In the US we have a rather sanitized view of meat. We grew up with baloney, hot dogs, salami, and those jerky sticks that sit on almost every grocery store counter in America. Meat is tidy here, shrink wrapped and sold under pink lights to bring out that special glow.

In other countries however, meat markets are an experience that American consumers, accustomed to shopping in sparkling super stores with pretty packages all in a row, would never be prepared for the shock and awe of a meat market in a foreign country.  Anyone who has traveled to Mexico, South America, Africa, Europe or the Mediterranean knows what I am talking about.

For those who have yet to experience that culinary horror show or culinary delight, depending on your personal taste, I invite you to take a trip with me to the Far East where they have a much more relaxed attitude when it comes to choosing which species to dehydrate and turn into what we call jerky or jerky treats for dogs…so put your feet up, sit back and enjoy (and don’t forget to bring a barf bucket, just in case)!

(click on any image to begin slideshow)