As a culinary object, frogs have long been associated with French cuisine. Of course, those amphibians that are served in expensive restaurants in this country differ from the individuals familiar to all Russians living in local waters.
Differences between an edible frog and an ordinary frog
So all the same, which frogs are edible, and which are not suitable for direct consumption? There are practically no special external differences between an edible frog and its closest, unsuitable for consumption, relative. The only exception is the color of the cheek bladders. In an edible frog, they are white, and in an ordinary, lake frog, they are gray.
Edible frogs are a natural hybrid of lake and pond species. They appeared about 5000 years ago. They live in large numbers in swamps and streams, on small rivers and are the most popular and numerous species of frogs widespread in Europe. Their famous fried feet have long been known as a real delicacy and serve as an excellent treat in the best restaurants in France. They are included in recipes for many dishes; special sauces and dressings are created for them.
The populations of edible frogs are not decreasing, despite the great interest of chefs in them, but on the contrary, they are spreading at a fairly high speed.
The business of breeding edible frogs in different countries is quite profitable, so there are more and more farms around the world that specialize in this business.
Where to buy
It's no secret that edible frogs are used not only in restaurant cuisine, but can also be perfectly cooked at home and have long been appreciated by many gourmets. At the moment, buying an edible frog is not a problem. They are presented in large quantities in various large supermarkets. They are usually sold frozen and are completely ready to use.
Fans of exotic cuisine will be able to combine them with other dishes or cook on their own. Now there are many simple and quick recipes. The total cost of such self-made delicacies, as a rule, is significantly lower than a similar dish served in a restaurant.
In addition to the original and exquisite taste that frog legs have, this product also has benefits for the body. The meat of these amphibians contains large quantities of protein, vitamins, minerals and other elements.
