“This horse is so raw, a skilled vet could save him.” However you serve it or eat it, horse is a great beef alternative for a number of reasons.
I had to tweak a Gordon Ramsay meme for this post because I know he’s putting up the good fight to encourage people to eat horse which was once eaten in the United States, and it was not because it was a trendy beef alternative.
Here Are 3 Facts That Will Make You Hunger for a Horse
In the United States and elsewhere around the world, eating used to be eaten regularly all the way up till 1951 although when it’s your means of transportation, the last thing you’ll want to do is eat your horse.
1. Horse Is What Should Be for Dinner Because It Is Healthy for You
Nobody ever says you’re a “fat horse,” and being called a stallion is on par with being a compliment although you are what you eat, you fat cow.
In an interview with Gordon Ramsay, the Scottish-born chef admits: “I’ve eaten horse”, and says that it is healthy, with lots of iron and half the fat of beef and far more Omega 3 essential fatty acids. He describes horse meat as “slightly gamey” and “packed with protein” – via the UK-based Telegraph.
2. Horses Are More Environmentally Friendly to Raise Than Cows
Whether or not you eat it raw or cooked with shallot, garlic, and thyme, it’s a good alternative for protein in an ever-growing world, and this just might be the viable alternative to the almighty cow. Although you might be wondering why not just stick with the cows? Well, give this article a read: “why horsemeat is better than beef”.
‘Meat production, with current animals, methods and volumes, is inherently unsustainable: 18% of all human-produced greenhouse gas emissions result from meat production and 30% of the land surface of the planet is used directly or indirectly for livestock.”
3. Americans Were Being Literal When They Said They’re “so Hungry, They Can Eat a Horse”
The United States doesn’t currently eat horse anymore, but throughout Europe, South America, and Asia they already do (4.7 million horses a year), most notably in Germany and France.
“For more than 150 years, Americans have eaten horse meat — both out of necessity, and for its unique taste. And at times, didn’t just eat it: they loved it, savored it, and treasured every last morsel. Our strange relationship with horses goes beyond companionship and into the realms of culinary enjoyment.” – via Priceonomics “When Americans Ate Horse” by Zachary Crockett, a good article worth reading.
In Japan, It Is Known as “Sakuraniku” (Cherry Blossom Meat) and “Basashi” (Raw Horse)
I never thought I’d ever eat a horse regardless of how many times as a kid that I said “I’m so hungry, I can eat a horse.” Now every time I’m in Japan, I seek out some raw horse.
Pictured is the raw version in Japan (“basashi“) where it’s dipped with grated ginger and garlic, scallion, and soy sauce. It’s sweet, tender and on the lean side, and I love it. The only thing better is having it with several beers at an izakaya, oishii desu.
Before you try to go find this in the U.S., don’t even bother trying to find a place because they only serve it overseas such as in Japan. These shots were taken when I was in Japan.
Journalist and broadcaster Janet Street Porter convincing people to try horse meat.
