The 10 Most Disgusting Regional Foods

When it comes to food, America is a melting pot of flavors, traditions and some rather bizarre concoctions. From coast to coast, each state boasts unique delicacies, some of which, frankly, are stomach-turning. Whether it's the strange combination of ingredients, an exotic meat or the unexpected textures, these regional dishes might leave you feeling a little queasy. Here’s a look at some of the most oddball regional foods in the United States and the love stories behind them.

Related: Overrated Regional Foods From Across America

Colorado

Don’t be fooled by the name, there is no oyster in a Rocky Mountain oyster. This Colorado specialty is a nod to the state's ranching history and consists of deep-fried bull testicles made to look like “oysters”. Typically served as an appetizer, the flavor is surprisingly mild. Some draw similarities with oysters because of their chewy and spongy texture. Locals take pride in their ability to enjoy this unconventional delicacy.

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Florida

Only in Florida (duh) is alligator meat considered a delicacy. It can be roasted or smoked, but most often it's fried. The tail is used so it can be pounded for a more tender texture. Tastewise, people say it tastes like chicken but slightly fishy. We don’t care that it’s a meat that’s high in protein, low in fat, and packed with nutrients, it just sounds utterly unappetizing— unless of course, you’re from Florida.

Connecticut

In Connecticut, cheeseburgers take a moist and unconventional twist. Instead of grilling or frying, the burger patty and cheese are steamed, resulting in a uniquely juicy burger with molten, gooey cheese. How does it taste? Watery and flavorless are common descriptors. But this doesn’t stop Connecticut residents from visiting Ted’s Restaurant in Meriden for a taste of this healthier burger.

Related: 30 Strange But Surprisingly Tasty Local Foods to Try

Massachusetts

Say it after me... Fluf-fer-nut-ter. Yup, it’s a mouthful, just like this white-bread (Wonder Bread is recommended) sandwich made with peanut butter and spreadable marshmallow fluff. A sticky, sweet childhood favorite in New England, the combination of creamy (not chunky) peanut butter and airy marshmallow fluff creates a rich, sweet, and slightly nutty-flavored treat. It should be noted it's very messy and could wreak havoc on your tummy.

Minnesota

You can’t blame some Midwesterners for celebrating with lutefisk; a traditional Scandinavian dish brought to Minnesota by Norwegian immigrants. If it doesn’t sound particularly appetizing, it’s because it involves dried whitefish (usually cod) soaked in a lye solution for two days before being rehydrated and served with melted butter, salt and pepper. The result is a gelatinous textured fish (think fish-flavored Jell-O) that while mild in taste, leaves a lingering fishy aftertaste. Thanks, but we’ll pass.

Related: 23 Foods You've Never Heard of Unless You're From the Midwest

Georgia

Peanuts are meant to be eaten dry, shells on the ground or chopped up as a crunchy topping. But in Georgia, they’re boiled in salty water until they are soft and mushy. A southern staple that's often served at social gatherings, it holds a salty, slightly earthy taste. Known as “caviar of the South”, we just don’t get what’s to love about it.

Related: The South Has the Best Food in America. Here's What You're Missing

Maine

No visit to Maine is complete without having lobster ice cream. This quirky dessert incorporates chunks of briny lobster meat into a sweet, creamy ice cream base for a rather unusual combination, that you either love or feel nauseous about. We’ll stick to butter, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon.

Delaware

We don’t get why this traditional dish in Delaware is beloved. Scrapple is made from pork scraps combined with cornmeal and spices, formed into a loaf and fried. While spices are added, it generally tastes like liverwurst or French country pate depending on what scraps go into making this meaty dish. Scrapple originated from early Dutch settlers in the region.

Mississippi

This is a prime example of how two singular ingredients can be awesome, but definitely do not belong together. In Mississippi, “Koolickles” are pickles soaked in Kool-Aid. This unusual snack results in bright red or green pickles that are sugary sweet and vinegary tangy. A popular treat at local fairs and convenience stores, locals see it as playful culinary experiment, while the rest of us are just flabbergasted.

Related: Beloved Local Eats That Can Be Shipped to Your Doorstep

North Carolina

Who actually likes liver, really? North Carolinians swear by livermush. A loaf made from pork liver, meat scraps and cornmeal, it is typically sliced and fried. The dish is served with mustard and tastes like a rich sausage patty. While one might appreciate the nutritional value of this versatile staple, we just can’t get over eating mushed pork liver.