Rocky Mountain Oysters

Photo: flickr user Sklathill

About

Rocky mountain oysters are made from the testicles of a bull. Most often eaten fried in the United States, but added to soups and stews or grilled in other countries.

Information

Other names: Prairie Oysters, Cowboy Caviar, Montana Tendergroins, Swinging Beef

Translations: Rocky Mountain Austeres, Rocky Mountain austrės, Rocky Mountain Stridiile, Rocky Mountain Kamenice, Rocky Mountain ostryg, रॉकी पर्वत Oysters, Rocky Mountain ostras, Устрицы Скалистых гор, Rocky Mountain Στρείδια, المحار روكي ماونتن, 록키 마운틴 굴, Rocky Mountain Ústřice, Rocky Mountain Tiram, 洛矶山牡蛎, Les ostres de muntanya rocosa, Rocky Mountain Ostrige, Rocky Mountain Ustrice, Rocky Mountain Ostriche, רוקי מאונטיין צדפות, Rocky Mountain Ostron, Роцки Моунтаин Оистерс, ロッキーマウンテンオイスター, Huîtres des montagnes Rocheuses, Rocky Mountain Østers, Rocky Mountain Østers, Las ostras de montaña rocosa, Устриці Скелястих гір, Rocky Mountain osterit, Rocky Mountain Стридите

Physical Description

They are that part of the bull that is removed in his youth so that he may thereby be more tractable, grow meatier, and behave less masculine.

Colors: light grayish green, brown

Tasting Notes

Flavors: liver, salty

Mouthfeel: Meaty

Food complements: Gizzards, Salads

Wine complements: All wines

Beverage complements: Beer

Substitutes: Gizzards, Liver

Selecting and Buying

Seasonality: march, april, may, june, july, august, september, opctober

Peak: april, may, june, july, august, september

Preparation and Use

When the calves are branded, the testicles are cut off and thrown in a bucket of water. They are then peeled, washed, rolled in flour and pepper, and fried in a pan.

Cleaning: Rinse thoroughly with cold running water prior to preparation and use.

Conserving and Storing

Store in air tight container in refrigerator for 3-5 days.

Social/Political

Rocky Mountain oysters earned their name through association with the prevalent cattle industry in the Rocky Mountain region, as well as a passing resemblance to raw sea-based oysters.

History: Some people say eating animal genitalia dates back to ancient Roman times when it was believed that eating a healthy animal’s organ might correct some ailment in the corresponding human organ of the male person eating it. Because of this belief, the practice continues to the present day, especially in Asia, where animal genitalia are considered an aphrodisiac.