The Cuy, also called cuye, guinea pig, cobaya, cobayo, scientifically corresponds to Cavia porcellus, of the Caviidae family originating in Andean regions of South America such as Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and Colombia.
The body of these small rodents is wide and covered with hair that can be straight, bristly or attached to the body, forming swirls, of various colors. The head is wide and large compared to the body and its ears are small and rounded. It has short legs ending in fine fingers, the number of which varies.
Currently, the guinea pig can reach a weight of up to 2.9 kg and is raised for consumption in countries such as Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador. In other South American countries, such as Argentina, Venezuela and Brazil, it is very popular as a pet among children.
The Importance of the Cuy in Latin America
In Peru, its domestic guinea pig is very common and its consumption is the highest in South America. Currently, the Andean country has a population of more than 28 million guinea pigs, which annually produce more than 18,000 tons of meat. In other countries such as Bolivia and Ecuador it is also a traditional dish that is consumed frequently.
Raising guinea pigs is very important, especially in Peru, due to its great development potential for the poorest and most humble families and for those families that have little space to raise other larger species such as cattle, sheep and goats, which require in addition to greater training in animal production.
There are many breeding projects developed by the Peruvian state and by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that have encouraged the raising of guinea pigs, both to generate an economic return and to combat anemia. Among them we mention the projects of Foncodes, Agroideas, Haku Wiñay, the NGOs Caritas and Care Peru.
With the Spanish colonization, the guinea pig was exported to Europe in the 16th century, quickly being adopted as one of the favorite pets of children. Today it is very famous as a pet in Spain and also in Asian countries.
The Cuy: An Ancient Specancient Species
Although its average lifespan is 5 to 8 years, several discoveries prove that the guinea pig has been part of the history of Peru since ancient times. For example, in the temple of the Crossed Hands of Kotosh, located in the Huánuco region, remnants of guinea pigs appeared in the areas where offerings were made for burials. These remains date back to 2500 BC, so the guinea pigs were with the Peruvian ancestors for quite some time.
Rich in nutrients
Peruvian tradition dictates that guinea pigs are also raised for human consumption. Its meat is full of proteins, amino acids and contains almost no fat, it has the necessary nutrients to not misalign you from a balanced diet.
Depending on the region of Peru where you are, its style of preparation will vary. But the vast majority will offer you a succulent dish of fried guinea pig (also known as chactado), spicy guinea pig, baked guinea pig or, fusing it a bit with oriental food, a chijaucuy.
Part of the Peruvian Culture
Beyond the fact that various companies used the guinea pig to give life to funny characters, this rodent is installed in various aspects of Peruvian popular culture. From the playful, when they use a guinea pig for the popular game called raffle (where the animal chooses which ‘house’ to go to); even the medical, when the Peruvian ancestors used the guinea pig for alternative medicine, where they ‘passed the guinea pig’ to you so that it absorbs your ills.