11 Weird Things You Didn't Know Were Edible

There's no denying that our lives literally revolve around food. From breakfast, to lunch, to dinners, and a million snacks in between, it's no exaggeration to say that food is life. But how many of you have stepped out of your comfort zone to try something new? We're not talking about trying that Chinese place that just opened up near your home, either. We are talking about trying some really weird foods that some might find absolutely revolting.

Of course, "revolting" is a relative term and, with an open mind, you may surprise yourself and your taste buds with some new culinary delights. From eggshells to ant eggs and bird's nests, not only are these foods edible but also they can also be quite nutritious and even beloved in their home cultures. If you are creating your travel bucket list, feel free to add some of these exciting new dishes for some truly adventurous eating.

Cockscomb that flash piece of crimson flesh that sits atop a rooster's head. Perfectly edible and with a unique texture, this ingredient is the star of many traditional recipes. In France, you may find it in patisserie or as a garnish, while in other settings it can also feature in dim sum (via Vogue). Cockscomb is also popular in Italy, where chefs have chopped it up and mixed it with chicken liver and eggs to make a mouth-watering pasta sauce (via Chef's Resources).

Though it is still incredibly rare to find cockscomb on a menu, it is making something of a comeback in the culinary world. According to Vogue, NYC restaurant Le Coq Rico has introduced a new egg dish with a side of the rooster's comb. The comb is cooked down into croquettes to be served with another typically-ignored part of the chicken: gizzards.

One Quora user shared their experience of eating cockscomb in a stew. They likened the texture to similar to that of a tough pork rind. Plus, you can also add it to chowders to be enjoyed. Another user on Quora says they are usually favored for their gummy texture rather than the flavor.

While eggs are a staple in many a household, you may not know that the entire egg is edible, including the shells. Properly prepared, shells are perfectly safe to consume and can be an excellent source of calcium. As Healthline notes, half an eggshell contains a full daily dose of the nutrient, as well as proteins and other essential minerals that may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis in later life. Egg shells are also commonly used as a fertilizer.

But how to consume shells? One Redditor simply eats boiled eggs with the shell on. Talk about hardcore! However, eating large fragments of egg shells can pose a threat to your health, as jagged shells can cut your throat and internal organs. Perhaps a better way to consume egg shells is to grind them into a fine powder and add them to food or drinks. Another Reddit user notes that this egg shell powder can be used as a calcium supplement. However you prepare your shells, always make sure to boil them beforehand to kill any bacteria that may be lingering on the surface.

According to Healthline, edible bird's nests are typically made by small birds commonly known as swiftlets. Their nests are made of solidified regurgitated saliva, sometimes containing the bird's feathers and other debris. The inedible stuff is usually painstakingly cleaned out with tweezers before the nest itself is cooked. In some regions, harvesters must obtain a special permit before they can enter the caves where swiftlets build their nests. In other places, the bird's nests are cultivated on farms.

However it's collected, an edible bird's nest is a work of art, resembling a hammock with closely knitted threads of red, yellow, or white. The consumption of bird's nests is quite popular among the Chinese and many other Asian communities, where it's been lauded for its medicinal properties for centuries. According to Healthline, Chinese diners often add it to their soups and serve it as a main course. However, the nests are costly, meaning that meals incorporating bird's nests are often used to show high status.

A Reddit user shares their experience of having an expensive bowl of bird's nest soup, which they said was texturally like "silky glass." However, the nest itself was devoid of flavor.

Cacti, as we all know, are often covered with thorny spines that can injure unwary people. But what about eating them? Edible cacti are not breaking news in the culinary world. According to Matador Network, there are numerous ways you can enjoy cactus. You can fry the pads of certain species, grill them, juice them for use in cocktails and other drinks, and even make delicious jellies from the cactus flesh.

However, you can't just eat any cacti. There are certain species you must avoid as some contain toxic alkaloids, which can produce vomiting and hallucinations. Edible ones include the dragon fruit, prickly pear, and saguaro varieties (via Matador Network).

What do cactus actually taste like? According to Green Matter, cacti offer a diverse flavor profile, depending on the species you're eating and what part of the plant is on your plate. Some varieties are sweet, especially if you're eating the cactus fruit, while others may be wash-your-tongue bitter. Dragon fruit cacti can taste reminiscent of raw melon. Meanwhile, one Quora user compares the taste of prickly pear cactus pads to green beans.

Fish eyes may be something not all can digest, but it is definitely part of the traditional Japanese palate. Tuna eyeballs are the size of tennis balls, rather chewy, and can be bland on their own. However, if they're lightly braised or sautéed, the soft insides are the real stars, making tuna eyeballs a popular appetizer (via Atlas Obscura). This delicacy can be served as a bar snack or party appetizer in Japan. In South Korea, it can also be found as a shot made with soju and the liquid from inside tuna eyeballs, called "tuna tears", as per CNN Travel.

Knowinsiders notes that there are some beneficial aspects of this food, including potentially lowered cholesterol levels due to the presence of vitamin B and omega-3 fatty acids. Tuna eyeballs are also high in protein and might help prevent many cardiovascular problems. Travel notes that this dish became sought-after only in the '90s, when some began to tout its health benefits. And if you're presented with a plate of tuna eyeballs, just remember to eat the fat before getting to the eyeball itself and enjoy the squid-like flavor.