While it seems to be an unusual option, mountain lion has become a favorite protein among many individuals who like trying new meals.
It is a huge cat that is endemic to the Americas.
Currently, several jurisdictions have made hunting the big cat lawful, and hunters are also interested in its flesh.
Cat meat may be cooked in a variety of ways, much like other meats.
So how does mountain lion taste? Is it rich in fat, salty, fibrous, or lean? Is it like any other meat out there? If you’re interested in learning more about the huge cat, keep reading.
Contents
What exactly is Mountain Lion?
In the Americas, it is the second-largest cat after the jaguar.
Mountain lions, also known as cougars, panthers, catamounts, and pumas, may be found from the Yukon in Canada to the Andes in South America.
Mountain lions are more common in the United States and Canada, however they are not related to lions.
Instead, they belong to the Puma genus.
The cougar is a predator that hunts a variety of prey, the most common of which being deer.
It is mostly a nocturnal species, however it may be seen during the day.
For ages, Native Indians have hunted it for meat.
Others, on the other hand, have been trophy hunting mountain lions for a long time.
Yet, opinions have shifted in recent years.
Several states have made cougar hunting lawful, and many hunters prepare and cook the meat themselves.
As a result, you will discover various recipes invented by hunters.
If you like eating uncommon and unusual foods, you may go to one of the regions where it is allowed to kill, sell, and eat mountain lions.
How Does Mountain Lion Taste?
We now know that the mountain lion is a member of the cat family and that it is edible.
It is also clear that its flesh may be prepared in a variety of ways.
But we don’t know what it tastes like.
If you’ve ever eaten mountain lion flesh, you undoubtedly know how it tastes.
But for those who haven’t seen it, it’s a mystery.
Once you know whether cougar flesh tastes comparable to other meats, you may form an opinion.
Many people say that mountain lion meat tastes like lean pork.
So you can picture how it tastes.
Lean pork is a tasty and healthful cut, so you don’t have to worry about fat or calories.
Donnie Vincent, a hunter, videographer, and scientist, said on the Free Range American podcast that cougar meat is one of the best wild game meats he has ever tasted. An interview revealed
Mountain lion has a moderate flavor and is meaty and substantial, similar to pork loin.
Due of its mild taste, it may easily absorb any flavoring.
The same herbs and spices may be used for chicken, hog, and beef.
You may also soak it in saltwater overnight to give it flavor and keep it moist.
Nevertheless, do not immerse the meat in water.
Adding water to the meat will destroy both the taste and the texture.
It is preferable to use a low and slow cooking technique or have the meat grilled to perfection.
Mountain lion meat is compared to lean pork, which is a healthy quantity, by enthusiasts and professionals.
Moreover, research show that wild game meat has less calories and lipids than meat from farmed animals.
As a result, it would not be incorrect to conclude that mountain lion flesh has a sufficient amount of nutrients.
Will Eating Mountain Lion Make You Sick?
Mountain lions are predatory creatures that devour a variety of meat.
They consume anything from deer to rodents and even household animals and birds.
As a result, they are not completely free of illnesses and bacteria.
Mountain lions have been hunted for food by native Americans for ages, but others have not since these animals are thought to transmit trichinosis, a parasite illness caused by trichinella-type roundworms.
Many people also felt that mountain lion flesh was unpalatable.
As a result, hunters believed the huge cat to be solely suitable for prize hunting.
People’s perceptions have shifted, and many have begun eating cougar flesh.
It is critical to properly cook the meat to at least 165 degrees in the center.
If you do not cook the meat as directed, you may get unwell because the bacteria become active and enter your body.
Things might get more challenging if you fall unwell.
Yet, by cooking it at 165 degrees or above, your meat will be fully done and completely safe.
Conclusion
According to those who have sampled the flesh, mountain lion tastes well.
You also know how to prepare it properly so that the meat does not get destroyed.
If you want to try some, look up where it is allowed to kill, sell, and consume cougar flesh.
Additionally, to avoid becoming ill, always prepare the meat according to package directions.
Prepare a variety of products with your preferred spices and enjoy a tasty and one-of-a-kind protein meal every time you cook mountain lion meat.
