Snakes in the kitchen (and in the pharmacy, too!)

To the Chinese, the snake is a complex creature. It is considered fearsome and cunning; it has healing and magical properties -- yet it is food, just like every other member of the animal kingdom.

The snake is also part of Chinese astrology, where it is considered related to the dragon. In mythology, the snake is usually a female enchantress, a classic example being Lady Whitesnake, who has featured in countless movies and operas.

Fried reptile and snake soup

Snake features in the menus of Chinese restaurants in the southern part of the country. Obviously, it's because the snake thrives better in the tropical climate rather than in the cold and dry north. Of course, if you could find a restaurant that's ethnic enough in Beijing, you can also order snakes.

Snakes are usually made into stews, especially in the fall and winter, because they are believed to add heat and warmth to food. In Hong Kong, the start of snake soup season is an important annual tradition when the air starts getting colder.

A single snake is usually used to prepare many dishes, so the whole meal centers around it. The meal usually includes crispy snakeskin crisps, fried snake with vegetables and snake soup, which includes all the snake parts you probably wouldn't dream of eating otherwise.

When the meal has been ordered, you'd think that the next step would be eating. Well, you'd be wrong. Before you even get that far, you first have to look your meal eye-to-eye. In my experience, at this point, the cook will come over to your table, holding a wriggling snake, to ask if the poor snake in his hand passes your, umm, requirements. It's probably safe to say that it does, unless you're enough of an expert to demand something special from the raw ingredients. At least you know the food is fresh.

After the snake disappears into the kitchen, don't be surprised if the waitress brings some shot glasses to the table – one will be filled with a greenish liquid and the other reddish. The greenish stuff is snake's bile and the reddish, as you have probably guessed, is snake blood. Don't worry, both have been diluted with spirits. Take my advice and drink these straight up. It really isn't worth it trying to enjoy the bouquet.

At this point comes the main event – the eating. Many people say that snake tastes like chicken, but I can't really vouch for that. The texture and taste are more like a frog and the meat itself is pale. On the other hand, my tastebuds might just have been overridden by my knowing that I was eating a reptile.

Snake helps rheumatism

Snakes soaked in spirits. Drink moderately. (Image: Wikipedia)Snakes are eaten and used as medicine because – in one form or another – they are thought to increase and maintain the lifeforce. For example, they are thought to cure rheumatism, strengthen the joints, cure malaria and most especially, prevent all sorts of diseases that are caused by cold and moisture. It is also said that eating snakes will keep evil spirits away.

If you don't want to enjoy a whole snake, you can find something from the shelves of traditional Chinese pharmacies. Among other things, you can buy snake wine, or if you're the do-it-yourself type, then dried snakes can be found too. Just soak the snake in spirits and drink small portions of the liquid.

Snakes are also believed to increase sexual potency, which would explain why snake soup is popular among men.