Guinea Pig Ham Project
In Cusco Peru, 10 women have micro-financed a small guinea
pig (cuy) project. The women operate a
small shop where they butcher guinea pig and make jellied ham or fresh cuy to
sell to local restaurants.
The process is:
Cook 5 guinea pigs and 1 regular pig head in a big pot with
tree roots and leaves for spices.
Chop the pigs into small pieces and press the meat into a
ham press and set in hot water until it jells.
Wrap the ham ( I
prefer to call it head cheese) in plastic
wrap and refrigerate.
The ham sells for
$50.00 for a 3 kg
loaf.
The profit for a days work is $5.oo to divide between 10
women which is 50 cents for a days work.
The women are very clean and are trying to break into the
larger city market (Lima) where they can sell the ham to restaurants and make a
greater profit.
Currently gloves cost 18 cents a pair and out of the 50 cent
profit, this is a large expense.
Anyone wanting to donate toward gloves would be greatly appreciated.
If you want a nice thick piece of guinea pig (cuy) ham on a warm fresh bun. Join us in Cusco Peru and for $2.00 you can have a cuy ham sandwich with a large glass of Inka Cola and then enjoy some great company.
