Llama

Lama glama, a S. American mammal, a member of the same family, Camelidae, as the Old World camel. The llama, which was domesticated thousands of years ago, was one of two such species (the other being alpaca, L. pacos) which were of great importance to the Inca of Peru.

When the Spaniards arrived in S. America, they were impressed by the usefulness of the llamas as a source of clothing and transport and also food. Commenting on this third role, Sophie Coe (1988) cites an isolated mention of llama milk being used, but explains that, besides titbits such as the tongues and brains, it was the muscle meat which was important. Modern sources suggest that this has a resinous taste, in animals older than two years, because of their diet, but that the taste disappears if the meat is dried to make charqui (jerky).