At first glance, chapulines look unappealing. After all, they are grasshoppers. But once I closed an eye and overcame their appearance, the flavor was much more familiar to me than expected.
One of my favorite things to do on vacations is try exotic, weird foods. We’ve already done camel, cactus, whale, pigeon, live ghost crabs, alligator and scorpion fish among others. Chapulines, which is Mexican for grasshopper, seemed like the logical next step. My first-time eating chapulines was in Tulum, Quintana Roo. As a digestivo we had ordered the local specialty, Mezcal. The Mezcal came paired with three distinct accompaniments, one of which was chapulines.
What Are Chapulines?
Chapulines, or grasshoppers, are a very common delicacy in Mexico. When looking at the bowl of grasshoppers served alongside our Mezcal, it reminded me of the strange insects that were sold in the food stands in Beijing. The grasshoppers are typically grilled and seasoned with spices, salt, garlic and lime. They are typically eaten as snacks just like we would eat pretzels or chips alongside an ice cold beer or a shot of Mezcal. Sometimes, they’re sprinkled and crushed into tacos and other foods. I wouldn’t be surprised if you’d already had chapulines without know it.
Where Can You Find Chapulines in Mexico?
While our first time eating chapulines was in Tulum, it was rare for us to find them there. They are more commonly known in the Mexican region of Oaxaca and other Southern Mexican regions, where they are sold in street markets by in stock piles and scooped for enjoyment.
What Do Chapulines Taste Like?
I was freaked out to try the pairing of Mezcal and grasshopper, but Patrick gave it a go and persuaded me to try. My expression in the following video should say it all. Grasshoppers are salty, crunchy and flaky. In fact, biting into it didn’t feel like something unknown. I even stopped to think about what the flavor reminded me of. The flavor is like that of a very salty chip and the consistency is too! Crunchy, yet flaky. Mezcal is a must try when in Mexico, but chapulines are just as local.
Are Chapulines Healthy?
If you’re ever lost in the wild and in need of food for survival. Consider grasshoppers (when cooked properly). Unlike most insects that are high in fat, grasshoppers are high in protein, but low in fat. It’s one of the healthiest insects to eat. It’s also low in sugar and high in zinc, iron, fiber and calcium.
When in Mexico just like ceviche, tacos, guac, churros and margheritas are the norm…so are chapulines. Don’t let the appearance deter you. So next time you’re in Mexico, keep your eyes peeled for chapulines (or close them when taking a bite if the appearance deters you!) and let your taste buds take you on a journey!
>> Next: My First Time Having A Caffe Leccesse and Pasticiotto in Nardo, Salento
Follow SVADORE on:
