Guinea pig specialities have recently been the main topic of a cooking show aired in Cuba. This is not the first time the Communist government has resorted to unusual means to battle famine.

Rodent meat is more sustainable and healthier than other alternatives, so everyone should eat guinea pigs, a Cuban TV show has proclaimed. The show, partially funded by the government, introduced viewers to the secrets of guinea pig preparation.

Famine is not an uncommon phenomenon in Cuba, and the Communist country is forced to regularly invent ways to alleviate the problem. One example was an article which suggested that banana peel was as nutritious as the rest of the fruit, and encouraged people to consume it. Another initiative asked those queuing for head rations to turn the otherwise boring experience into a „queuing challenge,” similar to the other challenges trending on the Internet. In this particular action, people were asked to take selfies while standing in the queue.

The country primarily blames the US for food shortages, which is not an entirely unfounded accusation: the US trade embargo against Cuba is part of the reason why the country s economic system have to rely heavily on government support and why the food must be rationed to cover the people s basic needs.

The show aired before Christmas taught viewers that raising guinea pigs for consumption can be a quick and sustainable way to become self sufficient and can form an important part of a hearty diet, as the rodent s meat contains 19 percent more protein than pork.