Guanaco meat store opens in Patagonia, aiming for family tables

Guanaco meat, once a symbol of the Patagonian landscape, is now being introduced to family dinner tables in Santa Cruz, Argentina. The first store dedicated solely to its sale has opened in Río Gallegos, aiming to make the abundant resource a common and affordable food item.

Ricardo López, a restaurateur with 15 years of experience promoting guanaco meat, spearheaded the initiative. He is the sole producer in Argentina holding the National Registry of Food Products (RNPA) for commercializing guanaco escabeches and ham. His new venture, Lihuen, previously a popular stop for truckers, now operates as a specialized store offering guanaco meat and ready-to-cook meals.

López's ambition is to move guanaco meat beyond the gourmet niche and into everyday family consumption. He highlights its nutritional benefits and cost-effectiveness compared to beef. Frozen products like minced meat are priced at $6,500 per kilogram, with other cuts ranging from $5,950 to $9,390 per kilogram. Prepared items such as burgers, milanesas, and kebabs are also available, alongside cooked options like pâté and empanadas fillings.

To further encourage its adoption, López suggests guanaco products for social gatherings, like a World Cup viewing party. He envisions a spread including white wine kidney, guanaco pâté, tongue in vinaigrette, and meatballs in sauce, complemented by escabeche and guanaco ham. The store offers a variety of fresh and cooked guanaco products, aiming to integrate this unique Patagonian resource into the daily diet of local families.

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Apuntamos a que se incorpore a la comida diaria.