Do Termites Taste Like Carrots?
WouterTermites do not taste like carrots. The only similarities are the color and the fact that they are a protein-rich food.
Some people prefer to eat these insects raw. Others use the dehydrated form to make cakes or sauces. They are also eaten as larvae. Some of the grubs, such as those of the palm weevil, can be cooked as well.
In Belize, insects are used as a source of nutrition. Local honey is produced by bees that cruise the rainforest. These insects are also a good source of protein. Some people also eat fried wax worms. They taste similar to corn puffs and potato chips.
Some cultures in Africa and Asia eat termites as a snack. In fact, a popular insect festival attracts 20,000 visitors to the Insectarium in Montreal.
In New Zealand, maggots are eaten as a delicacy. They are considered to be aphrodisiacs. In Cambodia, it is common to eat jumile. Some people also eat the larvae of wasps. The grubs of these insects can be boiled and sauteed.
In the United States, termites are usually eaten raw. Some people also boil them, and some cook them in oil. This produces a delicate flavor and vegetable-like taste.
In Australia, indigenous people have used termites to treat diseases. Termites can also be eaten as a survival food in some parts of Africa. Some people buy them in markets. They can also be sold as baits.
Unlike other insects, termites do not have a pungent taste. They are usually a dark brown or black. Their antennae are straight and they have wide bodies without pinched waists. They do not run up trees, although they are very sensitive to the sun. They are also attracted to foods that contain cellulose.
