Our Lives, Our Dreams: OYY English Magazine 2013-2014 2013-2014 | Page 36

Animals and Food Tori-Class 148 As we all know, some animals make for very delicious dishes including fish, ducks, chickens, dogs and so on. But here, I’d like to introduce some great delicacies in other countries and cultures. 1. Scorpion (蝎子) In Vietnam and China, many people eat the tail—stinger and all—because they believe it will make them stronger. You may doubt that they can stay healthy after eating scorpions’ stingers, because cooked scorpions are not de-poisoned, but the heat breaks down the proteins in the toxin. 2. Rattlesnake (响尾蛇) The rattlesnake is one of the most poisonous reptiles in the Southwest. But there are many people who eat them and stay alive. Although it’s delicious, don’t try to catch it yourself, because even after the head is removed, it can still bite for a few hours. 3. Fugu, or Blowfish (河豚) Japanese fugu might be the world’s most deadly lunch. A single fish has enough poison to kill almost 30 adults, and there’s no known antidote. Fortunately, many Japanese cooks have the skill of removing deadly parts of the fugus. So, many can enjoy it. If you want to eat it, do not cook it by yourself. 4. Live Octopus (活章鱼) Pay attention! It’s live octopus, not dead octopus. Live octopus is a treat in Korea. A small octopus will wrap tightly round your chopsticks, and it may stick to your teeth, mouth and tongue. What’s more, it’s hard to chew. Take care of yourself when eating it! Different countries have different cultures and customs; I have listed some countries’ differences in food. If you want to learn more, search for it on the internet, and if you want to enjoy these differences, study hard, and travel all around the world!