Taboo in cuisine

Let me start this week with yet another post about cuisine. Not every food or drink is excepted in all cultures, religions. In Judaism there is set of rules called Kashrut which defines what food can or cannot be eaten. In Islam there are also similar rules called Haram and Halal. Hindus apply the concept of "ahimsa" (non-violence) in their cuisine. For them all meat is considered taboo except mutton, fish and chicken.
Religion is not the only reason why certain food is a taboo in some parts of world. Due to role horses and horse races have in the UK and USA horse meat is rarely eaten there. Dog meat is never consumed in Europe or North America but it is one of dishes in certain Asian countries, like for example Korea.
Some sort of meat can be found unacceptable because of the fact that its aroma or flavor are strange to local society.
The fact that quite many animals are endangered species put them on a list of taboo food.
As to Hinduism, it is a sin to kill a cow, to be involved in its slaughter, and to eat its meat. There are certain doubts whether it is because of religious rules or because of the fact cow still plays a very important role in life of most of Hindus.
Eating of pig’s meat is forbidden among Muslims, Jews, some Christian communities etc. Why? Well, there are several opinions. Some say that climate of Middle East is not suitable for keeping pigs. Quite common is the opinion that pigs are disliked in that areas because it is omnivorous. The other reason is that pigs eat their own feces and the feces of other animals.
Both Judaism and Islam forbid eating of frogs, snakes or crocodiles. Frogs are very popular in France, China etc. Snake meat is often eaten in Thailand and China. Crocodile is offered in some Australian, Thai and Southaftrican restaurants.
Birds are group of animals which is least present as taboo food. Still some birds are typical for certain regions.
I would definitely refuse to taste cat's meat. Still, cat's meat is eaten in parts of China. Some claim that in Guangdong, China there is a dish called "The Dragon and the Tiger”. It consists of cat’s and snake’s meat.
Let’s move to drinks. Alcoholic beverages are taboo in Islam, Sikhism, some Christian communities, Mahayanna Buddhism etc. Drinking blood is a very strong taboo in most countries. It is often connected with vampires. Still blood is used in preparation of certain dishes…Good example is Blood pudding or Black pudding. It is kind of sausage which exists here in my Croatia, the UK etc. The Maasai and Batemi people of Tanzania drink cow's blood mixed with milk. In Kenya, camel blood is drunk.
However it may sound strange coffee and tea are taboos for some communities. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do not drink these beverages.
I hope you liked this post. I would appreciate more comments. Do not be shy. Write few words. Have a lovely week. Bye!!