You've Goat to be Kidding and Hogwash

I have to admit, I’ve eaten some pretty interesting foods here. I’ve already explained that African culture exalts meat, and that means ANY type of meat. I recall during a ceremony in the Eastern Cape, a sacrificial goat was slaughtered. That type of thing really used to bother me, but I’m getting used to it now. I’ve really grown to admire, and even envy, the skill and aptitude one must have to properly prepare an animal. The ease and swiftness some people have at skinning the animal is admirable. But I think what I really appreciate is the care and precision taken with each part of the animal. Everything, and I mean everything, is eaten. And certain internal organs must be organized together and others must be separate. In addition, regardless if it is ceremonial or just a party, some, such as elders or women, will demand some certain specific organs or innards. To me, all those innards just look like a pile of slimy mush, but the preparers must know each and every organ.

During one particular occasion I was able to observe the creation of goat head stew. The hooves and skull are put directly onto the fire until charred, then the skull is split open. Once charred, the skin cleans off quite easily and they are boiled over an open fire until tender. A short time later I was offered some meat. Knowing that I can be a bit squeamish, I asked them to give me the most delicious part, but not to tell me what it is until after I ate it. It was, as they promised, delicious. Tender dark meat that was only very slightly gamey. It was the flesh of the goat’s cheek.

Another occasion had me sitting in a shebeen when a woman carrying a large bowl wandered inside, apparently selling the goodies in the bowl. I didn’t take a very good look, as it all looked to me like its most suitable use would be to be hid in the properties of an American hot dog! Regardless, one of my friends bought a piece. The meat itself was wrapped in newspaper so I was unable to see it. I wasn’t particularly hungry, but after several offers I finally agreed to eat a piece. It was a nice, fatty piece of pork and was quite to my liking actually. When offered again, I easily obliged. I put this piece in my mouth and immediately spat it out, not knowing exactly what it was, but certain I should not be eating it. A quick glance of the meat I spat made me realize it was the actual snout of the pig. I apologized… and declined and subsequent offers.