For many people, eating guinea pig is a challenge, since various myths have been created around their preparation.It is one of the animals typical of Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia, dating from pre-Inca times, as indicated by the ceramics found with its image.Later it was taken to Europe by the Spanish colonizers where they began to form breeding places.For many Peruvians, it is a delicacy of culinary art. At present, in the Peruvian gastronomy it develops an extremely important role, especially in the food of the mountains and the new neo-Andean food. On the other hand, many healers use it in their ceremonial rites.
Origins of the guinea Pig (Andean Cuy)
It is considered as an animal native to the Andean region and typical of our mountain ranges and it is stated that it was bred and consumed since time immemorial, since it has been found inside the burial sites of pre-Inca and Inca mummies. One of the most relevant examples are the Mochica ceramics. It is assumed that their upbringing and consumption was very important for ancient Peru. There are still people who are reluctant to eat guinea pig, often because of the presentation on the plate or simply because they think that they do not have much meat and sometimes is extrange for those who have guinea pigs as pets.
The breeding of the Guinea Pig (Andean Cuy)
Breeding them is not complicated because they need a small space and they feed on alfalfa, their staple food. You can also feed them with bran, vitamins to grow strong and even drink chicha de jora(corn juice). In addition they multiply in large quantities, however they are delicate and one should have them at a good temperature if they die easily. The pure breed is short and reddish in color and the mixed ones are combined with white. It is characterized by being gentle but always alert. They are very quiet animals, passive and accessible and easily reared. In some countries they are breeded as pets. Most guinea pigs are breeded as a family and very few to commercially. If you want to breed one, the place or cage should be located in a quiet area, protected from strong air, cold, excess moisture, strong direct sun. It should usually be cleaned with water and a cloth and preferably do not use detergents, these animals are very delicate. Also they have little vitamin C, for that reason it has to be fed properly with this vitamin, without giving citrus fruits but products that contain that vitamin.
High nutritional degree
The guinea pig is an animal that has a high nutritional level. It has a high protein level, is low in fat, Omega 3, minerals, vitamins and retains a high iron intake, extremely important.
Foods
Preparing guinea pig (cuy) meat is something delicate, but it is varied and exquisite. Here we have a sample: Cuy roasted, Cuy roasted on coals, Cuy in Pachamanca proper of Huancayo in Junín, Pepián of cuy from Cusco, Cuy in peanut sauce, cuy chactado or the own stone of Cusco and Arequipa, the culinary novelty ti-pa-cuy to the Chinese style that is spreading with the new Andean novo food etc. Currently there are many traditional restaurants that present novel proposals for the guinea pig preparation.
National Heritage of Peru
The Congress of the Republic of Peru has decided to declare the domestic guinea pig as a native species of Peru, and is a Natural Patrimony of the Nation, and a day of celebration in the month of September. Also celebrated the second Friday of October is the National Day of the Cuy, as a product.
Cuy Dish:
The guinea pig was a sacred animal for the Incas and its meat was very much appreciated at that time. Today, guinea pigs continue to be consumed in some Andean countries. Now you will learn to prepare a delicious guinea pig dish.The recipe for cooking (roasted, baked or fried) may vary by country.In the Peruvian highlands, people prefer to eat fried guinea pig.To prepare it you need the following ingredients:
- Whole guinea pigs (weighing more than 800 gr.)
- Oil
- Garlic and salt to taste
Preparation:
Once peeled and without guts, season the guinea pig with salt and ground garlic.Then, fry the prey in hot oil, covering the pan well.When the guinea pig is golden on both sides it means that it is ready, Also you can accompany the dish with french fries and a delicious salad.
- Curiosity: the image of the guinea pig appears in several canvases of the Last Supper.The paintings are found in the Cathedral Basilica of Cusco (Peru), the Cathedral of Quito (Ecuador) and the church of the company of Jesus, in Arequipa (Peru).
Guinea Pig Soup
In our region the broths are formidable restorative heat and nutrition, because the climate is cold and laborious task. An example of this is the guinea pig, an inlet dish that the diner finds in it a source of energy, which repairs not only the physical body, but is also an authentic uplifted spirit. Cuy soup, likewise, is consumed with curative purposes, to prevent and stop neoplasia, because in its preparation its nutraceutical properties are maintained. The broth is composed of yellow potato, celery, onion, pumpkin, pore, carrot, turnip, angel hair noodles, muña and a clove of garlic crushed. Its preparation is simple and its cooking takes 15 minutes. For the preparation the main ingredients it is advisable to have a male guinea pig between two and three months of growth, and should have an approximate weight of 900 grams. Also, it must have been fed with alfalfa, which is the queen of forages for its high nutritional value of proteins, fiber, vitamins and minerals.
PREPARATION:
Its preparation begins by boiling the water, along with the guinea pig chopped in a necessary amount of water and at the first boil , you have to throw the liquid to remove the smell. Then in another pot you have to boild the guinea pig and, as the minutes pass, the pot is uncovered from time to time to add the celery, pumpkin, crushed garlic, pore, carrot, turnip, yellow potatoes, muña and noodles angel, its cooking is between 12 to 15 minutes of bubbling the liquid, guinea pig and other ingredients in the pot, being ready to serve the diner the exquisite broth.
NUTRIENT:
The guinea pig soup is a nutritious starter and has 20.3% protein against other species, has a lower percentage of cholesterol than other meats. It has a high concentration of collagen, which helps the blood to coagulate and facilitates good healing of wounds, also its consumption of meat helps to develop neurons.
HEALING:
The guinea pig soup is an acceptable food for people suffering from cancer, cholesterol and because it is nutritious its consumption should be promoted.
Most Famous Tours in Cusco to try the Guinea Pig
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
- Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Inca Quarry Trail 4 Days
- 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
- 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
- 3 Day Inca Trail
- Vilcabamba Hike to Machu Picchu 6 days
- Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 days
- Ausangate trek 7 days
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
When is the best time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu?
The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi 2025 Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.