Exotic or just plain gross? That is the question that begs an answer when considering five popular insect delicacies consumed by people across the globe. Though most Americans would consider an infestation of pests like spiders and cockroaches worthy of a call to the exterminator, others around the world simply call the cook.
Another popular bar snack, this one enjoyed primarily by the people of China, are bee larvae. Deep fried and seasoned with salt, pepper and other spices, bee larvae are eaten similar to popcorn. They also lend themselves to a sweet snack when prepared in soy sauce and sugar.
Though consuming insects in America is done more for the shock value than for true culinary enjoyment, a number of people across the world snack on these delicacies to meet their nutritional needs. Full of protein and nutrients, insects can sometimes be more than just pests.
Madyson Grant enjoys traveling and trying new recipes from different cultures. She is currently blogging about the good the bad and the ugly when it comes to insects.
Grasshoppers
When diners in the Oaxaca region of Mexico order chapulines, they expect a plate of grasshoppers with their meal. A number of traditional Mexican ingredients including chiles, tortillas and lime come together to make this dish. In China and other parts of Southeast Asia, grasshoppers are regularly fried and served as a crunchy, salty snack.Cockroaches
Madagascar hissing cockroaches are one of the largest species of cockroach in the world. Apparently, they are also a snack with a crunchy outside and sweet and creamy inside. The cockroaches are injected with flavorings such as honey or soy sauce before they are fried and served.Tarantulas
While most people would immediately call an exterminator like Northern Virginia pest control” upon seeing a large spider in their home, the people of Cambodia consider fried tarantulas a delicacy. Frying the somewhat furry yet edible spiders in oil maintains a crunchy shell that, much like the cockroaches, gives way to an utterly gooey inside. They are best served with dips flavored with lime juice and black pepper.Pupae & Larvae
The people of South Korea love to snack on Beondegi, or silkworm pupae. Like most other insect delicacies, the pupae are enjoyed fried. The cocoons are also delicious steamed and boiled into a stew. This snack is so popular that it is sold in cans as well as regularly served in bars and restaurants.Another popular bar snack, this one enjoyed primarily by the people of China, are bee larvae. Deep fried and seasoned with salt, pepper and other spices, bee larvae are eaten similar to popcorn. They also lend themselves to a sweet snack when prepared in soy sauce and sugar.
Grubs
These immature beetles are staples of the Australian Aboriginal diet. They are most often eaten raw - sometimes while alive - or very lightly roasted. Grubs reportedly have a nutty, creamy taste.Though consuming insects in America is done more for the shock value than for true culinary enjoyment, a number of people across the world snack on these delicacies to meet their nutritional needs. Full of protein and nutrients, insects can sometimes be more than just pests.
About the Author:
Madyson Grant enjoys traveling and trying new recipes from different cultures. She is currently blogging about the good the bad and the ugly when it comes to insects.
