Can You Eat Iguanas?

michaelonega
6 hours ago
4 min read

When most people think about iguanas in Florida, they probably don't think about dinner.

But if you've ever seen how large some South Florida iguanas can get, you may have wondered: Can you actually eat iguana?

The answer is yes. Iguana meat has been eaten in parts of Latin America and the Caribbean for generations, and it has become an increasingly interesting way for people to make use of an invasive species here in Florida.

Iguana meat is often described as mild and lean, and there are plenty of ways to prepare it, from soups and stews to tacos and other dishes.

If you're curious about trying it for yourself, here's what you need to know.

What Does Iguana Meat Taste Like?

Iguana Coconut Curry Soup — Iguana Coconut Curry

So, what does iguana actually taste like?

People often describe iguana meat as having a mild flavor that falls somewhere between chicken and other light meats, although the flavor and texture can vary depending on the animal and how it's prepared.

The meat is relatively lean, which means preparation matters. Slow cooking, stewing, or using iguana in recipes with sauces and seasonings can help produce a tender and flavorful dish.

Some people even refer to iguana as "chicken of the trees."

If you've never tried it before, cooking it in a recipe with bold seasonings is a great way to start.

What Parts of an Iguana Can You Eat?

The most commonly eaten parts of an iguana are the meat from the body and legs, although traditional preparations can vary.

The tail is also a particularly meaty portion of a larger iguana, making it useful for recipes that call for chunks of meat.

As with any wild game, proper cleaning, handling, and cooking are extremely important.

How Do You Cook Iguana?

There are plenty of ways to prepare iguana.

Depending on the recipe, iguana can be:

Stewed
Slow cooked
Added to soups
Used in tacos
Cooked with vegetables
Prepared with Caribbean or Latin-inspired seasonings
Used in dishes where you would normally use another lean meat

Because iguana is lean, cooking it slowly can be a good way to help keep the meat tender.

Looking for something to make with iguana meat?

Check out our Iguana Recipes page for recipes and ideas to turn your catch into a meal.

Is Iguana Meat Safe to Eat?

Like any wild-caught meat, iguana should be handled carefully.

Wild reptiles can carry bacteria and other pathogens, so proper sanitation, refrigeration, preparation, and cooking are important. Don't eat an iguana that has been improperly handled, left unrefrigerated, or otherwise isn't suitable for consumption.

It's also important to understand the regulations surrounding the collection and possession of green iguanas in Florida.

Green iguanas are an invasive species and are classified as a Prohibited species in Florida. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) rules regulate possession, transport, and other activities involving live green iguanas.

If you're unsure about the current regulations that apply to your situation, check the latest information from the FWC before collecting or transporting a live iguana.

Why Eat an Invasive Iguana?

Florida's green iguana population has grown significantly, and these lizards can cause problems for native ecosystems and property owners.

They dig burrows, damage landscaping and structures, and can become a major nuisance around pools, seawalls, docks, and homes. Learn more about the problems they cause here.

Because green iguanas are invasive, removing them can help reduce their impact on Florida's environment.

FWC encourages the removal of green iguanas from private properties, and the agency states that green iguanas can be humanely killed on private property year-round with the landowner's permission, subject to applicable regulations.

For some people, that makes eating the animal after a successful harvest an appealing alternative to simply letting the meat go to waste.

Want to Catch Your Own Iguana?

Reading about eating iguana is one thing.

Catching one yourself is another.

Iguanas are fast, surprisingly strong, and excellent at escaping into trees, bushes, seawalls, canals, and other hard-to-reach places.

That's where an experienced hunting team can make a big difference.

Our iguana hunting trips give you the opportunity to get out in the Florida outdoors and experience the challenge of hunting invasive iguanas firsthand. You'll learn how to locate iguanas, watch their behavior, and pursue them alongside experienced hunters.

And you won't be doing it alone.

Our team also hunts with a trained iguana hunting dog who has been specifically trained to help locate and track iguanas. He knows how to work around them and helps our hunters find iguanas hiding in places that can be difficult to spot from the ground.

Whether you're an experienced outdoorsman looking for something completely different or you've simply always wanted to try iguana hunting, it's an experience you won't get sitting at home watching them run through your backyard.

Want to see what iguana hunting is all about?

Check out our Iguana Hunting Trips and book your next Florida adventure with us.

From the Hunt to the Dinner Table

One of the most unique parts of iguana hunting is that the experience doesn't necessarily end when the hunt is over.

For those who choose to prepare their harvest as food, the next adventure can happen right in the kitchen.

From tacos and stews to slow-cooked dishes and traditional preparations, there are plenty of ways to experiment with iguana meat.

Check out our Iguana Recipes page for ideas and recipes to try with your harvest.

And if you've never experienced an iguana hunt before, come hunt with us and see for yourself why chasing these invasive Florida lizards is such a unique outdoor adventure.