Did You Know-Ambergris
Do you know what this is and what it is used for? It may gross you out like it does me, however, I do find it fascinating by what they do with it.
Ambergris — the waxy, grayish substance expelled by sperm whales — is one of history’s strangest and most valuable edible luxuries. It’s been called both “the treasure of the sea” and “whale vomit” (although it actually comes out of the other end of a whale). Formed in a whale’s intestines, ambergris originates as a protective secretion, then hardens at sea into a pale, rocklike mass. When it washes ashore, it can fetch thousands of dollars, prized less for appearance than for its extraordinary scent, described as a blend of forest-floor leaf litter and the delicate underside of mushrooms.
Though best known today for its use in elite perfumery, ambergris entered English cookery by the 1660s. Luxurious puddings, custards, and possets often called for it, pairing its sweet, earthy aroma with ingredients such as rose water, nutmeg, and almonds. By the 18th century, ambergris was used to flavor gelatins and medicinal drinks before tastes shifted.
Today, ambergris occupies a legal gray zone: It’s still prized in the U.K. and European Union, where beachcombers can scavenge for it, but it’s banned in the United States due to whale protection laws. Where it’s legal, finding some ambergris on a beach can bring about a hefty payday. In 2012, one large piece found on a beach in England was estimated to net about $65,000 (close to $92,000 today).
Ambergris isn’t actually a rock, however, and when crumbled it melts quickly. The heat of the eggs is sufficient to cause the small pieces to release their aroma, permeating the dish. Some prefer fried to scrambled eggs, as the ambergris sizzles quickly on the surface and suffuses the whites thoroughly. The result is strangely marvelous because the eggs are delicately but mysteriously perfumed, a little like vanilla in an alternate universe. For some reason eggs prepared this way don’t really go well with bacon, but toast is just fine.
SOURCE: http://www.historyfacts.com
http://www.InDianesKitchen.com
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Categories: Did You Know
well, like you, it does gross me out, but interesting
It is a very strange thing to eat!
such an interesting bit of info about something very unusual – and crazy in a way – I also like how you noted that “before tastes shifted” because it reminds me that tastes really do change
So true!
🤗
I only vaguely knew of this, so thank you, Diane
You’re welcome Derrick.
This is so interesting to think about! Would you like a side of whale vomit with your eggs? 🤣 I can just imagine the smell. The taste must really be worth it. So fun to think about people combing the beach shores for it!
Hahaha You crack me up Ab! Hard to believe it could smell or taste good!
Yes, “gross” but fascinating. I had heard of it in connection with perfumes, but not food. I don’t understand how collecting it on the beach can harm the whales. Are there those who would kill whales to get the ambergris (kind of like killing a rhino to get its horn)?
I think it’s just because they are protected. When I went bald eagle watching with the Metropark, they said the eagles are still protected and it was illegal to even take a feather off the ground. I’m guessing there are basic rules to cover everything.
Thank you Ned and have a great day!
Goddess, ain’t no wine in the world can make this look good to me.
Haha Same here JC! Have a great day.
I did not know that ambergris was edible! Now I do.
New to me too Marie! Have a great day.
It does sound really gross!
It sure does!
Well, I learned something tonight Diane, thanks to you. Not only have I never heard of ambergris, but I’m amazed what it is and what you can do with it.
It is new to me also Linda. I wonder why it’s illegal in the US. I know it’s illegal to take even a feather from Bald Eagles so maybe that’s why you can’t collect this on the shoreline.
Yes, that makes sense – it’s not like it is damaging the whale in any way.
OK, that is bizarre!
It sure is, I had never heard of it. Have a great day Jeff!
I don’t think I want to eat this with scrambled eggs.
I have no idea why! 🤣
New to me, but I think I will pass on it!
Haha I agree!
Oh my! This was very interesting – I’ve heard of it in perfumes but I thought it was some plant ha!
Total surprise for a lot of us!
You learn something new every day ! Interesting and kind of yucky at the same time lol
I agree!