Martha Stewart Swears Off One Strange Food

Godspeed You! Black Emperor show. However, even with her newfound relaxed persona, there is one food that Martha Stewart adamantly refuses to eat – raccoon.

Stewart revealed her aversion to raccoon meat during an appearance on “Late Night with Seth Meyers” where she discussed her cooking show, “Yes, Chef!” that she co-hosts with José Andrés. Recounting an incident at a dinner where she was served a meal that included raccoon, Stewart made it clear that she had no interest in trying the unusual dish. Despite the other diners enjoying the raccoon, Stewart’s distaste for rare meats kept her from partaking in the meal. She further explained that her aversion to rare things extended to including raccoon in her diet.

Raccoon meat is not a common ingredient in most people’s diets, and Stewart’s reluctance to try it may be shared by many others. Often seen as scavengers that feed on anything they can find, raccoons have a reputation as “trash pandas” due to their habit of rummaging through garbage cans. While some people consume raccoon meat, especially in the Southern United States where it is more prevalent, it is not a mainstream food option. The stigma around eating game meat, including raccoon, developed as easier access to supermarket meat became available, and it was associated with economic hardship.

The taste of raccoon meat is described as gamey, with similarities to turkey, venison, or rabbit. While many have not tried it, those who have cooked it claim it can be enjoyable when prepared correctly. Raccoon meat can be smoked, grilled, or braised, but it is essential to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill any potential pathogens. Although raccoon meat may not suit Martha Stewart’s palate, personal preferences in food vary widely, such as her fondness for pungent onion sandwiches.

Despite her adventurous culinary escapades and willingness to try various dishes, Martha Stewart remains firm in her decision never to eat raccoon. Even as she embraces a more relaxed, carefree image in recent years, her aversion to certain foods, like raccoon, illustrates that some culinary boundaries are non-negotiable. Martha Stewart’s unexpected food preferences serve as a reminder that even the most adventurous eaters have limits when it comes to trying extreme or unfamiliar cuisine.