'CHICKEN OF THE TREES' (Iguana meat)

IGUANA meat is apparently being sold online in Florida after the green reptiles fell from the trees this week, stunned from cold temperatures. Several postings popped up this week in areas like Miami, Doral and Homestead advertising the animals’ meat for sale.

Iguanas have been spotted all over Florida grounds, parking lots and pools after low temperatures in the 30s and 40s hit the Sunshine State. The National Weather Service on Tuesday warned locals about “iguanas falling from trees” — not something they typically forecast. Low temperatures stun — they don’t necessarily kill — iguanas, which are an invasive species in Florida. If the animals are hanging out in trees when they’re stunned, they lose their grip and fall to the ground below.

Iguanas, or “chicken of the trees,” are considered an “economical source of protein” by the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Iguana eaters are said to call the lizards "chicken of trees," because they taste like chicken. Translated to “pollo de los árboles" in Spanish, the meat is considered a staple in the Caribbean because it contains more protein than chicken, per the Sun-Sentinel. Dr. Bill Kern, an associate professor at the school, says iguana meat is “mild flavored and usually not tough.”

The animals are often hunted in Central and South America for their meat. “Most of the meat is on the legs, along the spine and on the tail. Rib meat is usually not worth the effort.” Iguana meat is “very well suited to curries, soups, stews, gumbo, and etouffée.” Iguana meat, just like chicken, should be cooked to 165 degrees to kill salmonella pathogens. A blog post from the university’s institute provides a variety of iguana meat recipes, including iguana tacos, burritos and stew.

https://www.the-sun.com/news/298931/iguana-meat-florida-sold-online-cold-temperatures/

Iguana Recipe Ideas-Keep Food Safety in Mind
http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/2018/08/22/iguana-recipe-ideas-keep-food-safety-in-mind/