tends to have divided opinions.

Some people like it, while others may not. It also mainly depends on how you prepare it.

The texture is rubbery, and its outer body is quite slimy.

The taste of a slug would be best described as mild, closely similar to snails.

It also largely depends on the ingredients and the preparation process involved.

Because of the presence of mucus, it has a hint of bitterness.

In this case, proper cleaning is required before you proceed with the cooking.

Not many are enthusiastic about eating slugs, which is understandable.

However, some people relish this mollusk. Regardless, it has high nutritional value.

It’s a good source of protein and minerals and also has a high caloric value.

Cleaning these critters is crucial if you plan to have them.

Since they’re scavengers, they may carry parasites that might cause a potential health risk.

Once cleaned, you may prepare it any way you want, from stir-frying to backwoods boil.

We suggest using richly-flavored ingredients since it has a mild taste.

Want to know how to prepare these critters? Keep reading below.

How to Prepare and Eat Slugs?

how to prepare and eat slugs What Do Slugs Taste Like? Do They Taste Good?

Since slugs are scavengers, thorough cleaning is to prevent potentially life-threatening diseases.

They’re considered safe but come with a caveat.

If you plan on having these critters, putting them in a container filled with damp cornmeal for a day or two is highly advisable.

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Or, put it in wet lettuce, and let them purge.

Once done with toxic cleansing elements, proceed with your culinary adventure.

Some of the ways to have these shell-less mollusks are as follows:

  • Stir-fry slug.

Stir-frying these critters is one of the best ways to relish their taste.

First, you need to blanch slugs in boiling water and then slice them.

Take a wok or skillet to stir-fry along with vegetables.

Add soy sauce to enhance the taste further.

  • Slug pasta.

Give your pasta a new taste by adding these critters.

Stir-fry them in butter first, and then add the pasta sauce.

Let it cook under low-medium heat for ten minutes.

Fold cooked pasta in the mix and then serve it.

  • Deep-fried slugs.

Another great way to enjoy these mollusks is by deep-frying them.

Preparing this way will be an excellent introduction to slugs if it’s your first time.

First, you need to boil them in hot water for two minutes.

After this, immerse them in egg and then rub them in bread crumbs.

Deep fry them like how you do with fried chicken. Fry until it’s golden brown.

Conclusion

Slugs may not be the most pleasant-looking creature, but they are essential to our ecosystem.

Consumption of these critters is a personal choice but comes with a caveat.

Although it’s considered safe to eat, it’s prone to carry parasites that may pose a potential health risk.

If you plan to have it, ensure it’s adequately cleaned and thoroughly cooked.

Avoid raw slugs since they’re scavengers and are likely to have toxic elements.

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About The Author

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Ethan Smith is a seasoned marine veteran, professional blogger, witty and edgy writer, and an avid hunter. He spent a great deal of his childhood years around the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in Arizona. Watching active hunters practise their craft initiated him into the world of hunting and rubrics of outdoor life. He also honed his writing skills by sharing his outdoor experiences with fellow schoolmates through their high school’s magazine. Further along the way, the US Marine Corps got wind of his excellent combination of skills and sought to put them into good use by employing him as a combat correspondent. He now shares his income from this prestigious job with his wife and one kid. Read more >>