These Raw Foods May Surprise You
While many people are already aware that most vegetables can be eaten raw, there are still a few that may surprise you.
Not only that, but nearly all meats can also be eaten raw, if prepared properly. That’s right, beef, pork, and even chicken can all be consumed raw—but you have to know what you're doing.
Here’s a list of 28 foods you may not have realized you can eat without cooking.
Steak
While certain raw meat dishes like beef carpaccio and steak tartar are becoming more popular, many people still squirm at the thought of it.
But if you’re willing to try it, opt for a higher-end, well-seasoned chef to prepare it to ensure you get high-quality meat.
Lentils
Sprouted lentils are an excellent source of protein that can be eaten raw. However, to eat them raw they must be sprouted by soaking them overnight.
After soaking, rinse the lentils well and place them in a sprouting jar or sieve for 2-5 days, rinsing twice a day until little tails appear.
Bee Pollen
Bee Pollen can be eaten raw—unless you’re allergic to bees or their pollen. It’s actually one of the best raw superfoods as it contains over 96 different nutrients, including every nutrient essential to human life.
You can enjoy it in a smoothie, on a salad, or eat it plain.
Rice
You can eat wild rice by soaking it in water for about three days, changing the water at least twice a day.
This method is commonly enjoyed in light summery salads.
Squash
Much like summer squash or courgettes, winter squash can also be enjoyed raw. Butternut squash can be sliced into layers in a raw lasagna or ravioli, or it can be spiraled and blended as a raw alternative to pumpkin.
Chicken
While raw chicken is usually a no-no, in Japan chicken sashimi isn’t a big deal. However, you cannot eat just any raw chicken, since the farming practices are often ideal conditions for salmonella.
Restaurants that source chicken for this dish rely on specific farms with organic, free-range and exceptionally sanitary practices.
Parsnips
Parsnips are similar to carrots, they’re sweet and snappy and can also be eaten raw. Many people enjoy them in salads or on a veggie and dip platter.
Brussel Sprouts
Brussel sprouts, like most vegetables, can also be eaten raw. They’re especially tasty when shredded or shaved into salads.
Public Domain Pictures, Pexels
Sunchoke
Sunchoke, or Jerusalem artichoke, is a vegetable that can be enjoyed raw, particularly when tossed in salads as it adds some extra crunch.
La Huertina De Toni, Shutterstock
Fish
Sushi lovers are already aware you can eat fish raw. However, the safest way to eat raw fish is if it’s been frozen first, as this will ensure any parasites have been killed.
The most popular raw fish-based meals are sushi and ceviche.
FranHogan, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Celery Root
Celery roots offer a mild celery flavor and lots of crunch, making it a perfect add-in to coleslaw.
Pork
Pork is often eaten raw. You’ll find raw pork cured as hard salami, capicola, and prosciutto.
A popular raw pork dish eaten in Germany is called Mett, which is minced pork spread flavored with salt, pepper and garlic.
Beets
Raw beets can be a delicious add-in to salads.
Especially when they’re grated or sliced as thinly as possible.
Nuts
While many people love the taste of oil-roasted nuts, it is important to note that cooking nuts can actually reduce their nutritional value.
Nuts are best when eaten raw.
Asparagus
Although asparagus has more cancer-fighting antioxidants once it is cooked, you can eat it raw.
Shaving the stalks for a salad is common, or simply munching on the stalks as part of a veggie platter works too.
Bok Choy
Using bok choy just like you would lettuce is a great way to enjoy it raw. It has tender, lettuce-like leaves and crunchy stalks.
Rhubarb
Rhubarb is often pickled or baked into pies.
It also contains a poison known as oxalic acid—but it only becomes a concern when eaten in large amounts.
To enjoy it raw, the leaves must be taken off. Try dipping it in something sweet, like sugar, honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar.
Artichokes
Baby artichokes are the best choice if you want to eat one raw.
This is because they don’t have the inedible center that is usually scooped out of a mature artichoke.
Seaweed
There are many benefits to eating raw seaweed.
Fresh seaweed is made up of about 80% to 90% water and is one of the best sources of chlorophyll. It is also high in water-soluble vitamins and minerals, which are easily absorbed into the bloodstream.
They're also a good source of iron, calcium and iodine.
Collard Greens
While collard greens are typically cooked, they are also similar to cabbage, kale, and broccoli—all of which can be eaten raw. They’re high in vitamins K, A and C and also high in calcium.
Ackee
Ackee is the national fruit of Jamaica, and it is a staple in many Jamaican diets.
It is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin A, zinc, and protein.
It must be eaten when it is ripe, and the black seeds must be avoided at all costs.
Seafood
There are lots of seafood dishes that are traditionally eaten raw. Shiokara is a Japanese cuisine that is made with pieces of meat taken from various sea creatures, served in a brown, thick paste of their own salted and fermented organs.
Eggs
Many athletes eat raw eggs in shakes and smoothies before working out as they are said to give you a protein boost.
While many people believe there’s a significant risk of salmonella, the risk is actually quite low.
Potato
While most people would think this is gross, there are some people out there who actually like the taste of raw potatoes.
However, they should not be consumed in excess.
Also, be sure to avoid green potatoes, as they contain glycoalkaloids that can cause diarrhea—or even put you in a coma.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are most commonly cooked before eating, but raw mushrooms are very good for you. You can enjoy them tossed in a salad or as part of your veggie platter.
Nutmeg
As long as you eat raw nutmeg in moderation, it is not dangerous. But eating large amounts of it can end in myristicin poisoning, which can cause memory loss and visual distortion.
Peter Hermes Furian, Shutterstock
Ground Beef
Ground beef can actually be eaten raw—provided you take the necessary precautions.
In fact, raw ground beef is served as a delicacy in many countries around the world, even though it is not advised in the US.
Steak Tartar is a perfect example.
Milk
While it is widely advised against, there are still many people in the world today who consume raw milk. Usually, this is done by people who own the cows specifically and trust themselves as the source.
Raw milk is said to have a much more delicious and rich flavor.
It should be noted though, raw milk poses significant risk for bacterial illnesses.
