A local government of Peru is promoting roasted guinea pig for Christmas dinner instead of the traditional turkey or pork.
Officials in the coastal Peruvian province of Callao on Monday hailed the Guinea pig as a low cost, low fat alternative to a traditional turkey or roast pork Christmas dinner.
Guinea pigs can feed seven or eight for just over three US dollars, according to a regional government official.
"Well, these are typical dishes, not only in Peru but also in Chilacos. We have the Chilaco Guinea pig, Akahatanbino Guinea pig, the Guinea pig with peanuts, baked Guinea pig and a wild variety of traditional dishes. We are simply exchanging the pork or turkey for Guinea pig."
The tiny cuts of white meat are often compared to rabbit and dark chicken.
This is a great change, because we always have the traditional meat which is turkey or pork. So, in order to have some variety with this animal which has very nutritious meat is rich in protein and has cholesterol free.
Called 'cuy' in Peru, Guinea pig is a stable source of income for farmers and holds an elevated place in Andean folklore. A painting of the Last Supper, hanging in the principle cathedral of the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco, depicts Christ and the 12 disciples dining on Guinea pig.
Officials in the coastal Peruvian province of Callao on Monday hailed the Guinea pig as a low cost, low fat alternative to a traditional turkey or roast pork Christmas dinner.
Guinea pigs can feed seven or eight for just over three US dollars, according to a regional government official.
"Well, these are typical dishes, not only in Peru but also in Chilacos. We have the Chilaco Guinea pig, Akahatanbino Guinea pig, the Guinea pig with peanuts, baked Guinea pig and a wild variety of traditional dishes. We are simply exchanging the pork or turkey for Guinea pig."
The tiny cuts of white meat are often compared to rabbit and dark chicken.
This is a great change, because we always have the traditional meat which is turkey or pork. So, in order to have some variety with this animal which has very nutritious meat is rich in protein and has cholesterol free.
Called 'cuy' in Peru, Guinea pig is a stable source of income for farmers and holds an elevated place in Andean folklore. A painting of the Last Supper, hanging in the principle cathedral of the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco, depicts Christ and the 12 disciples dining on Guinea pig.