I have been finding some interesting and unusual foods lately that I thought were just to good to pass up. I just had to share them with you. Here are some of the strangest foods in the world that most of us don’t see everyday, if at all.
Blue Java Bananas
Yes, they are really blue, from the inside out. The Blue Java banana is a naturally occurring hybrid banana cultivar known for its silvery-blue unripe peel and creamy, vanilla-like flavor. Their botanical name is Musa acuminata × balbisiana (ABB Group) ‘Blue Java’. They are a hybrid from 3 different types of bananas. They are a cross between the two wild Southeast Asian banana species, Musa acuminata (yielding sweet traits) and Musa balbisiana (yielding starchy/plantain traits). Originally they were grown in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. Today, they are also grown in Hawai’i.
Purple Honey
I love the color of this honey. This is a rare occurrence and doesn’t even happen every year. It usually appears only during hot, dry summer months or drought conditions. The colors range from lilac to deep red, almost the color of red wine. It typically tastes sweeter than standard amber honey with mild fruit, berry, or grape-like notes.
Deep Fried Tarantulas from Cambodia
Deep-fried tarantulas—known locally in Cambodia as “a-ping”—originated as a critical survival food during the brutal Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s and evolved into a popular regional delicacy. I am a pretty adventurous eater, but I don’t know if I would be so willing to try this. But I guess if you are hungry enough you will eat anything.
Volcanic Soup or K’ala Phurka from Bolivia
At an altitude of more than 4,000 metres, mornings are freezing, and K’ala phurka is a perfect Bolivian dish to warm anyone up. The soup is served with volcanic stone, so it still bubbles while you eat it. In fact, with the red chili sauce swimming on top of the dish, it almost looks like a bubbling volcano or one of the many hot springs you can find in the area. K’ala phurka traditionally consists of cornflour, chilli and potatoes and you will usually either find beef or llama meat inside and sometimes get a serving of giant corn on the side.
Ant Salt from Southeast Asia
Visitors to some areas of the world where consuming insects is more common might be surprised to find ant salt on the menu. It can be a stand-alone side or sometimes come as part of the meal. Ant salt, however, is just what it sounds like. Crispy fried ants mixed in with salt. It is a topping for many dishes, and can be found throughout areas of Southeast Asia as well as South America. It is not a delicacy, but more of a fancy topping than an everyday food. Prepared well, you will see the bodies of the ants still intact and well blended with the salt.
There are a lot of very strange foods found around the world. I am sure there will be more posts featuring these strange and exotic foods again. If you have ever tried any of these foods, or something just as strange, please let me know about your experiences. I am always curious.
Be bold, be brave and walk on the wild side. Venture out of your comfort zone and try something new. Live life to the fullest and enjoy the ride while you can. Have a great day and make everyday great. ‘Til next time.
