Seal meat

Seal Meat

Seal meat refers to the flesh, including the blubber and organs, of seals used as food for humans or other animals. It is prepared in numerous ways, often depending on the species of seal and the region where it is hunted.

History

The consumption of seal meat has a long history in the diets of indigenous peoples of the Arctic such as the Inuit and Sami. It has been a vital source of fat, protein, vitamin A, vitamin B12 and iron. Seal meat in the diets of the Inuit has been studied for its health benefits.

Nutrition

Seal meat is a good source of protein, and is high in iron and vitamin B-12. It also contains a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. However, it is also high in cholesterol and should be consumed in moderation.

Preparation

Seal meat can be eaten raw, cooked, or dried. In Nunavut, an autonomous territory in northern Canada, seal meat is often frozen and then served raw. In Newfoundland and Labrador, it is used in a dish called seal flipper pie.

Controversy

The hunting of seals for their meat has been controversial due to concerns about the sustainability of seal populations and the welfare of individual seals. Some animal rights groups, such as PETA, have campaigned against seal hunting. However, many Inuit groups have defended the practice as a vital part of their culture and economy.

See Also

• Inuit cuisine
• Sami cuisine
• Seal hunting
• Seal flipper pie

External Links

• Nunavut Wildlife
• Newfoundland and Labrador Sealers Association