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The historical mystery of horse meat: Why did ancient humans rely so heavily on wild horses?
Horse meat plays an important role in the culinary traditions of many countries, especially in the Americas and Eurasia. Each year, the eight countries that consume the most horsemeat consume approximately 4.3 million horses. In early human history, wild horses were hunted as an important source of protein.
The history of horsemeat
In the Paleolithic Age, wild horses were an important source of food for humans. Even in many parts of Europe during the Middle Ages, horsemeat consumption continued despite a ban issued by Pope Gregory III in 732. Horsemeat was also used as part of Nordic Germanic pagan religious rituals. The earliest horses evolved in North America, around 12,000 BC, before migrating to other parts of the world and becoming extinct in the Americas. The Hagman Horse of Indiana is an example of an extinct native New World horse.
In the 15th and 16th centuries, the Spanish and then other European immigrants reintroduced horses to the Americas. Some of the horses became feral and began to be hunted by the native Peugenche people, who lived in what is now Chile and Argentina. Early humans initially viewed horses as prey and later began to raise them for meat, milk, and transportation. Horsemeat is sun-dried in the Andean highlands and becomes a product called “charki”.
"France's fondness for horsemeat can be traced back to the Revolution. As the status of the nobility declined, the horses it maintained eventually became a means of survival for the people."
Nutrition and production of horse meat
Horse meat has a slightly sweet flavor, similar to beef. Many consumers report difficulty telling the difference between horsemeat and beef. Meat from younger horses appears lighter in color, while older horses appear darker and more flavorful. Horse meat is usually very lean and can be used in cooking as a substitute for beef, pork, lamb or any other meat.
In many countries where the slaughter of horses is permitted, it is handled in a manner similar to that of cattle, often in large factory slaughterhouses. In 2005, the combined production of the eight major horsemeat-producing countries exceeded 700,000 tonnes.
Global attitudes towards horsemeat
Horse meat is commonly eaten in many European and Asian countries. However, horse meat is not generally accepted in some English-speaking countries such as the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, the United States and Canada, and has even become taboo in places such as Brazil, Ireland, Poland and Israel. Sweden's attitude towards horse meat is also ambiguous, which is closely related to past church restrictions.
"Horse meat was restricted by Pope Gregory III in 732, and this taboo still has influence in some countries."
Voices of opposition and support
There is widespread opposition to the slaughter of horses for human consumption in many countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Greece. These countries view horses as companions and sporting animals, rather than as objects for food. However, not everyone is opposed to the consumption of horse meat. For example, 82% of readers of London's Time Out magazine supported chef Gordon Ramsay's decision to serve horsemeat in his restaurant.
The status of horsemeat in South America
Argentina is a producer and exporter of horsemeat, but it is almost never eaten there, while in Chile it exists in the form of chalcchi. The local indigenous people in Chile gradually turned to a diet based on horse meat after the introduction of horses. In Uruguay, horses are cherished and the consumption of horsemeat is considered taboo.
The history of horse meat consumption reflects human’s use of this animal and changes in culture. As times change, the status of horse meat has also had different impacts in different regions. While horsemeat has become a taboo and ambivalent symbol in many cultures, its consumption remains popular in some corners of the world.
In modern society, how do we view the consumption of horse meat and its historical and cultural significance? Will it change with changes in social concepts?
