Chiayi: The Chiayi County Agriculture Department made a special pitch on Wednesday to promote locally raised crocodile meat as a unique addition to traditional Mid-Autumn Festival barbecues. This initiative highlights the county's diverse aquaculture products as potential barbecue fare for the festival.
According to Focus Taiwan, Chang Chien-cheng, a section chief in the department's aquaculture division, emphasized that Chiayi's aquaculture offerings, including oysters, hard clams, whiteleg shrimp, tilapia, and eels, are not only low in fat but also high in protein, making them ideal for grilling. Among these, the county is bringing attention to crocodile meat as a distinctive option.
Chiayi is home to Taiwan's largest concentration of spectacled caiman farms, particularly located in Yizhu Township. Chang noted that crocodile meat possesses a mild flavor and firm texture, akin to chicken, and can be prepared in various ways such as grilling, deep-frying, boiling, baking, and stewing with traditional Chinese medicine ingredients.
The Agriculture Department specifically recommended skinless crocodile leg for grilling, citing its fresh taste and potential to spark conversations at Mid-Autumn Festival gatherings. Alternatively, skin-on crocodile leg is suggested for soups or dishes like "three cup crocodile," where its flavor and texture resemble that of giant grouper.
Consumers interested in exploring Chiayi's aquaculture products have access to over 220 options through the county's "Chiayum" website. This initiative aligns with the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, which Taiwan will celebrate on September 25.