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Hi, just wondering what the protocol on Slug-eating is? There are many huge ones crawling around my property and I might avail myself of them(raw or cooked) if they are edible. I realize there are many types of slugs so maybe a description can help(I dopn't know the classification/genus/species, etc.): Longer than a pointer finger, approx. 1-2" diameter; dark brown-black upper belly with feelers and an orangish ridge around where they make contact with surfaces(underbelly). ANy ideas on whether these are poisonous/edible?

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I don't mean to be a slug-eating party pooper, but it would be irresponsible to simply advocate chomping them down because they are wild, local, and arguably "slow" food.

Case in point, this Australian man who contracted meningitis and almost died from eating a couple of slugs on a dare (http://www.abc.net.au/science/news/health/HealthRepublish_969551.htm)

The cause of his condition was the parasitic nematode angiostrongylus cantonensis which also lives in the GI tract of other mollusks like land snails and freshwater snails.

The parasite may be killed by high heat cooking, but the cost/benefit ratio might not be there. I can't imagine them being so delicious that it is worth the risk.

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OK - just HAD to give you a +1 for the "slow food" reference! – JCB Aug 31 2011 at 22:21
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How to prepare and cook slugs. Chowhound thread

Sounds fun....

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OK - I'm sorry, but that recipe is w-a-a-a-a-y too much work! – JCB Aug 31 2011 at 19:25
OMG Why is it that the idea of eating these little bundles of slime totally grosses me out, yet I will happily scarf down a feed of escargot? – henny Sep 27 2011 at 20:07
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I don't know if this adds to or detracts from their edibility in your mind, but the slime has an anesthetic quality. Supposedly, a Native American cure for a toothache was to put a slug against the offending tooth.

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Ok but how to you keep it against the offending tooth? :S I can imagine it slithering around inside your mouth... – Matt Aug 31 2011 at 22:22
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They are usually a couple of inches long at least, so I'm guessing that could fill an entire side of your mouth. With some good external pressure, I bet you could keep it in place enough to do its magic. – Happy Now Aug 31 2011 at 22:42
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"fill an entire side of your mouth" Somehow in my mind that does not improve the situation :P – Matt Aug 31 2011 at 23:00
Dr. Vogel has a famous slug tonic recipe. It makes me sick just reading aabout it. – The Loon Dec 9 2011 at 16:56
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My son used to be notorious for eating them when he was a toddler. They must be tasty! Never hurt him.

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Just don't salt them, if you want there to be anything left. :-)

ETA: this has to be the grossest thing I have seen here yet. JMO.

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No way. The paleo-poop obsession is much more disturbing. Would much rather read about slug chomping than detailed poop gazing. – PinkPika Aug 31 2011 at 18:53
Well, now that you mention it - you are right! – GHarkness Sep 1 2011 at 10:15
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Holy hell those are huge slugs. I've never seen anything like that... and I live in a forest pretty much. Go for it! The comment about parasites is a definite concern but if they are that big you could still cook them. And there is always that belief that modern sapiens are so susceptible to parasites as are never exposed to them.

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Possible that OP lives in the Pacific NW. Slugs are huge around here. Never saw anything like it until I moved to the west coast. – A at Grain Free Diet Sep 1 2011 at 5:26
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I eat them frequently in my homegrown produce. Never on purpose!!! They are usually fully cooked. I don't like the way they smell, but they haven't killed me yet.

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