ever seen a corn infected with a fungal disease that turns it into a tasty tree or garlic that changes color and flavor entirely becoming a black delicacy or how about a creature that looks like it just stepped off of a Sci-Fi set but is actually nutritious and totally edible what about a soup featuring white ant eggs now these Foods might sound strange but they are real and safe to eat our world is filled with weird and wonderful foods that will surprise you welcome back to another amazing episode of Forever Green today we will show you
the 20 weirdest looking foods that are actually edible nutritious and healthy but this isn't all we also have an egg that appears to be 100 years old but is actually perfectly edible and full of nutrients so get ready click that subscribe button and let's dive in 14 corn smut Mexico corn smut or wheat La Coe in Mexico is a funky fungus that turns ordinary corn into something extraordinary this fungus ustilago makes corn kernels swell into grayish mushroom likee Galls bursting with earthy Savory flavors instead of ruining the crop this infection is welcomed by many farmers
and chefs the transformation happen in corn fields when the fungus infects maze plants turning kernels into silvery masses this not only changes the Corn's look but also boosts its nutritional value adding amino acids proteins and other nutrients whe La Coe has been a staple in Mexico for centuries harvested in late summer and early fall in Mexican kitchens it's treated like a gourmet ingredient sauteed with onions garlic and epazote it fills quesadillas tamales and more with a smoky sweet flavor qu La Co known as Mexican truffle is gaining popularity in the US and Europe for its
complex taste and culinary versatility 13 natto natto is a traditional Japanese food that might seem a bit mysterious to those not familiar with it it's made from soy beans that have been fermented with a specific type of bacteria which gives Nat its unique characteristics a strong cheeselike smell a sticky slimy texture and strings that form when you lift it with chopsticks natto is primarily found in Japan where it is widely consumed as a breakfast dish often served over rice with mustard soy sauce and sometimes chopped green onions it's not just a food item it's part
of the daily d diet for many Japanese people nice revered for its nutritional value Nat is rich in protein vitamins like K2 and probiotics which are great for Digestive Health the process of making NATO begins with soaking and then steaming soybeans the beans are then mixed with the bacteria basilis subtilus Nat and left to ferment over time in a warm place this fermentation process is what develops Nat's distinctive qualities 12 black garlic Global black garlic starts its Journey as regular white garlic but transforms through a special aging process that involves heat and humidity over several
weeks this process often described as fermentation changes not just the color of the garlic but also its entire flavor profile and texture what emerges is something utterly different from its original form cloves of garlic that are black soft and sticky much like dried fruit the taste of black garlic is complex imagine combining hints of molasses balsamic vinegar caramel and Tamarind all in one bite it's sweet yet Savory with none of the sharp bite or pungency of raw garlic but black garlic is not just loved for its taste it's also prized for its health benefits it
contains nearly double the amount of antioxidants found in fresh garlic which are crucial for fighting inflammation and protecting our cells from damage this has made black garlic a favorite among Health enthusiasts 11 giant isopod ever seen a creature that looks like it crawled out of a science fiction movie and landed on your dinner plate well meet the giant is pod an oddity of the deep sea that's as nutritious as it is bizarre these creatures dwell in the cold dark depths of the ocean often over 2,000 ft below the surface where they scavenge the seabed for
dead and decaying matter imagine a bug the size of a football armored like a tank with dozens of wriggling legs and you've got yourself a giant isopod despite their alien appearance giant isopods are entirely edible and quite nutritious think of them as the lobsters of the deep though your local seafood restaurant probably doesn't serve them packed with protein and low and fat they offer a unique alternative for the adventurous eater rich in zinc and omega3 fatty acids they're not just good for a dare they're good for your health too but here's the kicker these ocean
floor crawlers are also longlived loners the giant isopod can survive without food food for remarkable periods sometimes over 4 years 10 bamboo fungus China bamboo fungus also known as stin corn mushroom or phis indusi is a unique and mysterious delicacy that comes from the depths of bamboo forests in China imagine a mushroom that doesn't just grow anywhere it specifically chooses the rich moist soil found near bamboo plants to start its life this fungus is not only rare but carries with it a Charming story of Discovery and traditional use rich in protein antioxidants and fiber it's
considered a health booster in Chinese medicine when bamboo fungus first emerges from the ground it looks like something out of a fairy tale it starts as a white egg-like structure and then as it grows it bursts open to reveal a long lacy skirt that hangs from its cap almost like a bridal covering this delicate covering is what makes the bamboo fungus so visually striking and highly prized when cooked it offers a crunchy yet tender texture that absorbs the flavors of the ingredients it's cooked with in traditional Chinese cuisine bamboo fungus is often used in soups
and stir fries where it soaks up the rich soups and sauces becoming a delicious ious treat that bursts with flavor in every bite nine sea urchin sea urchins or oi as they're known in Japanese Cuisine are like hidden gems of the ocean found clinging to Rocky seabeds these round spiky ecoderm might look more like something you'd avoid rather than eat but beneath that prickly exterior lies a food treasure the part eaten isn't meat but the gonads which produce the eggs offering a soft custard-like texture that melts in your mouth the taste of sea urchin is
truly like no other it's Rich buttery and has a sweet hint of the sea that can range from a gentle wave of flavor to an intense Oceanic burst just depending on where and how it's harvested diving into a dish of sea urchin is like taking a plunge into the deep sea thrilling a bit mysterious ious and utterly refreshing sea urchins are nutrient Rich offering protein Omega-3s and brain boosting B12 Beyond a dish they're an oceanic experience in a small spiky package promoting health and energy eight salak salak often known as snake fruit due to its
reddish brown scaly skin is a tantalizing tropical fruit that originates from Indonesia when you hold a salac it feels a bit like a small storybook dragon egg but the real surprise comes when you peel it open inside the fruit divides into loes that are as firm as garlic cloves but taste entirely different biting into a salak is a unique experience the flesh is crunchy yet moist with a flavor that blends hints of apple banana and pineapple into something entirely its own it's both sweet and tangy with a slight acidity that can pucker your mouth much
like a dry wine salak is a staple in local markets especially in places like Bali and Java the fruits grow on a species of palm tree which thrives in the archipelago's tropical climate each cluster of salac Palms yields Bunches of this intriguing fruit which are harvested carefully to avoid the sharp the fruit is also Al believed to have health benefits including memory improvement and digestion Aid making it a popular choice for both its utility and delicious taste seven the gooey duck the gooey duck is not your ordinary clam this giant mollusk pronounced gooey duck not
geod duck might just be one of the ocean's most bizarr looking creatures it has a large meaty body that protrudes far out of its shell resembling an elephant's trunk which is why it often catches the eye and curiosity of those who see it for the first time originating from the coastal Waters of the Pacific Northwest particularly around Washington State and British Columbia despite its odd appearance the guey duk is a prized delicacy especially in Asian Cuisines where it is celebrated for its sweet clean taste and crunchy texture it can be eaten raw Sashimi style which
highlights its fresh o flavor or cooked in a variety of dishes where it maintains its firmness even when heated the gooey Duck's Fame isn't just about its taste it's also known for its impressive lifespan these clams can live for more than 100 years making them one of the longest living creatures in the animal kingdom rich in protein low in fat packed with vitamins B12 zinc and iron this food supports muscle growth boosts immunity and promotes overall health six moral mushrooms moral mushrooms are a treasure of the forest desired by chefs and food lovers around the
world these unique fungi are easily recognizable by their distinctive honeycomb appearance with a conical spongy head that stands a top a slender stem the texture and deep earthy flavor they bring to dishes make them highly sought after in The Culinary world morels are not just any mushroom they are wild and mysterious appearing only in the springtime and early summer they Thrive after forest fires or in areas with Disturbed Earth creating a natural and intriguing scavenger hunt for those who know where to look you can find Morel mushrooms across various parts of the globe especially in
temperate regions they are abundant in North America particularly in the forested areas of the Midwest and the Pacific North Northwest morals also grow in parts of Europe Asia and Canada popping up in woods Orchards and along river banks often hidden under a cover of leaves or in the shade of old trees five kasum marzu Italy kasum marzu is a cheese like no other often capturing the imagination and sometimes the fear of those who hear its story this traditional Sardinian cheese whose name literally means rotten cheese is famous not only for its strong flavor but also
for its unique method of production that involves live insects the Journey of kasum marzu begins as a pecino a popular sheep's milk cheese in Italy the cheese is left outside with parts of its rind removed to attract cheese flies which then lay their eggs inside of it as these eggs hatch the larvae begin to eat through the cheese breaking taking down its fats and giving it a very soft and creamy texture the cheese is typically spread on moistened Sardinian flatbread and paired with a strong red wine which complement the robust flavor those who try it
often have to overcome their initial hesitation but then many find the creamy texture and depth of flavor truly Unforgettable the European Union has banned this cheese due to health concerns associated with consuming live larvae but it still can be found being made and consumed in Sardinian Villages often under the radar four blood clam blood clams are definitely one of the weirdest dishes out there when you crack open these clams they ooze a dark blood red liquid like something out of a horror movie this unusual color comes from hemoglobins in their blood just like humans have
which is pretty rare among shellfish harvested from the coasts of China southeast Asia and parts of Africa blood clams have a slightly metallic taste and a firm texture that locals love but getting these clams is not easy divers have to Brave deep and sometimes risky Waters the clams live buried in Shallow Marine sediments filtering nutrients from the water which gives their blood a rich nutrient packed quality in the kitchen blood clams are often steamed or boiled and sometimes even served raw in China they're especially popular in Shanghai and guandong they absorb flavors well and have
a distinctive Briny sweetness but watch out they can filter bacteria and viruses so they must come from clean Waters to avoid health risks blood clams are rich in iron protein and essential nutrients but they make cause digestive discomfort for those with sensitive stomachs three white ants egg soup white ants egg soup might sound like a dish straight out of a Fear Factor episode but in Thailand and La it's a celebrated delicacy the star ingredient termite eggs these little creatures offer a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor that's surprisingly delicious harvesting termite eggs requires Ninja
level skills and perfect timing locals Venture into forested areas during breeding season to gather these Tiny Treasures from termite nests in the kitchen they're combined with herbs and spices like lemongrass lime leaves and gongol creating a soup with a zesty and spicy kick gently boiled to keep their delicate texture these eggs make a soup that's both rich in flavor and light on the pallet besides being a protein powerhouse it's believed to Boost energy and improve skin Health eating white ants egg soup offers more than just nutrition it's an experience that connects diners with the traditions
and natural resources of Southeast Asia two how cardle ever seen a dish that could challenge your bravery as much as your taste buds let's dive into the world of how cardle Iceland notorious delicacy that's not for the timid eater this traditional Icelandic food is made from the meat of a Greenland shark an animal more famous for its meat being naturally toxic when fresh but leave it to the ingenious icelanders to turn danger into delicacy the secret to making how cardal safe and somewhat palatable lies in its unique fermentation process after catching the shark locals bury
it in shallow grave in a grally sand weighing it down with stones to press the toxic fluids out of the body this isn't your average weekend cooking project the shark remains buried for 6 to 12 weeks depending on the season Once Unearthed it's then hung to dry for several more months by the end the shark's meat loses much of its moisture and gains its Infamous ammonia Rich Aroma that could knock your socks off like other Seafood how cardle is high in protein and low in fat the Greenland shark from which how cardle is made was
one of the longest lifespans of any vertebrate living as long as 400 years number one century eggs Century eggs also called Thousand-Year eggs are a strange Marvel of traditional Chinese cuisine despite the name these eggs aren't actually a century old they're preserved duck chicken or quail eggs encased in a mix of clay Ash salt quick lime and rice holes for a few weeks to a month this transforms the yolks into a creamy dark green or gray and the whites into dark translucent jelly with a salty slightly sulfurous flavor popular in China and found in Asian
grocery stores worldwide Century eggs are a delicacy they're often sliced and served with Pickled ginger or added to kji enhancing flavors with their unique taste the charm of centry eggs lies in their complex flavor and striking appearance they are often sliced and served as a side dish garnished with Pickled ginger root or used to enhance the flavor of other dishes like kji or rice porridge which adds depth to their distinctive strong taste and that's a wrap on our journey through weird weird and wonderful Foods subscribe for more food adventures and keep exploring the unusual until
next time
