Snake wine industry was started almost hundred years back, so it means that it would have been introduced or discovered by old or ancient people. Well, exactly! Snake wine industry was originated by Chinese dynasty named Western Zhou dynasty (1046-771 BC).
In a nutshell, that time, these snake wines are used for the medicinal benefits. As the Chinese have a love-hate relationship for snakes, yet they consume and tout them. Several species are considered to have medicinal value and it is consumed in the form of a shot and is said to treat several illnesses. Snake meat is useful for diseases like skin related diseases and gall, bones, snakeskin are used to cure ailments such as joint pains and migraines.
In China, snake venom is the ‘divine medicine’ which is basically for hair loss, leprosy, low eyesight.
Is the snake alive or dead?
Well, Animal lovers turn away now! The production of snake wine is neither humane nor ethically concerned.
For the production of snake wines, one drowns the animal in grain alcohol or rice water and the carcass of the snake floats around forever or if the animal is not drowned properly it can remain alive and dormant in the wine for months, ready to jump out and attack an unsuspecting drinker.
But what the facts and reports tells us that snakes in jars filled with rice wine are alive, as a Chinese father had the shock of his when a supposedly dead snake inside a jar of snake wine he bought a year ago suddenly bit him and although, several media outlets also reported that a woman from China was bitten the pit viper inside of her snake wine as it is leaped out of the liquid it had sealed in for over three months. So, are the pit vipers can hibernate? So, are the snakes dead in the wine jars? You better hope so.
Is the snake wine is venomous?
Of course, the thought arise would be like is it safe or not! Yes, snake wines are completely safe are drink when bought from an authentic source. Nonetheless, venomous are also used in the preparation, the ethyl alcohol (ethanol) content in the rice wine destroys the snake’s venom.
How does it taste like?
The taste of the wine is quite strong and gives an earthy, sweet taste. The presence of snake adds a fish or chicken like flavor to it. Wine-makers typically use one large snake per bottle.
Is snake wine is illegal?
No, snake wine is not illegal as it is quite prominent in the Asian countries like Vietnam, China, Korea, Taiwan Cambodia and continent like Southeast Asia but certainly importing snake wine to the United States as a souvenir or drink is a different matter.
The most popular snake, ‘Cobra’ used in snake wine, are banned from importation since they are endangered animals. Preparing snake wine from endangered animals somehow makes it illegal. Because endangered animals are the creatures protected under the convention of International Trade in Endangered species, covering both live and dead animals.
What kind of snake is put in snake wine?
There are venomous snakes, which are put in the process of preparing snake wine are Copperheads, rattlesnakes, coral snakes and cobras.
Does snake wine expire?
Snake wine is prepared from rice or grain alcohol which is strictly high proof; it proves that they have a longer life than other low ABV alcohols and this should be enough to preserve the snake and the long stability of the wine. Nevertheless, when the wine has been opened and left in the bottle for a longer time, the quality of the wine may decline and of course, it’s fine to drink that after a long time but it is assumed to be discarded ad gone bad.
Here upon, you would be thinking that should you have it or not! Well, it’s about the personal decisions, their taste and preferences and if you decide to try it, ensure that it comes from appropriate source for your safety. Well, some people accept it, while others frown upon it. Notwithstanding, it is still a fascinating drink!
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