Termites Are Like Miniature Chocolate Bars To Some Children
Termites Are Like Miniature Chocolate Bars To Some Children
There is no such thing as a child that does not like sugar-coated candy. Every Halloween the widespread appreciation that American children have for candy is well expressed with the custom known as trick-or-treating. By the time we reach adulthood, most of us lose our taste for consuming pounds of candy in one sitting, but for children all over the world, every moment is a good moment for eating candy. The world is full of many different cultures that have varying tastes in food. Therefore, it would not be surprising to learn that somewhere in this large world there would exist a little known population of people that have never embraced a type of food that is consumed solely for pleasure. However, this does not seem to be the case. Even countries around the world that contain an abundance of starving citizens also have children that crave tasty treats. For example, children in the African country of Uganda cannot get enough of their tasty termites. Obviously, these “treats” are not typical fun-foods within the United States, but children in Uganda love to consume termites like candy. In Uganda, flying termites are enjoyed among children and adults alike. There flying termites are treated like “chocolate truffles.”
Flying termites are referred to as “white ants” in some regions of the world, and in Uganda they are considered a delicacy. Flying termites are captured with nets as they are migrating. Locals have developed a variety of different methods of collecting flying termites. In some regions people have even learned to cultivate flying termites. The locals of eastern Africa will discard the wings of the flying termites before cooking them. The termites are placed into a pan along with a small amount of water. Once the water is evaporated, a bit of oil is added, and the termites are ready for consumption. I know what I am giving the neighborhood kids on Halloween night.
Have you ever been offered a chance to eat a termite? Did you eat the termite? If not, did you at least consider eating it? Is there any type of cooking process that could render a termite, or other insect, edible for you?