If you are a total foodie and you’re looking for some inspiration, you’ve come to the right place. Food trends made for the Gram may come and go, but unique food and drink items with a special story behind them are worth a try. The trick is wading through the fads to find the good stuff. Here are three unusual foods and drinks that are worth a try at least once in your life.
Briny and Sweet Sea Urchin
Holidaymakers in sunny countries may have spotted the spiky sea urchin lurking behind a rock when swimming in the ocean. Some may have even had the misfortune of accidentally treading on one and experiencing a whole host of unpleasant symptoms, including excruciating pain.
This sea creature should be approached with caution in the waters, but on land, it is a delicious delicacy that is best eaten fresh and raw. Inside the intimidating sharp spikes, you will find the golden yellow roe. Sea urchin roe (also known as uni) is rich and creamy in texture with a briny, ocean-sweet taste. It is popularly eaten on its own in Japanese cuisine or with pasta in Italy.
Kombucha
Kombucha is thought to have originated in China around the year 221 BC, and it was enjoyed as an energising drink. It is a fermented tea made from either black or green tea leaves, and it has a tart, natural flavour and a serious sparkle. Unlike mainstream fizzy drinks, the carbonation in kombucha comes from the fermentation process.
Besides being a delicious refreshment, studies show that kombucha may have numerous health benefits, such as preventing liver damage, decreasing blood sugar and reducing bad cholesterol. If you want to try this delightful beverage, consider this kombucha case from Hip Pop. The mixed case contains refreshing flavours such as strawberry and pineapple, blueberry and ginger, and apple and elderflower.
Cat Poop Coffee
Those with a penchant for coffee may have heard of Kopi Luwak, also known as cat poop coffee to some. Although the name might put off even the most hardcore coffee fans, there is something to this exotic beverage. Kopi Luwak is made from Indonesian coffee beans that have been excreted by the Asian palm civet cat. This cat roams the forests of Indonesia to find ripe coffee cherries to consume. Once excreted, the beans are gathered, cleaned, roasted and brewed to create the most expensive coffee on the planet.
Despite the questionable methods of production, it is argued that Kopi Luwak is the tastiest coffee in the world thanks to the fact that the cats only choose the best coffee cherries to eat. Furthermore, the civet cat’s digestive enzymes alter the beans to produce a smoother cup of coffee. Unfortunately, the lucrative business of collecting and selling cat poop coffee has led to the caging of wild civet cats. To ensure you purchase ethically sourced coffee, always look for beans produced by wild civet cats.
