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Not a lot of croc: crocodile meat is edible when it’s cooked well
Food vendors and consumers have been hard hit by the escalating prices of chicken, eggs, and pork in particular, the latter has doubled in price since last year. It’s a situation that calls for some innovative ideas, and owners of crocodile farms have risen to the occasion by promoting the reptile’s meat as a cheaper alternative.
While a croc might be unappetizing to some, the health authorities are reassuring, saying it’s fine for people to consume the meat when it’s handled and cooked properly. Indeed, gourmets will tell you cuts from the tail and fillet as well as the penis are tasty.
A good source of protein that is low in calories and fat
Dr. Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai, chief of the Department of Health, says crocodile meat can be an alternative protein source when pork is expensive but advises people to remain vigilant when handling and cooking.
“Eating the meat raw or undercooked would not be safe,” he says.
He explains that most reptiles including crocodiles carry salmonella, a bacteria found in their guts. Crocodile meat can become contaminated with bacteria during processing.
The bacterial infection in people, he adds, can cause illness including severe food poisoning, typhoid, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
To avoid cross-contamination, Dr. Suwannachai advises washing the hands and utensils before processing the meat and thoroughly cooking it before consumption.
When it comes to buying the meat, he suggests looking for flesh that is fresh and solid and has no bad odor and only purchasing from a reliable source that is concerned about food safety and storage.
He adds that crocodile meat from farms is regarded as an ‘environmentally friendly’ product as the reptiles are raised in a free-range environment and are chemical-free.
Dr. Saipin Chotivichien, director of Bureau of Nutrition, Department of Health says crocodile meat is low in calories and fat.
There is very little difference in the protein content between the reptile’s meat and other traditional meats when comparing servings though it does tend to have a slightly higher cholesterol level than other meats.
The expert gives a nutritional breakdown of different meats per 100-gram serving as a guide.
According to Dr. Saipin, a serving of crocodile meat contains 99 kilocalories (kcal), 21.5 grams (g) of protein, 2.9g of fat, and 65 milligrams (mg) of cholesterol. Pork on the other hand has 107 kcal, 22g of protein, 2g of fat, and 22mg of cholesterol.
A serving of chicken meat contains 145 kcal, 22.2g of protein, 6.2g of fat, and 62mg of cholesterol while beef has 121 kcal, 21.2 of protein, 4g of fat, and 51mg of cholesterol.
All the meats are packed with protein, Dr. Saipin says, adding that fish, eggs, nuts, legumes, and beans are also good alternative sources of protein for those who prefer not to eat meat.
According to her, the cuts of crocodile meat can be cooked in the same manner as other traditional meats, ranging from boiled to stewed and from grilling to fryin
And as always have a chilled day from the Viking
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