Can you imagine eating a plate of worms served as a delicacy? Well, the mere thought of doing so may seem bizarre, but you will be amazed to know that insects and bugs are relished as delicacies around the world.
For most of us eating insects and bugs as a meal may seem like the grossest thing ever, but around the world insects and bugs are some of the tastiest and most popular delicacies.
Here’s a glimpse of some of the popular insect recipes around the world.
1. Red Ants
If you feel your salads are bland just toss in some Red Ants with a pot full of leafy greens and veggies, mixed with classic soy dressing with some hot spices. This classic delicacy is popular in some parts of Asia and it is believed that Red Ants are rich in nutrition.
2. Cockroaches
The mere thought of eating or even holding Cockroaches can freak you out with disgust! But they are loved around the world for their crunchy texture and taste. Some of the popular Cockroach delicacies are Roach Tacos, Cockroach fries, Roach spread, Cockroach Burritos to name a few.
3. Locust
If you thought viral Locust Biryani was bizarre, then this might leave you feeling disgusted! Locusts are one of the most popular edible bugs as they are easy to catch and are rich in nutrition.
4. Caterpillars and Mopane worms
Caterpillars are some of the most loved delicacies that you will find in a classic African supper. Caterpillars and Mopane worms were added to meals to increase nutrition and provide satiety. Rich in proteins, these worms were also consumed to reduce the food scarcity in some parts of Africa. Kaba is one of the most popular recipes made with worms.
5. Cicadas
Cicadas are famous in several Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia and Japan. In some regions they are marinated with condiments and deep fried to perfection. Cicadas are also relished in some parts of the USA, wherein they are paired with leafy greens and other condiments.
6. Scorpions
Chinese meals are incomplete without these crispy starters. Yes, Scorpions are some of the most common street foods in China, which are coated with spices and deep fried to perfection. However, to discard the venomous nature of Scorpions a lot of perfection is needed to cook them.
7. Tarantulas
Crispy Tarantulas are one of the most popular street foods in Cambodia. Their crunchy texture resembles a lot to the taste of crabs. However, the process of cooking these needs a lot of expertise as some parts of Tarantulas are unfit for consumption.
8. Mealworms
From Pastas to dainty desserts, Mealworms are loved for their unique taste, texture and nutrient rich composition. From several Asian countries to the USA, Mealworms are some of the popular delicacies that are boiled, deep fried and added on top of the meals to add a punch of taste and health.
9. Grasshoppers
Rich in protein, Grasshoppers make for some of the popular traditional delicacies in Mexico. They are cooked with spices, lemon juice, tossed with chilies and served hot. Some of the Grasshoppers are poisonous so the process of catching them requires a lot of effort.
10. Centipedes
Centipedes are one of the most popular street foods in China. They have also been a part of ancient Chinese medicine, but due to the presence of venom in Centipedes they are cooked properly and relished as crispy snacks.
