Guinea pig, or cuy in Ecuador is one of the traditional foods you should try while visiting Ecuador, Bolivia or Peru. It is more commonly known as cuy (kew-y) in the indigenous language of Kichwa, because of the high-pitched bird-like sound the animal makes.

What is cuy in Ecuador?

Guinea pig, or cuy in Ecuador is one of the traditional foods you should try while visiting Ecuador, Bolivia or Peru. It is more commonly known as cuy (kew-y) in the indigenous language of Kichwa, because of the high-pitched bird-like sound the animal makes.

Is cuy a rodent?

The Cuy Peruano (Peruvian Guinea Pig) is related to another animal called a cavy, a large rodent found in South America. What is this? They’re not pigs and they don’t come from Guinea. Cuy is a delicious delicacy best served with potatoes and salsa.

What is cuy in Peru?

Most people see them as fluffy adorable pets, but in Peru guinea pigs – or “cuy” as they are known locally – are a delicacy. In the past few years their popularity has really taken off and a boom in guinea pig farming is helping many peasant farmers living below the minimum wage to get out of poverty.

How is cuy cooked?

How To Cook Cuy. In Peru, where cuy is eaten the most, it is often spitted and cooked via the pachamanca, a traditional earthen oven used to roast foods. These styles of cooking are especially popular in the markets and for home barbecues. Cuy can also be butterflied and fried or baked.

Why is cuy important in Ecuador?

The amount of guinea pigs one owns is a symbol of social status and wealth. Cuy are not only used for food. They warm the house, keep the rats away and are used for medicinal purposes.

What is cuy made of?

guinea pig
Cuy, one of Peru’s most famous dishes, is not for the faint of heart; it’s fried or roasted guinea pig, and it’s a Peruvian delicacy.

Is cuy a guinea pig?

The name Cuy is South American Spanish for members of the species Cavia porcellus, which is the same species of guinea pig seen in the United States. These guinea pigs are much larger, however, because they are a domesticated guinea pig kept as livestock for meat.

What countries eat cuy?

Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru are all countries which have seen these furry little rodents grace local plates for thousands of years. Those from the UK and the US are more accustomed to seeing guinea pigs as pets instead of food! Across South America today, guinea pigs are known to the locals as Cuy.

Do guinea pigs taste good?

Guinea pig, or cuy as it is known, is a delicacy. The meat is prized and tastes like a cross between duck and rabbit. When properly prepared, the meat of a guinea pig is rich, fatty, and flavorful, while the skin, when roasted over a hot fire, gives pork crackling a run for its money.

Are cuy bigger than guinea pigs?