If you’ve ever wondered whether or not you could eat a mouse to survive, wonder no more! The answer is yes; you can most definitely eat mice. Moreover, eating mice is quite common in some parts of the world—though we don’t recommend making it a regular part of your diet. So here’s everything you need to know about this unusual (but not altogether unappetizing) food source.
Can you eat mice to survive?
If you’re ever stranded in the wild with no food, you might wonder if there are any animals you can eat to survive.
And while it’s true that some animals are safe to eat, others can be pretty dangerous. So, can you eat mice to survive?
The short answer is yes, but there are some important caveats. Nevertheless, mice are a good source of protein and fat and can provide much-needed calories in a survival situation.
However, mice are also common disease carriers, so cooking them thoroughly before eating is essential.
Additionally, wild mice may have been exposed to toxins or other harmful substances, so it’s best to avoid eating them if possible. In summary, while you can technically eat mice to survive, it’s generally not advisable due to the risks involved.
Where in the World Do People Eat Mice?
You might think that eating mice only happens in dystopian novels or survival situations, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Many cultures around the world regularly consume mice as part of their diet.
China is perhaps the most well-known example; the fried mouse is considered a delicacy in some parts of the country.
Other regions where mouse consumption is daily included Africa, Australia, and South America.
Why Do People Eat Mice?
So why do people eat mice? Well, there are a few reasons.
First and foremost, mice are a source of protein. They’re also relatively easy to catch and require minimal preparation before they can be eaten.
In areas where food sources are scarce, mice can be a lifesaver.
That being said, even in areas where food options are more plentiful, some people enjoy the taste of mouse meat!
How Can You Eat a Mouse?
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to eat a mouse to survive (or if you’re just curious), there are a few different ways to go about it.
The most important thing is to ensure the mouse is adequately cooked; raw mouse meat can carry diseases that can be harmful (or even fatal) to humans.
One method for cooking a mouse is to skin it and remove its internal organs before roasting it over an open flame. Another option is to boil the mouse in water until the meat is cooked through.
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can even fry up your mouse like they do in China!
No matter how you prepare it, make sure that the meat is cooked all the way through before consuming it—just as you would with any other type of meat.
What do mice taste like
Mice belong to the order Rodentia, which includes rats, squirrels, and beavers. They are small mammals with long tails, slender bodies, and large ears. Mice are omnivorous creatures, and their diet consists of anything from insects to berries.
As a result, their meat can vary in taste depending on what they have been eating. In general, however, mice taste similar to other small rodents like rats and squirrels. Their meat is dark and lean, with a slightly gamey flavor.
While not everyone enjoys the taste of mouse meat, it can be a delicacy in some cultures. For instance, dried and roasted mouse is considered a delicacy in China.
So if you ever wonder what a mouse might taste like, chances are it would be something like a rat or squirrel.
Three Recipes for eating mice
1. Fried Mouse
Ingredients:
-1 mouse, skinned and gutted
-1 cup all-purpose flour
-1 teaspoon salt
-1/2 teaspoon black pepper
-1/4 cup vegetable oil
-1/4 cup hot sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Mix flour, salt, and pepper in a large resealable bag. Add the mouse to the bag and shake to coat evenly.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the mouse to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until golden brown.
4. Remove from the heat and drizzle with hot sauce. Serve immediately.
2. Mouse Stew
Ingredients:
-1 pound mice, skinned and gutted
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-1 onion, diced
-3 carrots, peeled and diced
-3 celery stalks, diced
-4 garlic cloves, minced
-1 teaspoon dried thyme
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1/4 teaspoon black pepper
-1 cup dry white wine
-4 cups chicken broth
-1 bay leaf
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper and cook for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.
2. Add the mice and cook for 3 minutes more.
3. Add the wine and chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Next, add the bay leaf and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly before serving.
3. Mouse Soup
Ingredients:
-1 pound mice, skinned and gutted
-2 tablespoons butter
-1 onion, diced
-4 garlic cloves, minced
-6 cups chicken broth
-1 bay leaf
Instructions:
1. Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 5 minutes or until softened.
2. Add the mice and cook for 3 minutes more.
3. Add the chicken broth and bay leaf to a simmer. Simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Conclusion
So there you have it—everything you need to know about eating mice! While we don’t recommend making it a regular part of your diet, know that if you are in a survival situation, this food source could save your life. And who knows? You might find that you enjoy the taste!
