In Praise Of Fried Fruit Bat

AMONG THOSE people who have had the stomach to try them, there are many who maintain that the humble fruit bat, now in plague propor tions in parts of Papua New Guinea, is a culinary delight. Similar in texture to rab bit, say the converted, but much tastier.

Among the most vociferous of the fruit bat boosters are the citizens of Micronesia, where the bat is in big demand.

Now Peter Barter, PNG sales agent for Continental Airlines, has come up with a bright idea to kill two birds (or should that be bats?) with one stone. “Pack them up like frozen chickens and fly them to Guam.

Fruit bats in Micronesia are considered a great delicacy, are expensive and in short

supply,” Mr Barter told a reporter from the Papua New Guinea Post Courier.

“I have suggested to a number of chicken producers in Lae and Madang that if the bats could be packed similarly to chickens, frozen and well presented, they could become a major export.”

At the same time, Mr Barter pointed out, it would reduce the number of bats, which in Madang and other parts of PNG have reached plague proportions. It would also help people to earn money from what has been regarded as a pest.

Mr Barter added that, with Port Mo resby only three hours’ flight from Guam, that country could also become a major market for PNG vegetables. □