Can You Eat Possum? The Pros and Cons

Can You Eat Possum?

The possum is a marsupial found in Australia and North America. It is a nocturnal animal that eats a variety of foods, including insects, fruits, and vegetables. Possums are often considered to be pests, but they are also a source of food for some people.

In this article, we will explore the question of whether or not you can eat possum. We will discuss the nutritional value of possum meat, the risks associated with eating possum, and the cultural significance of possum eating.

We will also provide some tips on how to cook possum meat so that it is safe and delicious.

So, can you eat possum? The answer is: yes, you can. But there are some things you need to know before you do.

| Can You Eat Possum? | Yes | No |
|—|—|—|
| Scientific name | Didelphis virginiana | – |
| Kingdom | Animalia | – |
| Phylum | Chordata | – |
| Class | Mammalia | – |
| Order | Didelphimorphia | – |
| Family | Didelphidae | – |
| Genus | Didelphis | – |
| Species | virginiana | – |

Cooking Possum Meat

Possum meat is a dark, lean meat that has a slightly gamey flavor. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, including roasting, frying, grilling, and stewing.

Recipes for Cooking Possum Meat

• Roasted Possum

Ingredients:

• 1 possum, cleaned and quartered
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the possum, olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Toss to coat the possum evenly.
4. Place the possum in a roasting pan and roast for 1 hour, or until the meat is cooked through and the juices run clear.
5. Let the possum rest for 10 minutes before serving.

• Fried Possum

Ingredients:

• 1 possum, cleaned and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
3. Dredge the possum pieces in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, then the flour mixture again.
4. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Fry the possum pieces for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain the possum pieces on paper towels and serve immediately.

• Grilled Possum

Ingredients:

• 1 possum, cleaned and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat a grill to medium heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine the possum, olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Toss to coat the possum evenly.
4. Grill the possum pieces for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Let the possum rest for 10 minutes before serving.

• Possum Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 possum, cleaned and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 quarts water
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 poblano pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 cup red wine

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the possum, water, onion, garlic, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, poblano pepper, salt, pepper, bay leaf, oregano, and thyme.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, or until the possum is cooked through.
3. Add the tomato sauce, vegetable broth, and red wine.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for another hour, or until the stew is thickened and the flavors have melded.
5. Serve the stew over rice.

Tips for Cooking Possum Meat

• Possum meat is very lean, so it can dry out easily if it is overcooked. Be sure to cook the possum until it is cooked through, but not until it is dry.
• Possum meat has a slightly gamey flavor, so you may want to marinate it in a flavorful liquid before cooking it. Marinades can help to tenderize the meat and add flavor.
• Possum meat can be cooked in a variety of ways, including roasting, frying, grilling, and stewing

  Can you eat possum?

Yes, possums are edible and are eaten by people in many parts of the world. However, it is important to note that possums can carry diseases, so it is important to cook them thoroughly before eating them.

What does possum taste like?

Possum meat has a slightly gamey flavor that is similar to pork. It is often described as being chewy and flavorful.

How do you cook possum?

There are many ways to cook possum, but some of the most popular methods include roasting, frying, and stewing. Possum can also be smoked or used in chili.

Is possum safe to eat?

Possum meat is safe to eat if it is cooked thoroughly. However, it is important to note that possums can carry diseases, so it is important to cook them thoroughly before eating them.

What are some of the health benefits of eating possum?

Possum meat is a good source of protein, iron, and zinc. It is also low in fat and calories.

What are some of the risks of eating possum?

Possums can carry diseases, such as rabies, tularemia, and leptospirosis. It is important to cook possum thoroughly to kill any harmful bacteria.

Is possum legal to eat in the United States?

Possum is legal to eat in the United States, but it is important to check with local regulations before hunting or eating possum.

Possums are a unique and fascinating animal that are often misunderstood. While they can be a nuisance to some, they are also a valuable part of the ecosystem. In this comprehensive , we have discussed the different ways that possums can be eaten, as well as the nutritional benefits and risks associated with consuming them. We have also explored the cultural significance of possums in different parts of the world.

Overall, possums are a safe and nutritious food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming them, such as the risk of contracting trichinosis. Additionally, it is important to cook possums thoroughly to avoid any potential health risks.

We hope that this comprehensive has provided you with a better understanding of possums and their role in the food chain. We encourage you to explore the topic further and learn more about this fascinating animal.