Turtle soup

Turtle soup, also called terrapin soup, is a special kind of soup or stew made from the meat of turtles. People in many different places around the world have enjoyed this food for a long time. In some cultures, it is considered a very special and fancy dish.

The soup can be made in many different ways, depending on the type of turtle used and the traditions of the place where it is made. Turtles used for this soup are often special kinds that live in water, like sea turtles or certain freshwater turtles.

Eating turtle soup has been a part of history in many cultures, and it is often seen as a delicacy, meaning something special and enjoyed by many. However, today there are important discussions about protecting turtles and making sure we don’t harm their populations.

Culinary description

Turtle soup has a special broth that turns jelly-like when it cools. The turtle meat itself doesn’t taste like much, so the flavor comes from the seasonings. There is also a version called mock turtle soup. This soup is made from other meats, like calf’s head and feet, that make a similar jelly.

Versions

England

Turtle soup became popular in England in the 1750s. Its popularity dropped about 150 years later because too many turtles were caught. From 1761 to 1825, turtle soup was always served at important London banquets. Green sea turtles were brought to England and were liked for their meat. Over time, the turtle population decreased because so many were eaten, making turtle soup very expensive. Because of this, a cheaper version called mock turtle soup became popular.

United States

In the United States, turtle soup is a thick, brown soup. The common snapping turtle is usually used. The soup may also be called bookbinder soup or snapper turtle soup. In places like the Chesapeake Bay and San Francisco Bay, other turtles like the diamondback terrapin and Pacific pond turtle were also used for soup. In 2016, a restaurant in Minnesota still served turtle soup.

Poisoning

Eating the meat of some sea turtles can make a person very sick. This is because it can cause a rare kind of food illness called chelonitoxism.