Fermented Shark ??!?
OK, I'm positive this 'tradition' is nothing more than an Icelandic prank on tourists, but ...
Raw shark meat is apparently poisonous to humans, but if you allow it to ferment (rot, actually), it is both preserved and safe.
With the advent of refrigerators, survival has been replaced with tradition and visitors (victims) are now invited to partake.
It smells like ammonia and is followed by an alcoholic chaser called "Black Death" - yum.
Yes, we succumbed to peer pressure and tried it. You won't find pics of either of us - because the facial expressions that follow are not, um, flattering.
Raw shark meat is apparently poisonous to humans, but if you allow it to ferment (rot, actually), it is both preserved and safe.
With the advent of refrigerators, survival has been replaced with tradition and visitors (victims) are now invited to partake.
It smells like ammonia and is followed by an alcoholic chaser called "Black Death" - yum.
Yes, we succumbed to peer pressure and tried it. You won't find pics of either of us - because the facial expressions that follow are not, um, flattering.
The host looks entirely too pleased with the offering. Conjures up Jim Jones... (no Kool-Aid for me, thanks!) Doubt anyone said, "Brilliant! Let's have another!"
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