Can you eat raw tongue?
Quick Answer
No
Eating raw tongue is not recommended due to the risk of bacterial contamination and potential diseases. It should be properly cooked to ensure safety.
What Is It?
A tongue is a muscular organ in the mouth of most animals. It can be used as a source of food and is often cooked in various cuisines around the world.
Historical Context
Tongue has been a part of human diet for centuries. It is considered a delicacy in many cultures and is often used in dishes like tacos de lengua in Mexico and tongue toast in the United States.
Why It Can Be Risky
Eating raw tongue carries several risks:
- Risk of bacterial contamination: Raw tongue, like any other raw meat, can be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella.
- Risk of disease: Raw tongue can carry diseases like bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), also known as mad cow disease.
Safe Method?
The safe method to consume tongue is to cook it thoroughly. This can be done by boiling, braising, roasting, or grilling.
Safe Alternatives
If you’re looking for a similar texture but want to avoid the risks, consider cooked tongue or other types of cooked offal like liver or heart.
Storage Tips
Store raw tongue in the refrigerator and use within 1-2 days.’, ‘For longer storage, freeze the tongue. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.
Preparation Tips
Before cooking, the tongue should be cleaned thoroughly and the outer layer of skin should be removed. It can then be marinated or seasoned according to the recipe.