HOUSTON – As soon as we started working on our feral hog/Wild Russian Boar story, people started asking us questions.
"If you hunt them, can you eat them?" was one of the most popular questions we received.
When we asked hunters, it was quickly clear they fell into two camps.
Wild Russian Boars: Myths and realities
On the one side were the 'No way!' folks. It's gamey, tough and nothing you do to it could make it palatable.
But on the other side were the 'Wow it's great!' crowd, especially the suckling piglets, they said.
In Texas there are a handful of processing plants that prepare and send the meat to foreign markets where it's considered a delicacy.
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If you do want to give it a try, here are couple of recipes from Texas Parks and Wildlife for feral hog tacos and Wild Boar Schnitzel. Mmmm... tasty.
Feral Hog Tacos, from the Texas Parks & Wildlife
Wild Boar Schnitzel, from Texas Parks & Wildlife
https://tpwd.texas.gov/exptexas/programs/wildgame/recipes/wild_boar.phtml
A quick Google search found several more recipes:
Hellraisin' Wild Boar-Wrapped Wild Boar
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/hellraisin-wild-boar-wrapped-wild-boar-recipe-2014408
Braised Wild Boar Shanks with Sweet Soy and Star Anise
https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/braised-wild-boar-shanks-with-sweet-soy-and-star-anise
Roasted Leg of Wild Boar
https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/roasted-leg-of-wild-boar-102758
Wild Boar Ragu
https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/12191-wild-boar-ragu
We'd also like to know what your favorite feral hog/Wild Russian Boar recipes. Drop them in the comments below.