What Is the Taste of Pangolin? Is Pangolin Delicious?

The pangolin is a species of African animal.

It has the appearance of an armadillo, however it is not related to them.

These are animals with scales on their skin that give them the appearance of armor.

They consume the same foods that most animals do (grass, fruit, insects).

In this blog article, we’ll talk about how pangolins taste, what they consume, and where they live.

What exactly is a pangolin?

The pangolin is a tiny nocturnal animal found in tropical climes.

To defend itself from predators, it has strong scales covering its body and may curl into a ball when threatened.

Female pangolins produce one baby every two years or more often if circumstances are favorable, occasionally four per litter.

The gestation stage lasts around three months, followed by six weeks of nursing (lactation).

When they are discovered, it is generally only the mother by herself, leading us to assume that they are lonely creatures that only get together for mating reasons.

Pangolins are classified into eight species: Chinese pangolins (Manis pentadactyla), Indian pangolins (Manis crassicaudata), Sunda or Malayan pangolins (M.

Tree pangolins (M. javanica), Philippine or Palawan pangolins (M.

ciliogenesis) and the African species Black-bellied Pangolin (Phataginus tetradactyla) and White-bellied Pangolin (Phataginus tetradactyla) (P. tricuspidens).

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature has now listed all eight species as endangered, with four of them categorized as severely endangered owing to illegal poaching for their flesh, which is considered a delicacy in several cultures throughout the globe, notably in East Asia.

Is it illegal to eat pangolin?

Since the pangolin is an endangered creature, eating or selling it may result in severe penalties.

The international organization that governs wildlife trading granted a special exception for the selling of African Pangolins collected in Africa in order to fulfill demand from Asia and other places where they are coveted as a delicacy.

As a result, the pangolin is becoming a highly sought-after commodity in Africa.

Poachers, frequently armed with rifles or other weapons and utilizing their expertise of tracking, have been murdering them at alarming rates to fulfill demand elsewhere.

According to some estimates, up to a million African Pangolins were killed between 2010 and 2015 since there was no international trade prohibition in place until 2016.

It is also illegal for people to buy this animal from sellers who do not follow CITES regulations (though enforcement can be difficult).

If you’re thinking of eating an endangered animal like the pangolin or any other illegally procured food.

Instead, consider what you may do to aid conservation initiatives, such as donating money or your time.

Why are pangolins threatened?

These creatures are found in Asia and Africa, however they are becoming endangered due to increased demand for their flesh and scales as food or medical components.

Pangolin skins are highly sought after by fashion designers.

Every year, over one million pangolins are killed as a result of this.

The illegal wildlife trade is the most serious threat to pangolins today, and it is not limited to the country.

The United States, the world’s second-largest buyer of illegally trafficked animal products behind China, plays a crucial part in pushing this extinction trend.

Another big issue is that all eight pangolin species are currently on the verge of extinction.

Is Pangolin Safe to Consume?

Pangolin is a scaly anteater that has scales on its body to defend it from predators.

The pangolin’s speciality, however, is not devouring ants with their long tongue.

But, pangolins do not consume termites.

Instead, they defend themselves against army termites by rolling themselves into an armored ball and gnawing on woody objects like ant hills.

Since the pangolin’s scale-covered skin is difficult to cut through, hunters use axes and machetes.

Pangolin meat is considered a delicacy in southern China and Vietnam.

It is thought to provide nutritional benefit in these two nations, notably for supporting kidney function.

A pangolin is the most expensive menu item at one restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City, which sells a variety of unusual meats.

Clients must pay a deposit and provide several hours notice in order for a staff to kill one at their table.

They put on quite a show, believe me; you’ll witness them slice open this monster while keeping your hunger where it belongs: whetting your curiosity about how such things are done without getting hungry yourself.

Pangolins are often slaughtered live on-site because many guests feel that the flesh tastes better this way.

What Is the Taste of Pangolin? Is Pangolin Delicious?

The pangolin mammal resembles the anteater or armadillo in appearance.

Since pangolins consume so many insects, their flesh tastes highly gamey.

Pangolin is difficult to explain since it tastes so different from other meats while still being meat.

Those who prefer eating this animal frequently compare its flavor and texture to that of pig, while others who do not enjoy eating it often describe its taste to that of beef or lamb with a strong odor.

Meat has long been used as a component in cuisines across the globe, but owing to conservation efforts, consumers are less likely to buy this sort of meat in restaurants or grocery shops.

Pangolins have strong claws on their front paws that they use to climb trees and protect themselves against predators like tigers and lions.

Despite this defensive system, they are nevertheless sought for food in many cultures throughout the globe or kidnapped alive in order to be sold on the black market as exotic pets due to their uniqueness.

What is the price of a pangolin?

Pangolins are pricey critters, ranging from $24 to $38.

In China and Taiwan, they may cost up to $350, however costs vary by area.

Since pangolins are so difficult to get without resorting to illicit trade practices such as sneaking them in bags or putting them into cooking pots, they cost only approximately a hundred dollars on the black market.

The price also fluctuates based on where it is located in Africa and how large it is.

Little animals seldom sell for more than 150 euros, whilst bigger ones might get around 3000 euros.

Although this may seem like a lot, since they are the most trafficked mammal on the planet, these intriguing creatures are well worth it.

Conclusion

Finally, pangolin is considered a delicacy in many Asian nations.

The flavor of pangolin meat is difficult to explain; it has a gamey flavor, yet the texture is similar to veal.

Since it is not widely accessible in restaurants or supermarkets, the meat is often regarded as a rare meal.

We would not advise someone to taste the meal since it is unlawful, and there are many other foods they might enjoy instead.