Do They Eat Kangaroos In Australia?

Kangaroos are one of the most widely distributed marsupials found on earth. They have adapted to inhabiting arid areas.

Kangaroos are herbivores and their diet consists of large quantities of grasses, leaves, and other plants. You can checkout how they evolved here.

Do they eat kangaroos in australia

Kangaroo meat is a very popular meat in Australia and across the world and is something a little bit different for people to try.

In fact, it is the most popular meat there. Find out all about kangaroo meat.

Do People Eat Kangaroo Meat?

Kangaroo meat is a curious thing. You see it on the menu at fancy restaurants and you shudder.

Then you remember that it is a sustainable protein source, and you don’t give it a second thought.

It really isn’t all that rare to eat Kangaroo in Australia and people might think they don’t because they are so well known for the animal over there just roaming free.

However, they sell lots of different parts just like a cow including filet steaks and leg.

Has It Always Been Legal?

Many indigenous Australians have been eating kangaroo for centuries, but not everyone because it hasn’t always been viewed as right.

It has only been around a few decades that it has been completely legalized in Australia and not frowned upon.

Why Do People Eat It Now?

Kangaroo is like any other meat you would find in a supermarket, and is actually full of nutritional value for humans.

They are also not farmed animals which means they will not have any growth hormones or added chemicals to the meat.

Another great fact about why people eat it is because it is very high in iron and low in fat which is perfect for a meat balance. Therefore, it is super good for your heart, so why wouldn’t you eat it?

People have also been looking at the sustainability of meat over the past decade and kangaroo is going to be much more sustainable in comparison to other meats.

This is because of the continuous farming of other animals. Kangaroos also emit less methane than cattle and require less water for the process.

Is Everyone On Board?

You will never be able to get everyone to agree that Australian eat kangaroos because as mentioned previously, people still view the Kangaroo as the animal which represents Australia and more like a pet than food.

However, many have started to add it into their everyday lives and accept it more.

Best Ways To Cook It

eat kangaroos in australia

This type of meat has to be cooked right or you will be looking at having a very chewy steak. Therefore, people tend to choose minced beef instead as an alternative to minced beef.

You can make them into low fat meatballs or even burgers.

There are also the Kanga bangers which are the equivalent to pork sausages which are supposed to be really tasty and low in fat.

You could also try the steak which must be cooked properly to be nice and tender and avoid any chewyness.

You could also have the Kangaroo meat on a pizza which is meant to be another delicious way to try it for the first time without having to have a whole filet of it.

There is also the option in certain restaurants to have Kangaroo salads too. Just swapping out the other meat and adding that in, it’s really that simple.

There are also snacks being made like jerky which is nice and chewy and they have a great chili flavor.

It is something new and something different and is taking the strain off the farming industry for Australia.

How Are Kangaroos Slaughtered In Australia?

The meat industry in Australia is already an essential component to the economy.

From dairy farms, to poultry farms, to abattoirs, and retail outlets, it is an integral part of the country’s business.

The industry Code of Practice requires that animals are killed by a single shot to the head which is the least amount of pain you could inflict on the animal.

However, there have been stories where this is not how they are being killed and going against the code of practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Kangaroo Meat Called In Australia?

Kangaroo meat will now be called “australus” in keeping with calling deer meat venison.

This is the way to separate the meat from the animal as it can be a little bit off putting for people to call it Kangaroo meat.

Is It OK To Eat Kangaroo Meat?

The meat of kangaroos is considered to be some of the best meat in the world. However, it’s not as common to find kangaroo meat at the grocery store as one would think.

However, it is just like beef or chicken but with a very high iron level and low in fat which is really healthy for us humans.

It is a great source of protein for the heart and doesn’t rely on heavy farming.

Conclusion

Overall, it might come as a shock to some people that Australians have come round to the idea of eating Kangaroo meat.

However, people eat different types of animals across the world, so why is Kangaroo any different?

It is great for sustainability as the amount of farming across the world for beef and chicken is inanely costly.

Kangaroos have health benefits and do not need as much water to survive. Hopefully this guide has shed some light on the situation with Kangaroo meat in Australia and why they have chosen to start eating it.In Australia, kangaroo meat, often termed “roo,” serves as red meat, leaner than lamb, with a unique gamey flavor like chicken. Despite the low kangaroo population, consuming kangaroo meat is common, embraced for its unique taste and nutritional benefits. It remains a significant part of the culinary culture, portraying a sustainable approach to red meat consumption in the region.

As we mentioned at the beginning, people have been eating kangaroo meat for years before it was legal, but it has not long been accepted as legal over there.

It is just an alternative for other meat and looks exactly the same!

If you are going to try some, we recommend the filet steak and make sure it is cooked to perfection!

Olivia Kepner