Canadians are pretty bold when it comes to their food. After all, Canada is where poutine and ketchup chips come from. But there are a number of edibles you may not have thought you’d be able to eat.
Here’s a look at six items you probably never dreamed could pass by your lips. Now that you know, you might be bold enough to give some of them a try:
Tree bark. Cinnamon actually comes from the bark of a tree. People have been eating certain bark for ages. Rough outer layers are tossed, while the inner, soft white bark is edible. Maple, willow and pine bark are safe to eat, but some trees have poisonous bark, so be sure to do your homework first.
Cacti. There are many varieties of edible cactus. When prepared properly, they can be eaten raw or cooked and added to salads, soups and drinks. It has been said cacti tastes somewhat like okra or cucumber.
Clay. Apparently, it’s not just for molding. In fact, clay is eaten in many parts of the world since it can help with mineral deficiency. Just make sure it’s food grade if you’re curious and want to try it.
Worms. Yes, you can fill up on common earthworms if you’ve got some wiggle room in your stomach. They’re regularly eaten in some cultures and they’re allegedly a good source of iron, calcium and protein.
Banana peels. Did you know that the peel of a banana can whiten your teeth? But you can eat them, as well, since they’re full of vitamins and minerals.
Rotting meat. There’s hákarl, or fermented shark in Iceland, which hangs for months before being eaten since it’s poisonous when fresh. Kiviak from Greenland are sea birds that have been fermented, while Honego is rotten skate fish eaten in Korea.
