An unusual cold snap in South Florida has led to a surprising culinary trend, as locals creatively deal with an influx of green iguanas that fell from trees. The reptiles, which are non-native to the state, became temporarily immobilized due to the lower temperatures, a condition known as "cold-stunned." This phenomenon allowed residents to humanely remove the iguanas without a permit, as part of ongoing efforts to control their population, which is blamed for damaging vegetation and infrastructure.
Viral Culinary Creations Emerge
Content creator Gray Davis sparked widespread attention by demonstrating how to turn a cold-stunned iguana into what he dubbed "Florida Man tacos." He insisted that the meat, which he called "Chicken of the Trees," is absolutely delicious, sharing his recipe and experience online. His video quickly went viral, highlighting the resourceful approach some Floridians are taking to address the iguana issue.
Everglades Pizza Adds to the Trend
Another Florida resident, Ryan Izquierdo, garnered attention for his "Everglades Pizza" at Bucks Coal Fired Pizza. This unique dish featured iguana meat alongside venison and alligator, showcasing a blend of local ingredients. However, despite the social media buzz, selling iguana meat in Florida is illegal for restaurants due to strict food-safety regulations. As a result, Izquierdo's iguana pizza is strictly for demonstration purposes and not available for sale, emphasizing the regulatory challenges surrounding this trend.
Background on the Iguana Issue
Green iguanas are an invasive species in Florida, often causing significant damage to both natural vegetation and man-made infrastructure. Wildlife officials have implemented measures to curb their population, including allowing residents to remove cold-stunned iguanas humanely. The recent cold snap provided an opportunity for this, leading to the unexpected culinary experiments that have captured public interest.
While the trend has gained traction on social media, it remains a niche practice due to legal restrictions and safety concerns. Nonetheless, it underscores the creative ways in which communities are responding to environmental challenges, turning a problematic situation into a moment of viral fascination.
