The New Dark Meat - Raccoon!

by Marisa McClellan, Posted Jan 15th 2009 @ 9:59AM

Click the photo to see more Exotic Meat and Game

These days, we're used to seeing many varieties of poultry, beef, pork on our tables. Outside of those traditional protein sources, you also see ostrich, bison, rabbit and even alligator on restaurant menus. But have you ever encountered raccoon? It's gaining popularity these days as a main course, despite the fact that in order to become edible, it must be brined, soaked overnight, parboiled for a couple of hours and then braised, roasted or smoked

Exotic Meat and Game(click thumbnails to view gallery)

Although it's somewhat labor intensive, it's worth the effort, creating devotees wherever raccoon is available. People have actually been eating raccoon for years, as it's a readily available source of meat that is free for the taking if you have a little skill and the willingness to clean your catch. While it's not currently sold commercially, in many areas hunters are starting to sell their catch to interested buyers.

Have any of you had raccoon recently? How'd you prepare it? Was it worth the time it took to make it palatable? If you're really interested in making it yourself, click here to see prep instructions from Joy of Cooking.

[via Kansas City Star]

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Filed Under: Newspapers, Food News, Ingredients
Tags: cooking raccoons, CookingRaccoons, meat, raccoon

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Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)

1-15-2009 @10:29AM Astin said... I think opinions on Racoon could vary based on location of residence. Growing up in the suburbs and the city, when I think Racoon, I think cute thing that eats garbage and probably has rabies (hey, we were always told to stay away from them). It'd be up there with eating pigeon, crow, squirrel, or any other urban warrior of an animal. I'd see it as a disease-ridden pest.

But someone who grew up in a rural or forested area might have a different opinion.
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1-15-2009 @1:35PM Emelia said... I would have a very hard time making a meal of a raccoon. We have a few who hang out on our back patio and they are smart little buggers. Their hands are very dextrous so they can easily get into anything and everything that is not latched closed. Not only are they adorable to look at but they eat trash both in nature and in neighborhoods. I like to consider the diet of the animals I eat and I have seen the yuck these bandits enjoy.
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1-15-2009 @2:52PM christopher said... I never considered eating raccoon. Like my urban counterparts we were taught to watch out for them because of rabies and that would be enough to keep me from skinning one. Its like squirrel heads, probably not going make you sick, and probably not worth the risk despite being delicious. If someone offered my raccoon I'd eat it though.
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1-15-2009 @3:48PM toby said... First Squirrel, now raccoon? I expect mice/rats to be next on the list of 'foods' that give me the heebie jeebies. That said, if anyone knows a place in NY that serves it, I guess I would try it.
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