Did you know there was such a thing as black chicken? And I don’t mean as in dark feathers, but black skin, bones and even internal organs. There are actually several black chicken breeds in the world, especially in Asia, but the most popular of all has to be the Chinese Silkie.

Silkies are beautiful birds, covered in fluffy plumage, which is said to feel like silk, but underneath all that fluff they are far less attractive. Their skin is a dark-bluish color, the flesh is dark beige and the bones and some internal organs are pitch black. Although in the Western world silkie chickens are sold mainly for ornamental purposes, in countries like China they are considered a super food and are appreciated for their deep, gammy flavor. Called “wu gu ji” or “black-boned chicken”, the silkie has been prized for its medicinal value ever since the seventh or eighth century. Chinese women consume it after they have given birth to get a boost of energy, but it’s also said to have a positive effect on the yin, blood, lungs and stomach. Silkie meat is rarely roasted. To take full advantage of its curative properties, the Chinese mainly use it to make an amber-colored broth laced with ginseng , dried wolfberries and jujubes.

According to a genetic study published in 2011, the unique trait of silkie chickens, known as fibromelanosis, is caused by an unusual genetic mutation characterized as “a complex rearrangement that leads to increased expression of Endothelin 3, a gene which is known for promoting the growth of pigment cells”. The massive expansion of pigment cells not only makes the skin and bones black, but also causes dark internal organs. Another interesting thing about silkies is their high content of carnosine, a naturally occurring peptide which is sold as a dietary supplement. People take it to increase muscle mass, ward of the effects of aging and alleviate diseases like diabetes or autism. Studies have shown the black chicken is one of the richest sources of carnosine.

If you’re wondering how black chicken meat tastes, most people say it’s no different than traditional chicken, but some say it’s a little sweeter. So, would you embrace the dark side and feast on the dark flesh of a silkie?

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SOURCE: http://myoddnews..com/2013/09/the-dark-side-of-cooking-see-naturally.html

I dunno why the images are not uploading, will keep on trying...

I've tried it, alone ( nobody in my house liked the look) It actually tastes just like any other chicken but leaner ( less fat), just make sure you floss and swoosh your mouth afterwards. Not pretty

It was frozen ( bought from Chinese store) , I just sectioned it to 4 , boiled and broil and ate it like that. Can't stand the look for so long in my pot.

jidegirl12: I've tried it, alone ( nobody in my house liked the look) It actually tastes just like any other chicken but leaner ( less fat), just make sure you floss and swoosh your mouth afterwards. Not pretty

It was frozen ( bought from Chinese store) , I just sectioned it to 4 , boiled and broil and ate it like that. Can't stand the look for so long in my pot.

Arghhhhh
Doesn't sound appealing at all.

Sounds fetish to me!

Royal Roy:

Arghhhhh
Doesn't sound appealing at all.

Sounds fetish to me!

Sort of. Its mainly Chinese delicacy, those guys eat bile. ( sold in their stores)

I rebuke you black creature of the chicken kingdom!!!!

I no dey chop

What is this now ehn? Am gonna have nightmare again this night...y did I click this topic sef

Mennn, ℓ̊ dont tink i can chop dis

Dos tinz look disgusting. *God forgive me*

Hmmm• Yummy

ewww

Mere look at it from a distance i will purge for 3 days

Just passing
----oooO----
----(----)----
-----\--(--
------\_)-
-----------Oooo ---
-----------(--- -)---
------------)-- /----
------------(_/ - BY

Skin dudu

End Time Birds!!!

Hmmm, FP things

If I come to ur crib to dine with u and u offer me this black chicken, my first assumption is that you wanna poison me

Thr is no way am goin yo eat this shit.
Except iv Gej will leave aso rock then Yes.

This is wrong...this is so wrong! I won't even touch it

Awon eyan je weyrey.. I can never and would never eat it

Chei!
Chinko chicken!
I'm sure the chicken is bitter

Merkki: I rebuke you black creature of the chicken kingdom!!!!

You are a racist, you know?

I like, I like

Another chinko made. The chicken looks arrrgh!

That`s a no, no from me|

Thou shall not eat wat thou don't taste from thy mama pot... Black chicken ko.... Black pomo ni... Mtchewww

What won't come out China again?! We have the "lion" dog, now black chicken? Won't want to know what their snakes look like

Despite NL aint fun like before, I love NLanders, people with diabetes should embrace black chicken ooo! I'll ask Emeka to find out hafa d chicken maybe we fit do business with am.

If you were offered £20 million pounds to eat it,am sure none of you would think twice

Why is this kind of chicken not bred in africa?It look just as exotic and natural as anything black.

Eye abami