All about horse meat: history, taste and where it is eaten

All about horse meat: history, taste and where it is eaten

HomeCooking Tips, RecipesAll about horse meat: history, taste and where it is eaten

There is much controversy surrounding the consumption of horse meat. It is highly reviled in some countries such as the UK and parts of the US but it is a staple source of protein and is even considered a delicacy in others.

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Channel Avatar CBS News2013-02-21 17:45:09 Thumbnail
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Why Don't Americans Eat Horse Meat?

The truth is that horse meat has been rooted in the cuisine of many countries for centuries. It became widely accepted in French cuisine during the Second French Empire in the late 19th century when it was a cheap alternative to beef making it popular with the residents of the expensive city of Paris.

In America it became popular during World War II when other meats became scarce. Horse meat was the perfect substitute because it was cheap and also healthier than beef. In Japan from the 6th century until the 1860s the consumption of all four-legged animals was prohibited. However with the rapid advancement of technology in the 1960s when horses were no longer needed for transportation or agriculture they became a source of food.

In Central Asia horse meat is still one of the most important sources of protein and is widely used to prepare various dishes. In Uzbekistan horse meat is used to prepare naryn one of the most popular local dishes while in Kyrgyzstan it is used to make a popular sausage. However there are regional exceptions such as Turkmenistan where horse and pork are banned due to religious beliefs.