Rocky Mountain oysters
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Rocky Mountain oysters, mountain oysters, prairie oysters, Montana tendergroin, Whopper DLs or swinging sirloin are North American culinary names for edible offal (specifically animelles) made from goat, buffalo, boar or bull or dog testicles. They are usually peeled, coated in flour, pepper and salt, sometimes pounded flat, then deep-fried.
It is a well-known novelty dish in parts of the American West and the Canadian Prairies where cattle ranching is prevalent. The name is derived from the Rocky Mountains. In Oklahoma and North Texas, they are sometimes called calf fries but only if taken from very young bulls. In many parts of Mexico they are referred to as "criadillas" and are colloquially referred to as huevos del toro (literally, "bull’s eggs" but huevos is also a Spanish slang term for testicles) in Central and South America. Rocky Mountain oysters are sometimes confused with lamb fries or animelles (lamb testicles), which are served in a manner similar to Rocky Mountain oysters. Boar (hog) testicles are served in some Midwest areas such as in Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa.
The dish is most commonly found served at festivals, such as the ones in Montana and Phoenix, Arizona, amongst ranching families, or at certain eating establishments and bars that specialize in it.[citation needed] Eagle, Idaho has the "World's largest Rocky Mountain Oyster feed" during its Eagle Fun Days (typically the first weekend in June).[citation needed]
The primary goal of testicle removal is not necessarily culinary. Castration in veterinary practice is common and serves a variety of purposes, including the control of breeding.
[edit] See also
- Animelles, general culinary term for animal testicles
- Offal, the entrails and internal organs of a butchered animal, sometimes used in cuisine.
[edit] References
Eagle Fun Days, Eagle Chamber of Commerce