Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern Season 12 Episode 10 Lima Peru: Frog Shakes & Fish Sperm

Andrew Zimmern is back with another exciting episode of Bizarre Foods, and this time he's exploring the culinary traditions of Lima, Peru. In Season 12 Episode 10, named Lima Peru: Frog Shakes & Fish Sperm, Andrew takes us on a delicious adventure through the vibrant streets, marketplaces, and restaurants of the city, as he tries out some of the most unusual and exotic dishes that Lima is famous for.

The episode begins with Andrew visiting a restaurant that serves frog shakes, a popular local beverage made from the ground-up meat of a live frog. While this might sound strange to some, frog shakes are highly regarded in Peruvian culture, with many people believing they have health benefits such as boosting energy levels and improving fertility. Andrew learns about the origins of this unique beverage, which dates back to pre-Columbian times, and watches as the restaurant staff prepare the drink by blending the frog meat with various spices and herbs. After trying it for himself, Andrew is pleasantly surprised by the drink's taste and texture.

Next, Andrew visits a local seafood market, where he encounters a wide variety of unusual fish and seafood. He takes a particular interest in a dish called jalea, which is made from a mix of deep-fried seafood including octopus, squid, and small fish known as anchovetas. Andrew speaks with the vendors at the market to learn about the history and cultural significance of jalea, which is believed to have originated in the northern coastal region of Peru. He also tries several other seafood dishes, including ceviche, a lime-marinated raw fish dish that is a national favorite.

As the day progresses, Andrew meets up with a local chef who takes him to an underground market where he discovers a variety of unusual ingredients, including cow udders, guinea pig heads, and live Amazonian ants. Andrew tries some of these ingredients and learns about the cultural significance and preparation of each one. He also samples several variations of the classic Peruvian dish, anticuchos, which are skewered and grilled meats typically made with beef heart.

In the latter part of the episode, Andrew heads to a restaurant that specializes in Nikkei cuisine, which is a fusion of Peruvian and Japanese cooking styles. Here, he tries dishes that use highly unusual ingredients such as fish sperm sacs, also known as soft roe. He also samples artfully presented dishes made with sushi-grade fish, including tiradito, a dish similar to ceviche that is sliced and served sashimi-style.

Overall, Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern Season 12 Episode 10 is a fascinating and entertaining exploration of the incredible culinary traditions of Lima, Peru. Andrew Zimmern's infectious enthusiasm and curiosity make the episode both educational and entertaining, and viewers are sure to be amazed by the array of unique and delicious dishes that he samples throughout the show. From frog shakes to fish sperm sacs and everything in between, viewers will gain an appreciation for the rich and diverse culinary heritage of Peru.