Peru School Raises Guinea Pigs for Eating

[Tiah]

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20041019/ap_on_fe_st/peru_guinea_pig

Peru School Raises Guinea Pigs for Eating

2 hours, 11 minutes ago Strange News - AP


By RICK VECCHIO, Associated Press Writer

LIMA, Peru - After 34 years of patient tinkering, researchers at Peru's most prestigious agrarian university have bred a new culinary export they hope will scamper onto dinner plates throughout America and the world: the super guinea pig.


AP Photo


AP Photo
Slideshow: Super Guinea Pig




The animal is a cuddly companion for millions of children in the United States. But in Peru, the rodent's birthplace, it remains a vital source of protein in rural communities, a mainstay of Andean folk medicine and a common religious sacrifice to the gods.


"It is well known that Peruvians eat guinea pig. Foreigners are more reluctant to eat it as they see the animal as a pet," said Gloria Palacios, director of La Molina National University's project to promote guinea pig exports.


"I think if they become familiar with the cuisine, maybe suddenly they'll give in and be tempted to try it," she said. "It is really delicious."


Peruvians consume an estimated 65 million guinea pigs each year. It is a dining experience that normally requires two hands to pick scant, sinewy meat from a bony carcass — often with the head staring up from the plate.


But earlier this year, La Molina university started exporting the "Peruvian Breed" — faster growing, plumper, tastier guinea pigs — to the United States, Japan and several European nations that have large Peruvian immigrant populations.


The 1,000 guinea pigs shipped out weekly — mostly to the United States — each weigh nearly 2 1/2 pounds, said Dr. Lilia Chauca, head researcher of the breeding project.


In comparison, she said, the guinea pigs raised on alfalfa and vegetable peels in nearly every rural Andean household weigh between 10 1/2 ounces to 1 1/2 pounds.


The meat is high in protein and low in fat and cholesterol and has a distinctive flavor, similar to rabbit. Chauca and her team of researchers at La Molina's National Institute of Agrarian Investigation started the super-size guinea pig project in 1970.


Archaeological evidence shows guinea pigs were domesticated in Peru as far back as 2500 B.C., and had deep cultural and religious significance. Guinea pigs are still a common tool of ritual healers, or "curanderos," who use the animals to diagnose illnesses.


A 17th century native chronicler, Guaman Poma de Ayala, wrote that the Incas sacrificed 1,000 white guinea pigs along with 100 llamas in Cuzco's main plaza each July "so that neither the sun nor the waters would harm the food and the fields."


From the beginning of the Spanish colonization, the Catholic Church brutally suppressed Indian religious icons. But the guinea pig was spared.


Geronimo de Loayza, the first bishop of Lima from 1545 to 1575, refused a request by Spanish priests to order the mass extermination of the rodents, fearing it would spark a rebellion.


The Spanish colonizers made Indian artists paint, weave and carve items with Catholic themes to decorate churches and evangelize the natives. The artists copied prints imported from Europe, but added Peruvian touches.


Today, churches in Lima and Cuzco still display Indian depictions of the Last Supper with Jesus and the 12 disciples eating roasted guinea pig.

[moosmom]

EEEEWWWWWWWW!!!!! :p :p :p :p :p

[Tiah]

My thoughts, too! Yuck :eek:

[sirrahved]

I don't have any problems with anyone eating any animal that is raised to be eaten... and I won't acknowledge any arguments against me... but all of you are welcome to your own opinions!

[animal_rescue]

waaaa!! I cannot eat my pet! *Huggles Squishy, Flo, and Peaches!*:( thing is Squishy is a PERUvian guinea pig:p

[Twisterdog]

Rabbits are eaten here. Why not guinea pigs there?

The dish is called "cooie" ... I'm sure that is not how it spelled, but that's how it sounds.

My brother and sister have both traveled extensively in Peru, and eaten it many times.

I wouldn't personally eat it, unless I had no choice, but I don't eat rabbits or Cornish game hens either .... I don't like to eat little animals, don't ask me why. A chicken is the smallest thing I'll eat.

I honestly do not see why people in this country get so up in arms about what people in other countries eat. An animal is an animal is an animal. You'll eat a chicken, but not a guinea pig? What's the difference? Because one is "cuter", to you, it's not ok for someone else to eat? I so don't understand that logic. It's truly none of our business.

[guster girl]

I don't personally have a problem with anyone eating anything. I have a problem with the way a lot of animals are treated before they're killed for human consumption, but, that's not what's being discussed (and, yeah, I know I'm a bit hypocritical saying that even, because I still eat meat). I wouldn't eat dog or cat on a regular basis, but, I'd probably try it. Some people keep pigs as pets, but, I'm not going to feel badly for eating bacon. I would probably try almost any meat at least once, but, I will not eat anything off an animal's carcass where the head is still there. Or legs or eyes or ears. Up until about three years ago, I wouldn't eat most seafood, because of the legs and things. But, if it's just a piece of meat on a fork, I'd try it. It's stuff that looks like what it was, that I have a queasy stomach about. :)

[PJ's Mom]

Maybe if I show my pigs this article, they'll feel threatened and start behaving better. :D

[Tiah]

I wasn't bashing, or getting upset. I see nothing wrong with it. I just posted it here to get others opinions.

[Corinna]

I personnal not sure I could eat it either ,but I never thought I'd eat mountian lion but i did and it wasn't bad. I have eaten rabbit all my lfe. Now horse meat is something I couldn't eat Knowingly.

[lizbud]

Quote "had deep cultural and religious significance"


They said the same thing about cannibalism. :D


Well, I could never eat any animal I had gotten to know
personally.:) (or any of it's relatives)

[sammy101]

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

[Desert Arabian]

Originally posted by Twisterdog
Rabbits are eaten here. Why not guinea pigs there?

The dish is called "cooie" ... I'm sure that is not how it spelled, but that's how it sounds.

My brother and sister have both traveled extensively in Peru, and eaten it many times.

I wouldn't personally eat it, unless I had no choice, but I don't eat rabbits or Cornish game hens either .... I don't like to eat little animals, don't ask me why. A chicken is the smallest thing I'll eat.

I honestly do not see why people in this country get so up in arms about what people in other countries eat. An animal is an animal is an animal. You'll eat a chicken, but not a guinea pig? What's the difference? Because one is "cuter", to you, it's not ok for someone else to eat? I so don't understand that logic. It's truly none of our business.

Ditto!! I sure do like you, Twisterdog! :p :D

[sirrahved]

It's "cuy" and I have pictures...

[Barbara]

South America had never big animals like bison etc. So people always needed to get their proteine in other ways and guinea pigs are traditional food. What you eat and what you don't eat is very much defined by your cultural background. (Just think about snails in French cuisine or pork or even sauerkraut ;)).

The problem is mainly how animals are treated before they get killed.

However I agree to be such a whimp in my own culture that I don't eat rabbit and even lamb :( although I know it is irrational. So no guinea pigs for me either. (Sometimes I say I'm a part time vegetarian;) )

[DJFyrewolf36]

I'll try anything at least once ;)

I'd sure have a problem if the head was staring at me though! I dunno, I don't think I could eat food that stared back at me...

I should probibly go throw out that old brocoli then huh? lol

[Logan]

Sirrahved, you made it clear, long ago, that you had eaten Guinea Pig. It angered me that you made such a statement on a Pet of the Day thread, when someone's precious pet was being honored. :(

I don't condone Guinea Pigs as a source of nutrition, as I wouldn't a rabbit, cockatiel, hamster, etc. But in a way, I'm a hypocrite because I do eat beef, pork and chicken. I do not touch lamb, veal, or wild game. I guess I'm a confused eater, and truth be told, I'd probably be better off getting my protein from legumes, rather than meat. :o

[sirrahved]

Logan,

I posted that long ago when I first joined the board and have since apologized. I hadn't felt out the dynamics of the board yet. I said that thinking I'd get a laugh, but I realize now that I've hurt people. If you want to hold a grudge, your choice.

And if you're PO'd that I asked if anyone wanted pictures, I thought some might ACTUALLY be interested in seeing the cultural difference. Everyone in my tour group took photos.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

*blows off steam*

There, I feel better!

[flamepony12]

Originally posted by Tiah

Peruvians consume an estimated 65 million guinea pigs each year. It is a dining experience that normally requires two hands to pick scant, sinewy meat from a bony carcass — often with the head staring up from the plate.


ummm, i have to admit, that's a little gross. :(

[chrissycat21]

Originally posted by PJ's Mom
Maybe if I show my pigs this article, they'll feel threatened and start behaving better. :D

You'll have to tell me if that works! lol Taffy feels that he has to wake me up every morning at 6...:p

I knew that they used to eat guinea pigs in Peru, but I didn't think they still did. I think its disgusting to eat any animal, but I know most people disagree with me.

Poor piggies. :(

[guineapiggie13]

I found this post, and I am sorry, but as a strong guinea pig PET LOVER, I have to say I would never, ever, ever eat it even if my life depended on it! (seriously) please tell me this will never happen! I love guinea pigs!:( but i understand it is a food source for peru, but it doesn't mean it should be for abundant north america that doesnt really need a pet to be cuisine:(

[Twisterdog]

Originally posted by guineapiggie13
i understand it is a food source for peru, but it doesn't mean it should be for abundant north america that doesnt really need a pet to be cuisine:(

No one said or implied anywhere that guinea pigs were or should be eaten in North America. The article, and the post, is about Peru only.

[swimma253]

ugh! That just DISGUSTS me! Just the sheer thought of eating poor innocent Rodney makes me cringe! That picture was just horrid! No matter how "delescious" they may be, you could never talk me into eating one!:mad: :(

[guineapiggie13]

well it's just that it sounded like guinea pigs were going to be shipped to north america, that's all im sorry if i misunderstood

[ILoveReptiles]

*shrugs* Hey, they eat iguanas and snakes in some places of the world too. I don't really have a problem with it, but I'd never do it myself.

[carole]

I just watched a programme Intrepid Journeys where one of our NZ'ers visited Peru, and saw the live Guinea pigs in the cage, that distressed me, awaiting their fate, the women just picked it up so roughly like she could not care less, and probably didn't, I am not sure how they are killed, but for me that would be my main worry,that it is humane.(and it appears NOT to be) grrr.....

I also noticed there were many in the cage, no water or food,and it's hot in Peru in the summertime.

So whereas I would never eat them either, and its hard for us to understand because we have only ever raised them as pets, it is no different to them I suppose than eating pig, sheep or cow, or rabbit, all of which can be pets..

Totally off topic but did you all know in the capital city Lima (I think its called) there are no public toilets, people just do their stuff anywhere and the place pongs of course EEWWH!!

[tatsxxx11]

I swore I was not going to read this when I first saw it posted. I knew for sure it would be upsetting and I had every hope that it would just "drop to the bottom." I see however that it has held the interest of many and at this point, feel compelled to reply.

I find it in very poor taste to discuss this topic. in this context, so light heartedly on a pet forum where the subect of disscussion, the item on the menu, is a creature that many, many people here cherish as members of their families, including myself. This was not a rallying cry to elicit outrage, or bring to our attention animal abuse. or even to be informative but rather, to shock. Yes, many people here are not vegetarians and eat a host of animal products. But it is the insensitivity with which this is being discussed that is troubling to me.

And no guinepiglover, you were not mistaken about them being exported to the U.S. for consumption.

The 1,000 guinea pigs shipped out weekly — mostly to the United States — each weigh nearly 2 1/2 pounds, said Dr. Lilia Chauca, head researcher of the breeding project.


Thank you bringing this to my attention for this is surely something, as a guinea pig rescuer, that I will be looking into.

Yes, I remember the reply you posted on that Pet of the Day thread Sirravhed; that was unconscienable. I don't care where on earth it is common practice to consume guinea pigs, cats, dogs or horses or whatever animal, that's not the point. THIS is a forum for animal lovers, not a recipe exchange for tasty pets. Would you dare to post an article discussing and describing the slaughter and consumption of cats, post photos of dogs hanging from meat hooks in Korean markets, then tell us all how much you enjoyed eating them?

In defense of your reply to the guinea pig Pet of the Day you wrote:


I posted that long ago when I first joined the board and have since apologized. I hadn't felt out the dynamics of the board yet

Did you really need to "feel out the dynamics" of the board before deeming whether that remark to be tasteless and cruel? That's where I have the problem; not so much in discussing the topic intelligently, for gaining some insight into what goes on in other parts of the world, but in your motive which was neither.

Did you REALLY think the family would find that funny? It bothers me that you seem to find something humorous in all of this. I could care less what you choose to put on your plate for dinner or poison your body with. But when on this board, why not show a bit of sensitivity for others and keep your dining preferences to yourself when it comes to our pets? Or perhaps you just enjoy getting a rise out of people? You surely must have known it would.

There are a lot of " cultural practices" that are considered acceptable in some parts of the world, but considered highly offensive and immoral in others and you might want to take that into consideration when posting here.

[guineapiggie13]

I just have to say well said to you who posted before! :)

[Tiah]

Originally posted by tatsxxx11

I find it in very poor taste to discuss this topic on a pet forum where the item on the menu is a creature that many, many people here cherish as members of their families.

I am sorry you feel that way. There is a reason why I posted in the Dog House, you know.

[K9soul]

It may be the Dog House but as Karen stated in another thread once, we can still try to be sensitive to the people here. I'm also well aware some countries eat dogs and cats, but I would find it upsetting to have someone walk up and chat to me about eating dogs, showing me pictures of it. I don't condemn them for having a different culture, but I would hope my friends and acquaintences wouldn't find it an amusing topic to bring up and discuss/look at with me.

I think of Pet Talk as a pet message board first and foremost, and the Dog House is still part of Pet Talk, and filled with pet lovers. I think we should be especially sensitive about people and their pets here. Even if the topic doesn't offend you, I think it should be taken into consideration that for some it might be really upsetting and disturbing. As Sandra noted, it doesn't seem to be an outcry or a post sharing something upsetting, it seems like a discussion on the food aspect of it (for lack of better words). For many here, their pets are their kids. If it's something you find interesting and want to talk about more, maybe it'd be more appropriate for an exotic cuisine board, rather than a pet board.

[guster girl]

I adore guinea pigs, would never eat them, and, was completely not offended in the slightest by this thread. It's obvious what the thread is about, ya know? If it was something I knew was absolutely going to p*ss me off or really upset me or whatever, I just think I'd avoid reading it. That's just me, though.

[K9soul]

Originally posted by guster girl
I adore guinea pigs, would never eat them, and, was completely not offended in the slightest by this thread. It's obvious what the thread is about, ya know? If it was something I knew was absolutely going to p*ss me off or really upset me or whatever, I just think I'd avoid reading it. That's just me, though.

My intentions aren't to get in an argument here, I think arguments are usually rather fruitless and more frustrating and draining than anything, but I want to clarify what my point is here. It may not have offended you in the slightest, and that's fine, but being that this is a board full of pet people with varying levels of emotional sensitivity, I think a nonchalant discussion regarding the ways people eat one of the common pets around here is rather insensitive as a whole. It did appear to be something posted to see what reactions would be elicited at a place where so many have guinea pigs as beloved pets.

I'm fully prepared for some threads in DH to be disturbing, when I saw this one I thought it was someone sharing something they found upsetting, not something to just have a pleasant chit chat about. There was joking going back and forth about it, and while I think having humor in life is essential, there are times and places where it actually can be out of place and even insensitive. One of my husband's friends who didn't care for dogs once joked to me when Willie was at the vet's sick, asking me "is he dead yet?" It was meant to be a joke, but it was a horrible insensitive thing for him to do, especially as I was very fearful that he was indeed dying, and I think that's the first time I ever snapped and yelled at a guest in my home to "shut up." He was surprised.. and did apologize after awhile.

I just think it doesn't hurt to try to be sensitive to others about these things, it struck me as a bad place to talk and joke about it. And that is my opinion.

[wolfie]

Originally posted by Twisterdog
I honestly do not see why people in this country get so up in arms about what people in other countries eat. An animal is an animal is an animal. You'll eat a chicken, but not a guinea pig? What's the difference? Because one is "cuter", to you, it's not ok for someone else to eat? I so don't understand that logic. It's truly none of our business.

I don't understand the double standard either. All animals are equal - which is why I don't eat them!


Originally posted by chrissycat21
I think its disgusting to eat any animal, but I know most people disagree with me.

I agree with you :)

[guster girl]

Originally posted by K9soul
My intentions aren't to get in an argument here, I think arguments are usually rather fruitless and more frustrating and draining than anything, but I want to clarify what my point is here. It may not have offended you in the slightest, and that's fine, but being that this is a board full of pet people with varying levels of emotional sensitivity, I think a nonchalant discussion regarding the ways people eat one of the common pets around here is rather insensitive as a whole. It did appear to be something posted to see what reactions would be elicited at a place where so many have guinea pigs as beloved pets.


No argument from me, I knew what your point was, though.