There’s crappy sales, and then there’s crap that sells.
The Associated Press reports that cow dung patties are flying off the digital shelves of online retailers such as Amazon and eBay. India is going crazy for the packaged patties, which are made by mixing cow dung with hay and then leaving the concoction in the sun to dry. They’re often made by women in rural areas and are widely available in outlying villages. But for city folk, the convenience of ordering poop from the Web can’t be beat.
Cow dung patties have been used to fuel fires for centuries—this includes flames for heating, cooking, or Hindu rituals. The pies are also being used as bonfire material, with the smell often considered pleasant for people who hail from non-urban parts of India. It’s a nostalgic experience.
Packs of the pies are available on Amazon; prices depend on how much the patties weigh and how many are in a set. According to the AP, some sellers are offering discounts for large orders, and some buyers are even asking for their poop to be gift-wrapped.
Sounds like Patti LaBelle Pies has a serious rival in the “most sought-after pies” competition this holiday season.
