Fruit Bat (PTEROPUS MARIANNUS)
Fruit Bat
Selection
Fruit bat are prohibited from being hunted in certain jurisdictions under conservation efforts to protect the species from becoming extinct.
Storage
Traditionally kept alive in a cage until ready to cook.
Preparation
- •Wash bat well before use.
- •Boil in water.
- •Can be boiled with skin (whole).
- •Can be made into soup and pairs well with coconut milk/cream. (Rody, 1982)
Photo Source
Britannica.com
Fruit Bat
The fruit bat is an indigenous animal to the Pacific. The fur and membrane of the wings are edible, and the bat need not be gutted prior to cooking as it eats only fruits. The meat is dark in color, tender, and has a gamey taste. However, fruit bat are considered an endangered species in the Pacific Islands. (Murai et al., 1958; “Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office, Endangered Species in the Pacific Islands – Mariana Fruit Bats/Fanihi,”; Rody, 1982).
Traditional Names
- Chamorro – fanihi
- Chuukese – peute
- Hawaiian – pe’a
- Kosraean – fak
- Palauan – olik
- Pohnpeian – pwehk
- Samoan – peʻa
- Yapese – paiu sheiu