Facebook users were taken aback in shock when photos selling Iguana meat surfaced on the Facebook marketplace this Wednesday. But it turns out that eating iguana meat is nothing new. In fact, findings show that it is a common delicacy in Mexico, Central and South America — and in trendy U.S. restaurants that cater to anyone craving a Lizard entree.
“People have been eating iguanas since at least 10,000 years ago when humans reached the New World tropics. It was a readily available, not-too-dangerous food source. It’s always been part of the diet,” said William Kern, a professor at the University of Florida.
Health Benefits:
According to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, below are the health benefits and features of Iguana meat,
- Iguana meat is high protein and low fat.
- It’s well-suited for tacos, burritos, curries, soups, stews, gumbo and more
- The thick meat is often boiled for long periods of time to soften it up
- The meat has properties that can cure colds and increase libido.
“We had some neighbors from Trinidad. They would occasionally catch and cook iguanas. We’d be out riding bikes in the neighborhood, and they’d be out on the driveway and ask if we’d want a kebab,” Phillips said. “It was the glory days.”
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