The bullfrog is not native to Jalisco, but that hasn’t stopped the growing trend of frog farming in the state with currently 15 farms, some already exporting their meat to the United States.
Currently nearly 20 tons of frog meat is raised in the state, last year two tons were exported, however so far in the first three months of this year the state has exported a half ton with growing demand.
Beyond just selling the meat, the live animals are also sold at an average of $90 peso per kilo. The meat brings in around $140 pesos per kilo. Live animals are in high demand for medical research labs and educational institutes. Currently the United States uses nearly 80,000 frogs every year for research and education purposes, making frog farming a valuable niche business in the state.
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Frog legs are one of the better-known delicacies of French and Cantonese cuisine. They are also eaten in other parts of the world, such as Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Alentejo region of Portugal, Spain, Slovenia, and northwest Greece, as well as the Southern regions of the United States.
As of 2014, the world’s largest exporter of frogs is Indonesia, also a large consumer. In such regions as Brazil, Mexico and the Caribbean, many frogs are still caught wild even though the frog farming trend in Mexico is growing.
Frog legs are rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and potassium. They are often said to taste like chicken because of their mild flavor, with a texture most similar to chicken wings. The taste and texture of frog meat is approximately between chicken and fish.
