Physically, rabbits are cute to look at and lovely to cuddle although in many parts of the world, rabbits are consumed as food, their fur is worn as clothes.
They serve as human companions and beautiful inspiration to many.
Unlike other nationalities, Filipinos are not used to eating rabbits, even if it is a healthy white meat because Filipinos consider rabbits as pets.
It was the Americans who introduced rabbits to the Filipinos after World War II.
However, it did not become popular because Filipinos considered rabbits a pet, said Sancho and Stephanie Salazar.
Sancho said the size of the rabbits brought to the Philippines was more extensive than the current measures and weights.
In terms of nutritional value, eating rabbit is healthy because it is a white meat since it eats grass and vegetables aside from feed.
It is the kind of meat consumed by cancer patients and diabetics as it has more protein, low cholesterol, and low-fat meat, a research shows.
It is also good for athletes who do bodybuilding. The white rabbit meat was good.
The Salazars were among those who sell rabbits and are affiliated with the United Negros Island Rabbit Meat Producers Association (UNI-RaMP).
Their association helps create a sustainable and healthy lifestyle by producing high-quality, nutritious rabbit meat in Negros Island and the archipelago.
It unites all homegrown breeders, nurtures aspiring individuals, and innovates solutions towards rabbit meat.
Moreover, a female rabbit becomes sexually mature at 3 to 8 months of age on the reproductive side. It can be conceived at any time of the year.
The rabbit gestation period ranges from 28 to 36 days, with an average period of 31 days. It can deliver 18 baby rabbits (kittens) in one pregnancy. After birth, the female can become pregnant again as early as the next day.
The Salazars and Marti Sellado were among the exhibitors at the Locally Sourced event organized by the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental held at Robinson's Mall, highlighting gardening and fresh local produce fair. They cooked Bunny Bicol Express, Rabbit Kikiam, and Siomai with Rabbit meat.*