Photos: See The Naturally Black Chicken, Black Skin, Black Meat — Would You Eat It?

Did you know there was such a thing as
black chicken? And I don’t mean as in dark
feathers, but black skin, bones and even
internal organs. There are actually several
black chicken breeds in the world,
especially in Asia, but the most popular of
all has to be the Chinese Silkie.
Silkies are beautiful birds, covered in fluffy
plumage, which is said to feel like silk, but
underneath their fluff there is another
color. Their skin is a dark-bluish color, the
flesh is dark beige and the bones and some
internal organs are pitch black. Although in
the Western world silkie chickens are sold
mainly for ornamental purposes, in
countries like China they are considered a
super food and are appreciated for their
deep, gammy flavor. Called “wu gu ji” or
“black-boned chicken”, the silkie has been
prized for its medicinal value ever since the
seventh or eighth century. Chinese women
consume it after they have given birth to
get a boost of energy, but it’s also said to
have a positive effect on the yin, blood,
lungs and stomach. Silkie meat is rarely
roasted. To take full advantage of its
curative properties, the Chinese mainly use
it to make an amber-colored broth laced
with ginseng , dried wolfberries and
jujubes.
According to a genetic study published in
2011, the unique trait of silkie chickens,
known as fibromelanosis, is caused by an
unusual genetic mutation characterized as
“a complex rearrangement that leads to
increased expression of Endothelin 3, a
gene which is known for promoting the
growth of pigment cells”. The massive
expansion of pigment cells not only makes
the skin and bones black, but also causes
dark internal organs. Another interesting
thing about silkies is their high content of
carnosine, a naturally occurring peptide
which is sold as a dietary supplement.
People take it to increase muscle mass,
ward of the effects of aging and alleviate
diseases like diabetes or autism. Studies
have shown the black chicken is one of the
richest sources of carnosine.
If you’re wondering how black chicken
meat tastes, most people say it’s no
different than traditional chicken, but some
say it’s a little sweeter. So, would you
embrace the dark side and feast on the
dark flesh of a silkie?