Tendergroin, Cowboy Caviar: What Exactly Are Rocky Mountain Oysters?

First and foremost, Rocky Mountain oysters are a prized dish in the western United States. Despite their name, they are not seafood harvested from the ocean.

They are, in fact, bull testicles. Usually, they are coated in breading, deep-fried, and paired with a dipping sauce of your preference. Often, they are accompanied by a strong beverage to complement the experience.

These slippery organs are genuinely consumed by people, and their popularity is evident in the numerous restaurants and saloons that serve them, especially in specific towns. They boast a variety of humorous nicknames, such as cowboy caviar, tendergroin, swinging beef, and calf fries, to name a few. Regardless of the name, it’s safe to say the bulls aren’t amused.

You might be asking yourself, why would anyone eat, well, that particular part of a bull? Organ meats have long been a staple in various cultural cuisines worldwide, including in the United States. From duck hearts to fried liver, testicles are simply another addition to the diverse array of edible meats.

This practice also stems from a commitment to minimizing waste by utilizing every part of an animal that can provide nourishment. Raising animals is costly, and discarding nutritious food is seen as unethical by many. Additionally, some people consume them believing in their potential aphrodisiac effects.

Legend has it that cowboys might have pioneered this unique culinary tradition. Every spring, they would spend hours castrating young bulls in their herds for several reasons: it reduces aggression, enhances meat quality, and helps manage the cattle population.

This process left them with an abundance of raw, slimy testicles, which likely inspired the "oyster" nickname associated with this dish. They would cook them on a skillet or even use hot branding irons before eating them. Sometimes, they had so many that they would host gatherings, turning it into a festive occasion where everyone enjoyed themselves—quite literally.

Nowadays, festivals celebrating bull testicles are quite popular in certain regions. Participants indulge in this unique delicacy, enjoy beer, and mingle with fellow enthusiasts of unconventional cuisine.

Clinton, Montana's Testicle Festival was particularly infamous, known for its raucous environment filled with excessive drinking, public nudity, brawls, and various forms of indulgence. The event became so uncontrollable that the organizers permanently discontinued it in 2018.

Bruce's Bar in Severance, Colorado, is famous for this dish, annually frying up to 50,000 pounds of what are colloquially known as 'oysters'.

Denver's historic Buckhorn Exchange, the city's oldest restaurant, has featured this dish since 1893. Its popularity is such that it's even served at the Colorado Rockies' baseball stadium.

Overcoming the initial hesitation about its origin, one discovers a unique flavor profile. Contrary to the common belief, it doesn't resemble chicken. Anna O'Brien of Modern Farmer describes it as rich yet not overly hearty, with a subtle organ-like taste. Similarly, Luke Runyon from KUNC, in an NPR feature, likened its texture and flavor to a blend of liver and gizzard, offering a distinct culinary experience.

Whether you're daring enough to sample them or simply curious enough to learn, Rocky Mountain oysters have secured their place in culinary culture. Just remember, they're not from the ocean.