If that headline didn’t catch your attention, maybe this will. It’s a guarantee that the first person to say, “I think we should fry these up and eat them!” probably got a few strange looks. But the fact of the matter is, the first Testicle Festival at the Castell General Store took place some time ago, and every year since then people make sure to return to Llano County in droves to try something that’s often been referred to as a delicacy. After ranchers castrate young bulls, some of the goods end up becoming “calf fries” at this yearly Texas Hill Country event.
Things to Do
Visit the Castell Testicle Festival and Have a Ball…Or Two
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Photo: Facebook/James Bryant
Before you start scratching your head and debating on the reasons behind this, the Picayune News defined the process as such: “Livestock producers and ranchers typically castrate most, if not all, of their younger male cattle. There are a number of reasons for this: steers are typically easier to handle and not as aggressive as bulls; they can’t reproduce; and they often result in higher-quality and more consistent beef.” The festival was the brainchild of Marc Leifeste, the Castell General Store owner/operator. The large attendance at the first Testicle Festival took him by surprise, and the event has been going strong ever since, making use of these formerly unwanted “goods.” Its popularity is such that some additional fryers were added to the event just to keep up! This year’s festival will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2019, from 12 to 3:00 p.m. at the Castell General Store. Those looking to tour the town and not necessarily try the main course will have lots to see and do (and eat!).
Photo: Facebook/Castell General Store
Music and great food underlie the planning for this event, including the sweetbreads and Rocky Mountain oysters. Paired nicely with some adult beverages (and a little bit of friendly ribbing), these things are said to go down like “Beefy, mild liver meatballs…” with more of a fried taste than anything else. According to the local press, Leifeste and his gang of calf fry fryers have the recipe down pat. Dredge the testicles in seasoned flour, fry them up, and serve them hot. Other delicacies such as barbecue and pizza can also be found at the Testicle Festival, so you absolutely won’t leave hungry, much less lacking entertainment.
Photo: Facebook/Castell General Store
For more information, visit the Facebook event page posted by the Castell General Store at the link available here. If you have any questions, you can also call the store directly at (325) 247-4100. Known as the oldest surviving town in Llano County, Castell is now making a name for itself in other ways—some comical, some tasty, all with their own Texas twist to them! The Testicle Festival in Castell may find you lining up for something you never before thought you’d try—something new. And that’s no bull (wink, wink).
