The global history of why we eat raw protein

Every Raw Meat Dish Explained · 13:22 · Video: Food Explained · Watch at the source

In short: From Japanese sashimi to Ethiopian kitfo, humans have consumed raw meat for millennia. This video explores 14 distinct dishes to reveal the diverse methods—ranging from acid curing to permafrost burial—that make these proteins safe and culturally significant.

The video examines how different cultures mastered raw protein without refrigeration by utilizing specific environmental and chemical techniques. Key examples include Peruvian ceviche, where fish is 'cooked' by acid; Inuit traditions of burying meat in permafrost for months; and the intentional serving of high-fat wagyu beef.

It also highlights the dangers involved in these culinary traditions, such as the preparation of fugu (pufferfish), which requires a licensed chef to navigate its toxicity. By analyzing 14 global dishes, the video illustrates how humanity leveraged salt, fat, cold, and fermentation to turn raw meat into a staple across every continent.

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