Alpaca Meat, an Exotic Traditional Peruvian Food
Closely related to the Ilamas but much smaller, the alpaca is a domesticated species of South American camelid descended from the vicuna. Although alpacas are mostly raised for their soft and luxurious fleece, they constitute a savory traditional food in Peru.
The alpaca meat is a non-greasy meat whose flavor profile is like buffalo. Different parts of an alpaca have different tenderness and taste, but in general, a good alpaca meat/steak is tastier than some of the best steaks ever made.
A delicious plate of Peruvian alpaca with aguaymanto sauce | Photo by Dtarazona/Wikimedia commons
In Peru, alpaca meat is mostly found in Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas. Many restaurants offer grilled alpaca (Alpaca a La Plancha) but it is recommended to eat it at Pachapapa in Cusco. Alpaca can be prepared in an array of different manners and can be accompanied by various starches and vegetables. Apanado de alpaca is one traditional dish made with alpaca meat which is made with breaded alpaca meat, rice, potatoes, and salad. Alpaca meat is also used to make anticuchos which consists of mouth-watering pieces of grilled alpaca meat and potatoes or onion with a squeeze of lime.
The Mission of Vera Aqua Vera Vita serves rural Peruvians, where the culture is rich but unfortunately their water access and infrastructure is limited, unclean and dangerous. We empower Peruvian community leaders and members with the tools and infrastructure to bring clean water for generations to come!
