Can you eat hedgehogs?

In this brief article, we will answer the question, “Can you eat hedgehogs?”. Moreover, we will elaborate on the taste of the hedgehog, the nutritional content of hedgehogs, how to cook hedgehogs, the benefits of hedgehogs and some disadvantages of hedgehogs.

Can you eat hedgehogs?

Yes, we can eat hedgehogs. There is no disadvantage to eating hedgehogs. In the sixteenth century, people of France used to eat hedgehogs but now only gipsies prefer to eat them. Hedgehogs can be eaten either as roasts or can be eaten by stewing them.

Hedgehog

Hedgehog is a spiny mammal belonging to the Erinaceidae subfamily. Hedgehog is found throughout Europe and can also be found in Asia, Africa and New Zealand. Hedgehog has seventeen species which can be divided into five genera.

Taste of hedgehog

The taste of hedgehogs is a little bit like pork. But it is stronger as compared to pork. Hedgehogs can be chewed and their texture is different from pork. As there is not much meat on one animal so its taste might not be much good but it is not unpleasant as well. 

The nutritional content of Hedgehog

Following are some nutrients that can be availed by eating hedgehog

  • Carbohydrates
  • Vitamins
  • Proteins
  • Potassium
  • Magnesium
  • Manganese
  • Iron
  • Zinc

How to cook a hedgehog

Following are some steps that must be followed while cooking a hedgehog

  • Clay is collected in enough amount.
  • Hedgehog is clung with clay on all sides. After condensing clay, clay balls are obtained with the hedgehog inside.
  • Smouldering ambles are obtained after lighting a fire.
  • After putting hedgehogs in the embers, we must wait until it gets cooked. After cooking, the ball becomes hard.
  • This can be eaten with bread.

Different recipes in which hedgehogs are used

Hedgehog is used as an ingredient in many recipes. Following are some recipes in which hedgehogs can be used

  • Hedgehog meatball recipe: Beef, rice and egg beat are combined in a large bowl. Medium-sized meatballs are made after mixing these well with hands and then it is set aside. 

After pouring soup into a large saucepan, it is diluted with one cup of water. Over medium heat, it is simmered. After lowering the heat, meatballs are dropped into the soup and simmered for 20 to 30 minutes.

  • Sautéed Hedgehog Mushrooms: Mushrooms are trimmed and cleaned. Mushrooms are rinsed under cool water. Small mushrooms can be cooked whole; larger specimens can be halved, quartered, chopped, or sliced. Over high heat, the frying pan is heated.

Trimmed and clean mushrooms are added once the butter is melted. Cook, stirring, until the garlic is fragrant and the mushrooms are browned. This should take about 1 to 2 minutes. After removing from the heat, mushrooms are sprinkled with salt.

  • Chocolate hedgehog slice:  Butter, chocolate and sweetened condensed milk are melted in a microwave. These are stirred until they are completely melted. The mixture is firmly pressed into the prepared baking tin. 

To smooth the surface, the back of the spoon is used. Melt the extra dark chocolate mixed with coconut oil/vegetable oil (optional) and pour over the slice. Chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours before cutting into pieces.

The benefits of the hedgehog:

Following are some benefits of hedgehog

  • Easy to take care of: Not much effort is required to take care of a hedgehog. They are really easy to care for.
  • Stay silent: Hedgehogs mostly remain silent. Even if they make noise it is only a purring sound.
  • Inexpensive: Hedgehogs are not very expensive. They require cheap conditions to keep as pets.
  • Adorable creatures: They are adorable little creatures that are cute, entertaining and unique.
  • Hedgehogs can entertain anyone for hours on end if they will watch.

Disadvantages of hedgehog

Following are some disadvantages of a hedgehog

  • Requirement of the separate environment: Hedgehogs require a separate environment. The reason behind this is because they indulge in fights with other pets.
  • Nocturnal animals: Hedgehogs are nocturnal that’s why they require their room at night.
  • Prone to zoonotic diseases: Hedgehogs are prone to various zoonotic diseases. Hedgehogs are also vulnerable to and major microbial infections related to bacteria, mycobacteria and other fungal and viral diseases.
  • Presence of no kennels: There are no kennels for this animal, so going away can present a problem unless a family member or other trusted person can check on hedgehogs every day. He will be fine though.
  • Can unclean the environment: These critters urinate and defecate while running, so make sure there’s no carpeting on his floor or all this will be absorbed into the flooring.

Conclusion

In this brief article, we have answered the question, “Can you eat hedgehogs?”. Moreover, we have elaborated on the taste of the hedgehog, the nutritional content of hedgehogs, how to cook hedgehogs, the benefits of hedgehogs and some disadvantages of hedgehogs.

References

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/25408/hedgehog-meatballs/
https://petcomments.com/hedgehog-pros-cons/

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