They came for your blood — and stole your burgers.
A growing number of Americans are being forced into veganism after contracting a bizarre, tick-borne allergy that turns red meat and dairy into a life-threatening hazard.
To make the meatless life a little easier to swallow, PETA is dishing out a plant-based cookbook even the staunchest carnivores can sink their teeth into.
“Getting bitten may suck, but there’s no need to be ticked off by a meat allergy with so many tasty vegan recipes in PETA’s cookbook,” Tracy Reiman, the nonprofit organization’s executive vice president, said in a statement.
The “Lone Star Tick Cookbook” dishes out 15 Southern recipes safe for people with alpha-gal syndrome, including a biscuit and gravy breakfast sandwich, chili, a spicy “chicken” sandwich, beefless stew, fish-free tacos, “chicken” parm subs and a Philly cheesesteak.
Keep reading to learn how to whip up a BBQ pulled jackfruit sandwich that’ll have even die-hard meat-and-potatoes lovers drooling.
What is alpha-gal syndrome?
The condition is triggered by the bite of the lone star tick. When it latches on, it can inject a sugar molecule called alpha-gal into the bloodstream.
Once this happens, the immune system may develop an allergy to alpha-gal. This causes reactions to foods and products containing the molecule, including most mammalian meats, such as beef, pork and lamb, as well as dairy and gelatin.
Symptoms typically appear between two and six hours after exposure and can range from hives and nausea to severe, potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis.
There’s currently no cure, though it can be managed through lifestyle changes — mainly by avoiding foods and products containing alpha-gal to prevent allergic reactions.
Is alpha-gal syndrome becoming more common?
The allergy was nearly unheard of in the US. There were only about two dozen cases of alpha-gal syndrome reported nationwide back in 2009.
However, in recent years, the lone star tick has expanded beyond its traditional range, spreading across the South, Midwest and Northeast. This migration has driven a boom in reported cases.
Since 2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded approximately 110,000 cases of alpha-gal syndrome.
However, the agency notes that the actual number of people affected by the allergy could be as high as 450,000, as many cases likely go undiagnosed.
No meat? No problem.
As alpha-gal syndrome becomes more widespread, it’s reshaping how Americans shop, cook and eat. Just look at Martha’s Vineyard, where restaurants are introducing “alpha-gal-friendly” menus to accommodate hundreds of new cases on the island.
Living with alpha-gal syndrome isn’t easy, but you can still enjoy tasty, worry-free meals right in your own kitchen.
Start with PETA’s BBQ pulled jackfruit sandwich. Here’s how to make four.
Ingredients:
- 3 × 14‑oz cans jackfruit in brine (drained & rinsed)
- ¼ cup water
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce
- 8 burger buns
Instructions:
- Shred the jackfruit with two forks to mimic pulled pork.
- Slow cooker method: Combine everything (except buns), stir, and cook on medium for five hours.
- Stovetop method: Combine in a pot, cook over medium heat until heated through—or some bits get crispy.
- Serve on buns with extra BBQ sauce and toppings like coleslaw.
