The Bull's testicles Are eaten in many parts of the world, under a wide variety of culinary names. They are much appreciated in China, Spain or Argentina.
Eating genitalia of animals dates back to ancient Roman times, when it was believed that eating the organ of a healthy animal could correct ailments and could provide health benefits.
In Spain, the King Fernando the Catholic , 53, married on a second marriage with Germana de Foix , Aged 17, consumed bull's testicles or criadillas to gain benefits in their manhood.
Because of all these beliefs, the practice continues to this day, especially in Asia, where the genitals of animals are considered Aphrodisiacs .
Bull testicles, calves, lambs, roosters, turkeys and other animals are eaten in many parts of the world under a wide variety of culinary names. In Argentina and Spain they are called criadillas, in Turkey they are called"billur"and they are also a much quoted dish in the Chinese, Iranian and Greek gastronomy.
Generally and in different cultures, it is believed that eating bull testicles, has aphrodisiac effects in both men and women but this is not scientifically proven.
Nutritional content of bull testicles
Nutrients based on a 100 gram serving
- Calories: 135
- Protein: 26 g
- Grease: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 375 mg
- Carbohydrate: 1 gram
Mineral Components
- Sodium: 171 mg
- Potassium: 380 mg
- Iron: 6%
- Phosphorus: 26%
- Magnesium: 3%
- Zinc: 13%
The testicles are promoted as an aphrodisiac because they are also supposed to contain testosterone. However, they would have to be consumed raw to obtain the aphrodisiac benefit.
Bull testicles are a good source of lean protein, although they have a very high cholesterol content. They are also a good source of zinc and low in carbohydrates.
Dishes made with bull genitalia
Rocky Mountain Oysters or Prairie Oysters
This dish was created by ranchers in the Rocky Mountain region. Some of the earliest ranchers living in the West needed cheap food sources, so they experimented with different cuts of meat.
In order not to waste any part of the animal, they began to cook the bull's testicles to the coal. Although they are commonly known as oysters because of their viscous appearance when they are raw, other names are used to describe the testicles.
Examples include: cowboy caviar, prawn oysters, beef oscillation, Montana tendergroin, dusted nuts, bollocks, or pork chicken.
Rocky Mountain oysters, however, are the euphemism for putting an end to all the remaining euphemisms.
This type of"oysters"are typically found in the American West and Western Canada, where castration of young animals is commonly used to control breeding, stimulate the growth of skeletal muscle for meat, and regulate temperament, ie , Make the animal less brave.
Although"Rocky Mountain oysters"can be served sauteed, cooked, roasted, are often peeled, coated with flour, salt and pepper and fried. In Canada, bull testicles are typically served with a demi-glace and in the United States they are often accompanied by cocktail sauce.
Some people claim that oysters from the rocky mountains, served with empanadas, taste very much like calamari.
Breaded tortie testicles recipe
- Bread crumbs
- Eggs
- Flour
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
The crumbs are cut into slices, baked in egg seasoned with salt and pepper. Then they are passed through the breadcrumbs which must be seasoned with paprika, garlic and pepper. They are fried in oil, which must be very hot. In the United States they are served with French fries and mashed potatoes.
Bull Racks in Green Sauce
- 1 kg of bull testicles
- A kilo of tomatoes
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 5 cloves garlic
- A bay leaf
- 6 sprigs of cilantro
- 2 onions
- Two tablespoons of olive oil
Boil the kilo of criadillas on medium-low heat for about 30 minutes. They are then removed from boiling water and washed with fresh water. They are cut into medium pieces.
While the chilies are boiled, chop the tomatoes, and grilled with garlic and cilantro to taste. Then the roasted tomatoes should be liquefied until a uniform sauce is obtained.
In a frying pan place the onions with the crumbs, with salt and pepper to taste and when the crèmes are golden, add the tomato sauce with cilantro. You can add some white wine or tequila.
Other ways to serve bull testicles
In the United States, as I said, bull testicles are usually served breaded and fried as an appetizer, under the name of"Rocky Mountain Oysters".
Also, in Denver Colorado, there is even a beer made from toasted bull's testicles mixed with hop, roasted barley and various types of malt.
In Canada they can be served with a demi-glace, and the French have a recipe called"animelles de moutons frites", where the testicles are marinated with tarragon vinegar, herbs and onions before breading and frying.
There is a World Testicular Cooking Championship which is usually held in summer.
In Bolivia, a soup is made with the bull's phallus and testes, believed to have invigorating properties and is called"Viagra de Los Andes".
In Spain, the criadillas are considered a true delight, in the north they serve as tapas, and are usually prepared as sweetbreads or with a really seasoned vinaigrette or with a really seasoned vinaigrette.
In China, the testicles of various animals like the dog, fox, pig and bull are eaten. They are a very appealing dish and even in some places show the diners the raw testicles before preparing them to prove their quality.
References
- Anderson, S. (2015). 11 Things You Did not Know About Rocky Mountain Oysters. 25-2-2017, Retrieved from thrillist.com.
- (2016). The Nutrition Of Animal Testicles. 25-2-2017, Retrieved from diet-blog.com.
- N, Gadnim. (2015). Bull Testicle Health Benefits. 25-2-2017, Retrieved from nogym.ne.
- Stradley, L. (2004). Rocky Mountain Oysters History and Recipe. 25-2-2017, Retrieved from What's Cooking America, whatscookingamerica.net.
- Cárdenas, J. (2014). Bolivians have their natural"viagra": a soup with the virile member of the bull. 25-2-2017, Recovered from losandes.com.ar.
- Gates, T. (2010). 5 places to go when you have the urge to eat balls. 25-2-2017, Retrieved from matadornetwork.com.
- Guillermo, R. (2016). Creadillas in green sauce. 25-2-2017, Retrieved from allrecipes.com.