Some people consider rattlesnake flesh to be a delicacy.
It’s often offered at restaurants that specialize on rattlesnake and other unusual cuisine.
The concept of eating rattlesnake may sound weird or even terrifying to people who have never tried it.
So how does Rattlesnake taste?
In this blog article, we will address some often asked concerns regarding these snakes as well as provide recommendations on how to properly prepare them so that you may enjoy their deliciousness without hurting yourself or others.
Contents
What exactly is a rattlesnake?
Rattlesnakes are snakes that utilize their tail to rattle potential predators.
It is the only snake in North America with a rattle on its tail that may be utilized as an extra defensive weapon.
The tail is made up of rattle vertebrae, which are intended to magnify the sound they make when vibrated.
Depending on how quickly and fiercely rattlesnakes shake their tails side to side, the effect may be a buzzing or clicking sound that warns prospective predators not to approach.
Human persecution and habitat loss have resulted in a decline in rattlesnake numbers in recent years.
The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, on the other hand, is a species that lives in distant places with minimal likelihood of meeting people.
The flesh is edible, but owing to the danger of getting bitten, it is not a favourite diet.
Rattlesnakes are utilized in traditional medicine in various regions of Europe, including Serbia and Bulgaria, for their purported therapeutic abilities.
When heated, the skin produces dry rubbers, which was how early Americans acquired rubber before petroleum manufacturing became ubiquitous.
Is Rattlesnake Safe to Eat?
Snake flesh is a delicacy that may be found on many restaurants in the United States, but it is not widely available in other nations.
In certain places, including as Texas and Louisiana, rattlesnake-eating contests are organized every year to highlight this delectable delicacy.
But, if you do not reside in these areas or have never experienced snakes before, this is what you will encounter: Because of their size, rattlesnakes are usually eaten in tiny amounts, either fried or grilled, alongside meals like chili con carne.
The flavor is similar to chicken, but with a chewier texture and greater flavor since the skin is left on when it is prepared for cooking.
Rattlesnake Meat’s Health and Nutritional Advantages
If you’re a daring diner, rattlesnake flesh may be next on your menu.
This unique delicacy is high in protein, low in fat, and high in essential vitamins.
It’s also abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, which are necessary for healthy skin and hair.
The meat is low in cholesterol yet high enough to maintain the body’s levels of this essential component stable.
It may be served as an entree or as part of a meal that includes other meats.
The typical 100-gram serving of raw snake flesh comprises 93 calories and around one-third the fat content of sirloin steak.
This makes it ideal for anybody attempting to reduce weight or maintain their current weight.
How Does Rattlesnake Taste?
There are several methods to prepare a rattlesnake, but they all have one thing in common: they taste fantastic.
Rattlesnake flavor is often characterized as gamey or earthy, yet many people believe it tastes like chicken.
The rattlesnake’s flesh is white and somewhat rubbery to the touch.
Some people like snakes with bacon or apple sauce, while others enjoy them deep-fried and folded in tortillas as a burrito.
Snake meat is offered at select restaurants in the United States, despite the absence of health guidelines.
It has a distinct flavor that some people appreciate.
One thing is certain: if you’re intrigued about rattlesnake flavor, don’t be afraid to test it.
How Does Python Meat Taste?
Do you want to try something new? Python meat has arrived.
It is made entirely of snake and is a fantastic complement to your cooking.
This unusual dish’s flavor might be characterized as deep and earthy, with faint undertones of game birds common in European cuisines such as pheasant or grouse.
Depending on how it’s cooked, the texture will vary from chewy to semi-firm, but not too dry.
How Do You Prepare and Cook Rattlesnake?
Rattlesnake meat may be used to produce a variety of dishes.
But first, you must understand how to properly prepare and cook it.
Skinning a rattler, gutting the animal corpse (removing its entrails), and then cutting off its head before splitting along the back of the snake with an ax or knife is the best method to cook it.
- To begin, chop the meat into tiny pieces and combine them with a little of bacon. This is for taste, so make sure it will function well as an element in your cuisine.
- Then, on one dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper, and on another, combine the eggs with the milk or water. Dip the rattlesnake flesh in the marinade on both sides before cooking it in butter or olive oil over medium heat.
- If preferred, serve with ketchup after it has finished frying.
Where Can I Get Rattlesnake Meat?
Rattlesnakes are a long-term food supply.
For the adventurous diner, their meat is rich in protein, low in fat, and available as grilled or fried filets.
In the South, rattlesnake hunting season starts in March.
For further information, contact your local game commission and find out whether this is permissible in your area.
You could also check with a local butcher or grocery shop to see if they can order it for you (be aware that ordering meat online could incur an additional fee).
The Central Market in Houston, TX, sells rattlesnake meat.
This magnificently local food market is a hive of activity and the site of celebrations such as their annual Christmas tree recycling event and pesticide-free produce day in the summer.
Conclusion
Many civilizations consider snakes to be delicacies, and the rattlesnake is no exception.
This snake’s flavor varies depending on where it is found, but all have an earthy flavor with notes of chicken or fish mixed throughout.
We suggest giving it a go and seeing what you think.
If snakes aren’t your thing, we also have buffalo wings and mozzarella sticks on the menu.
FAQs
What rattlesnake taste like?
Rattlesnake flavor is often characterized as gamey or earthy, yet many people believe it tastes like chicken. The rattlesnake’s flesh is white and somewhat rubbery to the touch.
Is rattlesnake delicious?
Because rattlesnakes are tasty. Grilled rattlesnake is a wonderful alternative to frying it. We’ve discussed fried them previously. They’re also delicious slow-smoked on the Traeger grill.
What is the best tasting snake to eat?
The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is North America’s longest and heaviest poisonous snake, and the second longest rattlesnake after the western diamondback. These two species provide the greatest meat.
Is rattlesnake meat legal?
A: Under California Fish and Game rules, there are no limits on importing and selling the flesh of any species of reptile or amphibian that is not found in the wild in California, as long as they are not otherwise forbidden by federal law.
Is rattlesnake meat good to eat?
Rattlesnake flesh is totally safe to eat. Snakes and other reptiles, as well as amphibians, may, nonetheless, transmit Salmonella. That’s why it’s critical to wash your hands after handling pet reptiles… or carefully prepare them if you want to consume them.
What is rattlesnake meat called?
Rattlesnake The Times of New York. According to, “breaded and fried rattlesnake tastes like a sinewy, half-starved tilapia.” In the Southwest, it’s known as “desert whitefish,” and it’s reputedly “bland and difficult to eat,” tough, sinewy, and full of small bones.
Who eats a rattlesnake?
Now comes the calamity! Rattlesnakes, too, have predators. Little rattlesnakes are eaten by coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, roadrunners, raptors, owls, and king snakes.
What snakes can you not eat?
Several toxic snakes, such as the viper, cobra, and sea snake, should not be eaten in general. Venomous snakes should be avoided because they contain poisons that may make the person who eats them unwell or worse.
What is the best way to eat rattlesnake?
In a medium saucepan, heat 2 inches of oil until it reaches 375 degrees F. Then coat the rattlesnake bits in flour. To avoid crowding the pan, cook the snakes in batches in the oil. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown.
What is the sweetest snake?
Corn snakes are usually recognized as the most intelligent snake. They are really sociable and like being handled. California kingsnakes are readily tamed and get along well with children. Hognose snakes show unusual behavioural patterns, such as feigning dead to prevent predators in the environment.