A recent social media post by "Carlos That Notices Things" has drawn attention to the German culinary tradition of "Mettigel," a dish featuring raw pork mince shaped into a hedgehog, prompting discussion on cultural practices and societal trust. The tweet, which quickly gained traction, described the practice as "the greatest combination of high trust society and autism I can imagine," further claiming it as "proof that hedgehogs and autism are deeply linked."
Mettigel, or "Mett hedgehog," is a traditional German party food made from finely minced, seasoned raw pork, typically served with raw onion "spines" and often olive eyes. This dish, along with Mettbrötchen (raw pork on a bread roll), has been a staple in German cuisine, particularly in northern and eastern regions, since the 1950s. German food safety regulations are stringent, requiring pork intended for raw consumption to be processed and sold on the same day, maintained at strict temperatures, and often tested for parasites like Trichinella, ensuring its safety when handled correctly.
The concept of a "high-trust society" generally refers to a community where interpersonal trust is relatively high, and shared ethical values are strongly upheld. Such societies often exhibit smoother functioning of democratic processes, higher rates of civic engagement, and increased economic activity due to reduced transaction costs and greater cooperation. Germany is often cited as an example of a society with high institutional and interpersonal trust, which some argue facilitates the acceptance of practices like consuming raw meat with confidence in food safety standards.
However, the tweet's assertion of a link between Mettigel, hedgehogs, and autism lacks any scientific or medical basis. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. There is no credible research or evidence to suggest any connection between dietary preferences, animal imagery, or specific cultural foods and autism. The comment appears to be a speculative and unsubstantiated personal observation.