Are Squirrels Edible?
Of course, squirrels are edible and a rich source of protein. The practice of eating squirrel meat is not very common worldwide except in the USA, but now the demand for squirrel meat is increasing worldwide, especially in the UK. So, the shortest answer to “Are Squirrels Edible?” Yes, squirrels are edible, and you can eat them without any issues.
Good hunting skills make it easy to catch squirrels from your gardens or along the roadside. They are very clever animals and not easy to trap, but you can use different hunting gadgets and techniques to catch squirrels. You can also raise squirrels in a cage specifically for eating purposes. The trend of raising squirrels for eating purposes is now becoming commercial in the United States.
Squirrel meat is highly delicious and nutritious. You can consume it in any form you like. As it’s lean, you can consume it as barbecue, grilled meat, or squirrel casserole.
Summary
Are Squirrels Edible? Yes, squirrels are edible and an excellent source of sustainable protein. Squirrel meat is in demand worldwide due to its health benefits and nutritional content. This meat is highly beneficial in curing diseases like diabetes and heart and liver issues.
There are no side effects of squirrel meat, and it’s recommended that musk glands be removed to avoid a bitter taste. These glands are present near the neck, under the arms, under the legs, and near the belly.
Are Squirrels Good To Eat?
Yes, squirrels are good to eat and an excellent source of protein. The proteins in squirrel meat are highly sustainable for cooking. Its taste is nearly similar to rabbit meat: very tender, soft, and low fat.
Studies have shown that squirrel meat is highly beneficial in treating some diseases in humans, such as diabetes, cancer, and liver disease, and boosts stamina. This low-fat, nutrient-rich meat is highly suitable for heart health because of its cholesterol-lowering capability. For bodybuilders, this lean meat is highly recommended due to its high nutrient content and sustainable proteins.
Like other meats, squirrel meat may contain bacteria and parasites. Thoroughly clean the meat before cooking, and do not consume undercooked meat. There’s a possibility of tapeworms in squirrel meat because wild squirrels eat everything, and they are at a higher risk of bacterial and parasitic infections.
How To Clean A Squirrel Meat?
Now when you know the answer of “Is Squirrel Edible”? let me help you about how to clean it before cooking. The cleaning process of these small mammals is straightforward and short. Slaughter the squirrel and then remove the skin. After this, remove the intestine and other non-edible parts.
The most crucial process in cleaning is the removal of glands. These glands are present on the neck, under the arms, near the belly, and near the hip areas. These glands are visible as small grayish balls and are bitter. Leaving them on meat will produce a bitter taste, and it’s also not good for health. These musk glands are present under the flesh, so you have to cut the squirrels in pieces before removing the musk glands: John Lewis Thomas.
How To Store Squirrel Meat?
Squirrel meat is very easy to store, like any other meat. After cutting and cleaning, put the meat in a plastic bag or wrap it and refrigerate it. Before cooking the frozen meat, thaw it properly and then cook it at the recommended temperature to avoid any cross-contamination issues.
Conclusion
Squirrels are very active, tiny creatures, and their meat is an excellent source of sustainable protein. Squirrel meat has many health benefits, and its consumption is increasing daily due to its rich source of nutrients. Catching a squirrel takes some extra effort and techniques, but it’s delicious taste compensates for all these efforts. Hopefully, you will get a satisfactory answer to your question, “Are Squirrels Edible?”
