A Museum Meant To Shock And Teach

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When people think of museums, an edifice filled with ancient artifacts, works of art, or the remains of extinct animals usually comes to mind.  As noted by custom term paper writers, such places are often tourist destinations or venues for students to learn more about their locality or the world for their pro essays.

One museum in Sweden, however, aims to educate while shocking its visitors as well.  Located in Malmo, the Disgusting Food Museum presents 80 of the most awful cultural dishes served.

What Visitors Can Do

The museum allows its guests to see and smell these repulsive delicacies.  And for the brave of stomach, certain dishes are available for tasting.  But should a guest find the food too difficult to hold down, each ticket doubles as a vomit bag to keep your clothes and the museum floor free from your last meal.

How The Food Was Chosen

As a representation of culture, the museum did its best to get nearly equal amounts of exotically “yucky” dishes from the different regions of the world.  The “yuck” factors included the look, smell, texture, and taste of the food.

But in some cases, the method of preparation was considered to help educate visitors on the disgusting ways “normal food” is prepared.  This is why the museum also features many Western items like Twinkies, Pop-Tarts, and even pork so that people may become aware of the high amounts of sugar and chemicals that go into such products.

According to the museum’s founders, they want to challenge how people view food. What may be delicious in some cultures is considered revolting in others.

Moreover, they want people to become aware of what happens in food production. Knowledge of this may lead others to consider more sustainable sources of nutrients (like insects instead of beef) that can benefit the Earth in the long run.

3 Particularly Disgusting Dishes You May Encounter

1. Casu Marzu

This cheese from Sardinia, Italy means “rotten cheese.” Made from sheep’s milk, the fermentation process is made more extreme by allowing the cheese fly to lay eggs in the cheese.  The maggots further break down the cheese, making it soft.

Casu Marzu is considered “safe” to eat when the maggots are still alive.  But since it is not safe to eat the maggots, the cheese is considered a health hazard, which is why it is illegal in mainland Europe.

2. Hákarl

This Icelandic dish is shark’s meat that has been cured and left to dry for several months. The final result is a fishy meat that strongly smells like ammonia.  As the national dish of Iceland, it is available all year round.

Its chemical smell is worse than its taste.  Neophytes are advised to hold their noses when eating, or they might not survive the smell.

3. Balut

A delicacy in the Philippines, balut is a fertilized duck egg eaten as street food. It is boiled and then consumed with vinegar and a dash of salt.

But for first-timers, the thought of eating a developing duck (sometimes with feathers and other features nearly formed) is disgusting.  It becomes more nauseating when you crack open the shell and actually see it.

Summary

As an interesting way to experience the shocking side of culture, the Disgusting Food Museum should be on your itinerary the next time you visit Sweden.  Just make sure you don’t eat too much before entering.

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