FOOD NEWS
Ayam Cemani, The Unique Black Chickens With Mystical Ties
BY JOHN TOLLEY
Common roosters and hens are not the be-all-end-all of chicken. Ayam Cemani chickens are called the “Lamborghini of poultry” due to their rarity and jet-black coloration.
Due to a genetic trait called fibromelanosis, these chickens are black from beak to tail feathers, and even their organs and meat are considerably darker than white meat chicken.
The chickens are prized in their native Indonesia, where their meat is said to have mystical properties, and their blood has been used for rituals concerning wealth and luck.
Ayam Cemani are also challenging to breed, making them rare and expensive. A single chicken can range in price from less than $100 to several hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Although the flavor of the meat is considered slightly gamey, some insist that it has a strongly savory taste, and it’s certainly an intriguing experience to eat, if only visually.
The best dishes for Ayam Cemani are inspired by Indonesia, such as a coconut sauce gravy, black chicken soup, or Balinese Sate Lilit, a type of chicken satay.
You won’t find Ayam Cemani at your local grocer, but you can find it at online realtors like The Exotic Meat Market, which sells them slaughtered and dressed for $299.99.