Quick Answer
- Yes. Green iguana meat and eggs have been eaten for generations in parts of Central and South America and the Caribbean, where iguana is nicknamed gallina de palo, "chicken of the tree."
- The FWC has said it is legal to eat iguana meat in Florida, where green iguanas are invasive.
- Iguana meat is lean and is often compared to chicken or frog legs.
- Iguanas can carry Salmonella, so meat must be handled carefully and cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Never eat an iguana that may have been poisoned, or one you found dead.
Where People Eat Iguana
Green iguanas are a traditional food in much of their native range, including parts of Mexico, Central America, northern South America and the Caribbean. A 2018 University of Florida article noted that both adult green iguanas and their eggs are eaten in these regions. Iguana is used in stews, soups, tamales and grilled dishes, and in some places, such as parts of Central America, iguanas have been farmed for meat.
In places where green iguanas are invasive, eating them is sometimes promoted as one way to use animals that are being removed anyway. National Geographic has reported on efforts in Puerto Rico, where invasive iguanas are abundant, to turn them into food. In South Florida, iguana tacos and other dishes have appeared at events and in the news, often nicknamed "chicken of the trees."
Is It Legal to Eat Iguana in Florida?
Yes. A spokesperson for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) told the Tampa Bay Times that it is legal to eat iguana meat in Florida. Green iguanas are invasive there and are protected only by anti-cruelty law. Homeowners, or others with the landowner's permission, may humanely kill them on private property year-round.
A few important limits apply:
- Humane killing only. Animal cruelty laws still apply, as do local rules on firearms and air guns.
- Keeping live iguanas requires a permit. Green iguanas are a prohibited species in Florida, so you cannot keep a live one to fatten up or transport it around without authorization.
- Selling meat is a different matter. Selling food to the public involves food safety and licensing rules. News reports have described Florida businesses struggling to find approved vendors of iguana meat, so check with the relevant authorities before selling or serving it commercially.
Outside Florida, wildlife and food laws vary. Check local rules before harvesting any wild animal.
What Does Iguana Taste Like?
Most people compare iguana to chicken, though it is leaner and can be firmer. One Florida iguana hunter told the Tampa Bay Times that tail meat tastes like frog legs, "a little sweet." The tail and back legs hold most of the meat. Because it is lean, iguana can become tough if overcooked, which is why it is often slow-stewed or braised in many traditional recipes.
| Common comparison | Notes |
|---|---|
| Chicken | The most common comparison; mild, white-ish meat |
| Frog legs | Often mentioned for tail meat |
| Rabbit | Lean, can be dry if overcooked |
Is Iguana Safe to Eat?
Iguana can be eaten safely if handled like other raw meat, but there are real risks to manage.
Salmonella
Reptiles, including iguanas, commonly carry Salmonella bacteria, as chickens and pigs can. University of Florida guidance cited by the Tampa Bay Times recommends:
- Cleaning the meat properly
- Cooking it thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)
- Refrigerating raw meat promptly
- Avoiding cross-contamination with other foods, cutting boards and utensils
Wash your hands, knives and surfaces after handling raw iguana. Read more in our guide to iguanas and Salmonella.
Unknown Exposure
- Never eat an iguana you found dead, including after a freeze, as you cannot know how long it has been dead or why it died.
- Avoid iguanas that may have been poisoned or exposed to pesticides in yards or golf courses.
- Be cautious with iguanas from polluted canals or areas with heavy chemical use.
Pet Iguanas
Pet iguanas are not food animals. They may have been treated with medications, and many owners and veterinarians would consider eating a pet unacceptable. This page is about wild, invasive iguanas.
How Iguana Is Prepared
Preparation varies by tradition, but typically involves humanely dispatching the iguana, skinning it, removing the organs and cleaning the meat, then cooking it thoroughly. Common dishes include:
- Stews and soups, such as Central American sopa de garrobo or iguana soup
- Braised or curried iguana
- Grilled or fried iguana pieces
- Iguana tacos or tamales
If you are new to it, consider learning from someone experienced, as skinning and cleaning reptiles takes practice and good hygiene.
Iguana Eggs
Iguana eggs are also eaten in parts of the iguana's native range. In some countries, heavy harvesting of eggs and adults has contributed to declines in wild iguana populations, which is one reason iguana farming developed. In places where iguanas are invasive, egg removal is part of some control efforts. For more on iguana reproduction, see our guide to iguana eggs.
Does Eating Iguanas Help Control Them?
Eating iguanas uses animals that are removed anyway, but it is unlikely to control populations on its own. Female green iguanas can lay dozens of eggs a year, and established populations are large. Control efforts in Florida rely on property owners, professional trappers and habitat changes. Our guide on how to get rid of iguanas covers practical options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Legal to Eat Iguana in Florida?
Yes. The FWC has said it is legal to eat iguana meat in Florida. Iguanas must be killed humanely, and selling meat to the public involves separate food rules.
What Does Iguana Taste Like?
Iguana is usually compared to chicken or frog legs. It is lean and can become tough if overcooked, so it is often stewed or braised.
Is Iguana Meat Healthy?
Iguana is a lean meat, but it can carry Salmonella. It must be handled carefully and cooked to 165°F (74°C).
Can You Eat a Frozen Iguana from Florida?
Only one that is still alive and is then humanely killed and cleaned promptly. Never eat an iguana found dead, as you cannot know when or why it died.
Sources: Tampa Bay Times via AOL, Can You Eat Florida's Invasive Iguanas?; National Geographic, What to Do With Puerto Rico's Invasive Iguanas? Eat Them; Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Green Iguana.
