I vaguely recall learning in grade school that the Indians who first inhabited the American west would nobly use every part of the buffalo they hunted.
As a a creature of grocery stores and microwaved dinners, I was never so responsible. But I have gotten a little bit closer to that standard than most by way of one infamous heartland delicacy: the Rocky Mountain oyster.
A good lot of you probably know what that is. For those who don't, I won't euphemize: a Rocky Mountain oyster is the testicle of a castrated bison or bull, carefully peeled, typically pounded, breaded, seasoned and deep-fried until crispy. Dipping sauce is optional.
To the vast majority of all people, that might sound strange, crude, revolting, even unnatural. Yet for those of us who grew up where the skies are not cloudy and such, it's hardly uncommon. You can't find Rocky Mountain oysters absolutely everywhere in the mountain west, but it's not unusual to see them on the menus of rural cafes, in the frozen foods aisle of many grocery stores and even at the concession stands at Denver's Coors Field.
And I have to say, they ain't so bad. It takes a bit of suppression to get over the thought of it, but ultimately the oysters taste not unlike a basket of chicken strips. The seasoning and preparation is what makes it; the testicle is just the vehicle.
So. Do have the cojones to try this down-home delight?
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Comments (32)
I'll try anything once. after all, I love foie gras, uni, sweetbreads, frog legs, and all manner of oddities...
Crispy Fried Goodness - to be honest, once their breaded & fried you'd never know what they were unless you were told or had prior knowledge
I'm pretty sure it taste fine even though I never had them.
tried them when I was in Denver a couple months ago they weren't that bad but im sure it helped that they were fried.
Wait... that's what I thought prairie oysters were! then what are prairie oysters??
Um...I don't think I have the cojones to try these cojones
Never tried them... they may taste delicious! But truly, I can't wrap my mind around the fact that I'm eating ... well, balls. Maybe other animal parts we eat aren't that sanitary or mentally delectable either, but... ::shudder:: Call me a prude, but hold the balls.
@greenbird321@xanga - So, do you know the function of a liver?
uh....as long as they aren't raw...
I don't think so.
No.
Definitely not.
@TransportPhenomena@xanga - lol, yes :p
Nope.
@sparkletone1684@xanga - A Really nasty drink that cures hangovers for alot of people, hope your the lucky one.
I'll try it, long as I don't know its coming.
LOL the name makes it sound so interesting! I would try it. Just a bit.
Never tried them...but I would.
Jesus Fucking Christ...not on your life!!!!
This is pretty common fare for those of us who live on farms. I have seen grown men fight over these.
Rocky Mountain Oysters aren't eaten fried. When you fry them, they're referred to as Calf Fries. At least, down here in Texas. ;)
Which I suppose would tell you whether or not I've eaten them. I've had Calf Fries, I think they're delicious.
loved the last line
I don't see why not. The thought of it being what it is does not at all repulse me from trying it. I wouldn't be shy at all. Food is food, and it's not like I'm trying to eat it while it's still attached to the animal. :)
I haven't had them before, but I knew what they were and I've definitely heard of them. Usually with giggles and people (especially of the male variety) making jokes about them. But, to me...food is food.
I would probably even try eating chocolate covered ants if the occasion to try such a thing ever arose. ^_~ I've always said I'll try anything once!
If the taste is not satisfactory, I probably wouldn't ever eat them again. But, again...to me, food is food. :p
@sparkletone1684@xanga - They're the same thing. Prairie oyster is a more common term up here in Canada. We even have a band with that name!
Jesus christ...I didn't think I'd see so many people say yes they'd eat them.
Sick people...sick.
this goes in the same basket as haggis and fried chicken uterus: sth not even a bulimic would eat.