Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern Season 7 Episode 9 Peruvian Amazon: Giant Rodents

In season 7, episode 9 of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, titled "Peruvian Amazon: Giant Rodents," Andrew travels to the Peruvian Amazon to partake in the local cuisine, which includes giant rodents. Andrew begins by visiting the local market, where he samples various fruits and vegetables unique to the region, including chontaduro, a fruit with a bright orange color that is likened to a peach in taste.

After exploring the market, Andrew takes a boat ride through the Amazon to visit a remote village. Upon arrival, he is greeted by the locals who start the cooking process for the traditional rodent dish, the Capybara. Andrew watches as the rodents are cleaned, skinned, and prepared for cooking.

While the dish cooks, Andrew takes part in the village's rituals, including a shamanistic ceremony that involves ingesting a hallucinogenic plant called Ayahuasca. Afterwards, Andrew is ready to try the Capybara, which is served with rice and potatoes. He notes that the meat tastes similar to pork and is quite flavorful.

Next, Andrew travels deeper into the jungle to meet with a local farmer who harvests a unique fruit called aguaje. The fruit is known for its healing properties and is said to have made the farmer's child healthier. The farmer explains that as a father, he will do anything to keep his family healthy, and that's why he continues to grow this fruit.

After harvesting the aguaje, Andrew heads to another village to sample their specialty, Charapa turtle eggs. The villagers explain that these eggs are a delicacy and are typically eaten with yucca, a starchy root vegetable that is commonly found in the region.

Finally, Andrew travels to a nearby village where he is served Paiche fish. This particular fish is known for its size, and the locals believe that it is the largest freshwater fish in the world. Andrew notes that the fish has a unique taste and is quite rich, as it has been feeding on fruits and nuts from the Amazon.

Overall, Peruvian Amazon: Giant Rodents is an adventurous episode that highlights the unique cuisine and customs of the Peruvian Amazon. Andrew's willingness to try new foods and immerse himself in the local culture makes for an entertaining and educational viewing experience.