Cicadas on the Menu: Embracing the Culinary Curiosity of 2024
While many are captivated by their life cycle and the natural spectacle they create, a growing number of adventurous foodies are turning this phenomenon into a culinary experience. Yes, you read that right—eating cicadas! If you’re curious about joining this entomophagous (insect-eating) trend, here’s a friendly guide to making cicadas a delightful addition to your kitchen.
Why Eat Cicadas?
First, let’s address the big question: why would anyone want to eat cicadas? The answer lies in their nutritional value and sustainability. Cicadas are high in protein, low in fat, and packed with essential nutrients like zinc, iron, and magnesium. In many cultures worldwide, insects are a staple food, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly protein source compared to traditional livestock.
Preparing Cicadas for Cooking
If you’ve decided to take the plunge, the first step is harvesting your cicadas. Here are a few tips to ensure your cicadas are safe and tasty:
Timing is Key: The best time to collect cicadas is early in the morning, soon after they’ve emerged from the ground but before they’ve had a chance to harden their exoskeletons. At this stage, they’re often called “teneral” cicadas and have a soft, tender texture.
Avoid Pesticide Areas: Make sure to collect cicadas from areas that haven’t been treated with pesticides. Parks, nature reserves, and backyards (where you know pesticides haven’t been used) are ideal spots.
Freezing: After collecting, place the cicadas in a container and freeze them for a couple of hours. This ensures they are humanely killed and ready for preparation.
Delicious Cicada Recipes
Now that you’ve got your cicadas, it’s time to cook! Here are a few beginner-friendly recipes to get you started:
1. Crispy Fried Cicadas
Ingredients:
1 cup of teneral cicadas
A teneral insect is one that has recently moulted and its exoskeleton is yet to harden and get its final colouration.
1 cup of flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp paprika
Oil for frying
Instructions:
Rinse the cicadas thoroughly.
In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Toss the cicadas in the flour mixture until fully coated.
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
Fry the cicadas until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
2. Cicada Tacos
Ingredients:
1 cup of boiled cicadas
You want to boil them for about two minutes that's going to sterilize their outside since they do come out of the ground.
1 tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
Corn tortillas
Your favorite taco toppings (salsa, avocado, cilantro, lime, etc.)
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Add the boiled cicadas, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for about 5 minutes.
Warm the corn tortillas.
Fill each tortilla with the cicada mixture and add your favorite toppings.
3. Chocolate-Covered Cicadas
Ingredients:
1 cup of roasted cicadas
1 cup of dark chocolate chips
Sprinkles or sea salt (optional)
Instructions:
Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler.
Dip each roasted cicada into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Place the chocolate-covered cicadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Add sprinkles or a pinch of sea salt on top if desired.
Refrigerate until the chocolate is set.
Embracing the Adventure
Trying cicadas might sound unusual, but it’s an exciting way to connect with nature and explore sustainable food sources. Remember, the key to enjoying cicadas—or any new food—is an open mind and a sense of culinary adventure. Whether you’re frying them up, stuffing them into tacos, or indulging in chocolate-covered treats, cicadas can offer a surprisingly tasty experience.
So, as Brood XIII makes its grand appearance in 2024, why not seize the moment and give these crunchy critters a try? You might just find yourself pleasantly surprised by this unique, eco-friendly, and nutritious delicacy. Happy cooking!