What Is Possum? What Does Possum Taste Like?

Possum meat has a taste similar to chicken and other game meats. Most people describe the taste as being somewhere between pork, duck, and rabbit. The meat is extremely lean with little fat content making it similar in texture to beef.

Possums have been hunted for food since the time of European settlement in North America. While possum meat is a delicacy in many parts of the world, it’s not for everyone.

If you’re thinking about trying possum for the first time, you’ll want to know what to expect. In this article, we’ll cover the many different ways possum meat is prepared and get into what it tastes like.

What Do You Mean By Possum?

Possums are marsupials, meaning they have a pouch where they carry their young. They are omnivores and eat plants, animals, and many foods, including carrion.

Possums are native to Australia, New Guinea, and Sulawesi but have been introduced to other countries by humans. 

Possums have very sharp teeth that can tear through tough plant fibers. Their feet have five toes on each foot with long claws that help them climb trees easily.

Possums have small ears hidden by thick fur on their heads, as well as a short snout with a long tongue for reaching into cracks looking for food.

Possum meat is also low in fat, making it perfect for anyone watching their cholesterol levels. It’s a delicacy in some parts of the world, though it’s still considered an exotic food in many places.

Possum meat can be described as sweet and a little bit like chicken. Others have described the meat as gamier than other meat types, and sometimes it’s even described as nutty.

This is because possum meat is very lean and doesn’t have much fat. This makes it healthier than other meats but also means that you should be careful not to overcook it, or else the meat will dry out.

Different Types Of Possums

There are over 120 different types of possums. However, most people only think about one type, the Virginia opossum, as it is the only species of possum that can be found in North America.

The Virginia opossum can be found in forested areas across North America. They prefer to live in trees and burrows but are also comfortable living in abandoned animal burrows or under brush piles. This makes them difficult to find unless you know where to look.

They have a dark gray body with a lighter-colored face and ears.

In addition, they weigh between 3 and 7 pounds when fully grown. Also, they have long bodies and short legs with sharp claws that help them climb trees and get at food sources such as mice or birds’ eggs.

Virginia opossums are omnivorous, and they will eat fruits, nuts, insects, and small rodents. 

Health Benefits Of Possum Meat

There are several health benefits to eating possum meat. Possum meat has incredibly low-fat content, making it a healthy choice for those who are looking for ways to reduce their cholesterol levels or lose weight.

Furthermore, possum meat is an excellent source of protein, iron, and zinc, all of which are essential for healthy bodily function. Omega-3 fatty acids found in abundance in possum meat have been linked to enhanced cognitive and cardiovascular health.

How To Cook Possum

There are many ways to cook possum meat. You can boil it in water or cook it in a slow cooker, pressure cooker, oven, or smoker. You can also fry it in a skillet or grill it over the fire. 

If you want to try something new, bake the meat with some sauce or roast it in an oven for another tasty treat.

If you would like to add fat to your possum meat, then cooking it slowly over low heat will help release the fat from within the body of your meal and make a much more flavorful dish.

First, get your possum ready for cooking. It’s best if you have a fresh one, but if not, frozen is fine too. If you have a fresh one, clean it thoroughly before cooking. You’ll want to remove any fur and wash it with water and soap until all the dirt has been removed.

Next, cook your possum on high heat in a pan with a little oil or butter over medium-high heat until browned on all sides. Then, cover the pan and reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 25 minutes or until tender.

Once done cooking, remove from pan and serve with your favorite side dish.

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What To Serve With Possum

Possum meat is unique and unusual, and it can be a bit intimidating to cook with if you’ve never tried it before. So, what should you serve with possum meat?

The answer depends on the recipe you’re making and the way that you want to serve it. If you’re cooking up a big batch of possum for dinner, then we recommend serving it alongside some vegetables like sweet potatoes or green beans. If you’re going to make some possum jerky, then we recommend pairing it with potato chips or pretzels for a snack.

If you’re looking for something for more dessert, try pairing your possum with ice cream! You’ll find that the two complement each other perfectly if you’re looking for something sweet but also savory.

How To Prepare Possum Meat For Cooking

Possum meat can be cooked on the grill, in the oven, or a slow cooker. Cooking possum for a long time at low temperatures will tenderize the meat. Any recipe for chicken, pork, or lamb can be used to prepare possum.

Furthermore, possums are lean and not fatty like bacon, so there is no need to remove all of their fat before cooking them. If you want to do this, trim off any large pieces of fat and save them for sausage-making later.

Is Possum Safe To Eat?

Possum is a relatively common wild game that can be eaten safely, but only if prepared correctly.

Possum meat is very safe to eat. It is a healthy alternative to red meat and is low in cholesterol and high in protein. Possums are also high in iron, zinc, selenium, B vitamins, and the amino acid taurine—all of which promote good health.

Possum should never be eaten raw because it can contain trichinosis parasites. However, cooking properly will eliminate this threat.

Can You Freeze Possum Meat?

You can freeze the possum if you’d like, but we recommend you clean it well and prep it before freezing. You’ll want to ensure that the skin is clean and free of dirt or grime, affecting how well it freezes.

Once you’ve cleaned your possum, you can either fry it up or hang it to dry so that it will last longer in storage.

You should be able to freeze possum meat for up to several months. Simply wrap the meat in plastic wrap and then put it in a freezer bag. You can just place the frozen possum in its original packaging and place it in a larger freezer bag.

The best way to thaw frozen possum is by placing it into a bowl of cold water in the fridge. The water should be changed once every 30 minutes until thawed completely.

Once done, cook immediately, or else you will have an unpleasant taste experience when you eat it.

How To Store Fresh Possum Meat

Possum meat should be kept in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it. It will last for a maximum of two days after purchase.

But if you can’t cook it within that timeframe, freeze it immediately so that bacteria don’t grow and spoil the meat.

Make sure that you store possum meat away from other foods, as they have different expiration dates. Also, they may not be compatible with each other.

Therefore, make sure that you store your possum meat in a sealed container so that it stays fresh longer and doesn’t dry out when exposed to air.

Side Effects Of Possum Meat

Possum meat is a wild animal that can carry a range of infectious diseases and parasites, so it’s important to cook the meat thoroughly. Below are some common food-borne illnesses associated with possum meat, along with tips on how to avoid them:

Food Poisoning

Possum meat can be contaminated by other animals or insects. Cooking the meat thoroughly will kill off harmful bacteria or parasites.

Salmonella

Possum meat has been known to contain salmonella, which causes vomiting and diarrhea in humans who eat it. To prevent this, cook your possum thoroughly before eating it.

E Coli

Possum is also prone to containing E Coli bacteria when exposed to contaminated water sources such as streams or ponds. Again, ensure you cook them properly before consuming them so that no nasty surprises come up later down the road.

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Where To Get Possum Meat

If you’re interested in trying possum meat, there are a few different places you can go to get it. Your first option is to hunt your possums and prepare them yourself. 

Possums are hunted and eaten in many parts of the world. In the U.S., they’re typically hunted by people who have a permit to do so, but you can also purchase them at specialty meat stores.

You may need a permit to buy or sell possums in some states. So look into your local laws before attempting to hunt or purchase them yourself.

If this is not an option, you can purchase possum meat from specialty meat stores that provide exotic meats. Also, possum meat is a delicacy in many countries and is easy to find online. 

Nutritional Facts

Quick Table: 3 Possum Recipes

1. Possum Casserole

A casserole is a traditional dish in the Southern United States that has been served for generations. The main ingredient is possum meat, but it can also be made with chicken or other meats instead.

The meat is cooked with vegetables and spices in a rich sauce and then baked. The result is a savory dish with a rich taste that pairs well with potatoes and cornbread. 

Calories: 363

Preparation Time: 4 hrs 30 mins

2. Roast Possum With Apples And Yams

This recipe is interesting because it combines the traditional flavors of apples, yams, and possums in a new way.

The possum itself has a fatty texture that is difficult to cook with, but here it is paired with apples, which give it a sweet flavor. This combination also works well with yams.

Calories: 544

Preparation Time: 1 hr

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3. Stuffed Roast Possum

If you’re looking for a new way to spice up your meat-eating, try this recipe for a stuffed roast possum. It’s packed with flavor, and it’s easy to make. 

The possum is stuffed with possum liver, which gives it a unique flavor that can’t be found anywhere else. The liver is chopped into small pieces and seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before being added to the rest of the stuffing ingredients.

Calories: 188

Preparation Time: 4 hrs 30 mins

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Possums Edible?

Eating a possum is a delectable experience. They’re adaptable and tasty, and they’re a fantastic way to get your daily dose of protein and fat. They are considered a gourmet treat in many nations.

Is Possum Meat Healthy?

Possum meat is low in fat and calories but high in protein, iron, vitamin B12, and zinc. Possum meat also has significant amounts of phosphorus and niacin. Possums are a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and selenium.

Is Possum Meat Legal To Eat?

It is legal to eat possum meat in the U.S., although there are rules about how you go about hunting and trapping them.

First, you need a hunting license for the state where you will be hunting. You can find out more about that on your state’s Department of Fish and Game website.

Second, you’ll have to check your local laws to see if there are restrictions on what kind of traps you can use. In some states, it’s illegal to use leg-hold traps. So make sure to check before you go out into the wilds with your new trap.

Explore 3 Tasty Possum Recipes

Did you ever think about Possum? Find what does possum taste like in its original form.

Ingredients

• Possum Casserole

• Roast Possum with Apples and Yams

• Stuffed Roast Possum

Directions

• Pick a recipe from the list above
• Click the recipe name and visit the website
• Collect the ingredients and cook the food
• Enjoy – don’t forget to leave a review

Recipe Video

• Author
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Jess Smith

Hi, my name is Jess Smith, and I love cooking in my spare time. Around three years ago, I decided to give up my day job as a teacher to pursue my passion for food. While I have enjoyed sharing tips and tricks on Social Media, I have decided to expand my horizons through this blog.

Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.

I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!

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