Fried opossum with cornmeal
Fried opossum with cornmeal is a traditional dish from the rural Southern United States, particularly associated with Appalachian and Deep South culinary heritage. The dish typically involves cleaning and parboiling the opossum, then coating it in seasoned cornmeal before frying until crispy. It's often served with traditional sides like collard greens, sweet potatoes, or cornbread.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein and fat, with moderate carbohydrates from the cornmeal coating. It provides significant iron, zinc, and B vitamins, with a rough calorie estimate of 450-550 calories per typical serving.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbs | 22 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
| Iron | 4.2 mg |
| Zinc | 5.8 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.1 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 310 mg |
| Selenium | 28 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 8.5 mg |
| Potassium | 420 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.6 mg |
Per 1 medium opossum (approximately 350g meat plus coating) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, this dish represents historical resourcefulness in rural communities where hunting small game was common for sustenance. Nutritionally, opossum meat is leaner than many assume, and the cornmeal coating adds texture while providing some whole grain benefits.
