Tuesday, 05 March 2013
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Caterpillar Consumption
It seems like the culinary world is having a caterpillar-filled week.Just this past Saturday, a 22-year-old passenger traveling from Burkina Faso was caught carrying 207 pounds of dried caterpillars at London's Gatwick Airport. The passenger told the customs agents that he had the caterpillars for one purpose: personal consumption.
And if you think this explanation is ridiculous because nobody would consider consuming caterpillars, think again! Just last week, French health inspectors found a restaurant preparing caterpillar stew during a routine inspection, according to the Agence France-Presse. The officials tossed out roughly 661 pounds of meat without a source of origin and shut down the establishment citing hygiene violations. The store has been described by the French media as an African grocery store.
Which raises my next question to readers: Would you (or have you) tried caterpillar? If you have, then what are your thoughts?
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- From: larabs@xanga
- About Me: I'm a Rutgers University graduate who discovered a passion for writing in college when I found myself enjoying researching for and writing papers instead of working at biology labs. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking and watching movies--I am in pursuit of learning to fluently speak French and Italian after developing an interest in these languages from watching foreign films. Apart from foreign films and cooking, my interests include photography, traveling, art history and interior design. twitter.com/sushbaral
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Comments (15)
I have not tried caterpillars, don't think I will.
This is not new, at all. There are hundreds of restaurants in America and other countries that serve insects in their dishes. The protein and fiber content is absolutely wonderful for your health. Catepillars, Asian black ants, and African grubs are only a few. It's a shame that most Americans do not practice this type of diet, they could really benefit from it.
i personaly havent yet tried caterpillars but given the chance i think i would provided they werent alive at the time of consumption
I tried mealworms once at a forestry and wildlife camp. We fed them flour and fried them. I was the only one that didn't freak out, which is weird because we spent the entire two weeks in the woods covered in bugs, but eating them was just too much for my fellow campers.
i once read this article about a guy who wanted to reduce global warming/carbon emissions by incorporating bugs into the american diet. it made sense actually...since bugs have a good protein ratio, reducing the consumption of beef would really help reduce our carbon footprint. i think though that america would not be happy with the change lol.
Ehh, I suppose it grosses me out a bit, but if I were fed some without knowing, I wouldn't really care. When I'm eating food prepared by others, I'm kind of expecting gross stuff to be in there. It happens. People are gross, careless, and sometimes cruel. Plus they say that moths and beetles are in certain things we eat (chocolate), so it's whatever.
I honestly think eating hot dogs is scarier than eating bugs. O.o
Insects are not too far removed from crustaceans. How many folks have eaten crawdads? They are just smaller lobsters.
I will have to check if the French officials regret their decision to get rid of caterpillars.
I dont gross out easily but this is the grossest thing i've ever heard. I'd rather starve.
haha, this was a pretty common thing in Vietnam. I never ate them myself, but I wouldn't freak out if I saw it on a menu.
Most of the world lives off of insects and bugs because they are plentiful and packed with nutrition. America is one of the most spoiled, uptight, and close-minded countries when it comes to food even among developed countries.
I remember I read in the NYTimes (I think?) some time ago about a haute cuisine dining experience that was catered by these Mexican and New York chefs. Bugs and Insects seem like quite a significant part of various Asian cuisines, but now it seems like this is becoming more and more introduced to the West as well, where, although maybe not openly consumed by all people, it is definitely becoming more and more acceptable :)
But this is a funny news! Thanks for sharing.
I've seen people eat silk worms, but I think they are in some kind of sauce. I never tried it.
if cannibalistic is the only other choice....
From the picture, I thought those were french fries...