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You are here: Home / Animals / What is a Nutria, what does its Meat Taste like, and how did it get its Name?

What is a Nutria, what does its Meat Taste like, and how did it get its Name?

April 11, 2020 by Karen Hill

Surprisingly, the nutria has less fat and cholesterol than chicken or turkey and is loaded with protein.

By all reports, it tastes like rabbit and is very tender.

The nutria, also known as the coypu, is a large, herbivorous, semi-aquatic rodent that looks like a really big rat.

It is originally native to South America and has been introduced to North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa by fur ranchers.

Although it is still valued for its fur in some regions, Its destructive feeding and burrowing behavior makes this invasive species a pest even though it is still valued for its fur in some countries.

The coypu was first documented by Juan Ignacio Molina in 1782 as Mus coypus, a member of the mouse family. In 1792, Robert Kerr named it Myocastor, which comes from the Greek words “mys” and “kastor”, or “mouse-beaver”.

The word nutria refers to the otter. Several attempts have been made to farm the animal for its meat, but nobody seems to be into rat meat, so far.

The last question then.

Which wine goes best with a swamp rat?

A good merlot is recommended.

Related Facts

  • How did the Nutria become a Pest in Louisiana and why do they Eat the Swamp Rat which was bred for Fur?
  • Why is Ground Beef Red on the Outside but Brown on the Inside and What does it mean?
  • What types of Viruses and Bacteria do Rats and Mice carry?
  • How is the Female Nutria or Coypu able to feed her Babies while in the Water?
  • Why Is Red Meat Red and White Meat White and What Is the Difference Between Red Meat and White Meat?
  • What is Mechanically Separated Meat and How does it help Spread Mad Cow Disease?

Filed Under: Animals

About Karen Hill

Karen Hill is a freelance writer, editor, and columnist. Born in New York, her work has appeared in the Examiner, Yahoo News, Buzzfeed, among others.

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