Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern Season 13 Episode 15 Faroe Islands: Spoiled Sheep & Boiled Birds

In season 13 episode 15 of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, viewers get to experience the unique cuisine of the Faroe Islands, a remote archipelago located in the North Atlantic Ocean. The episode is titled "Faroe Islands: Spoiled Sheep & Boiled Birds."

Andrew Zimmern ventures to the Faroe Islands to explore the traditional foods of the indigenous people. The islands have a population of roughly 50,000 people, and the locals have developed a distinct culinary culture based on their surroundings and resources. Andrew discovers that Faroese cuisine is heavily influenced by their environment, which includes the ocean and the rugged landscape.

One of the primary staples in Faroese cuisine is fish, which is unsurprising given the islands' location in the North Atlantic. Andrew tries a unique preparation method for fish called ræst, which involves air-drying the fish and letting it become partially rotten before cooking. While this may seem unappetizing to some, it is a common preparation technique in the Faroe Islands and produces a distinct flavor.

Another highlight of the episode is the Faroese tradition of eating fermented lamb. The sheep are allowed to roam free on the islands and eat a variety of grasses and herbs. When it comes time for slaughter, the meat is hung and fermented with the animal's own stomach contents. Andrew tries this dish and is impressed with the complex flavor, describing it as "rich and gamey."

In addition to fermented lamb, Andrew also tries boiled seabirds known as fulmar. These birds are a common delicacy in the Faroe Islands and are often eaten with a side of potatoes. Andrew describes the fulmar as having a "fishy" flavor and notes that it is quite oily.

Aside from the food, viewers also get a glimpse into Faroese culture and traditions. Andrew attends a wedding and is treated to a feast of traditional foods, including roasted lamb and potatoes. He also visits a small town on the island of Eysturoy and explores the history of the area. Additionally, Andrew speaks with locals about the challenges that the Faroe Islands face in terms of sustainability and the impact of commercial fishing on their environment.

Overall, "Faroe Islands: Spoiled Sheep & Boiled Birds" is a fascinating exploration of a unique culinary culture. Andrew Zimmern does an excellent job of introducing viewers to the traditional foods of the Faroe Islands while also delving into the cultural and environmental factors that have shaped this cuisine.