Experts predict that it won’t be long before people in some states in the US will witness a rare sight. It is estimated that trillions of cicadas of two different species will emerge from the ground at the same time. During the summer, the chirping of cicadas will echo throughout the bushes and streets, creating a typical summer sound.
The massive appearance of Brood X cicadas in 17 states in the Central and Southeastern United States is causing a lot of trouble for local people because of the loud noise and the ability to destroy crops.
However, instead of just viewing them as "pests," some Americans have turned cicadas into a unique and nutritious food source.
America: Giant cicadas "awaken" after 17 years underground
Cicadas contain a lot of protein, vitamins and minerals, good for health. Cicadas appear in large numbers, easy to collect in nature. This type of insect has a fatty, nutty taste, when processed properly will create an attractive flavor.
A cicada feast was held in South Carolina, as reported by Smithsonian Magazine (the official publication of the Smithsonian Institution - the world's largest complex of museums and educational and research centers in the US). The chefs at the event served bacon-wrapped cicadas and received positive feedback from diners.
Smoked cicadas are the most popular cicada dish. Cicadas are smoked with hickory or pecan wood, then seasoned and grilled or deep fried. They are often served with meat, salad or grilled vegetables.
Can not fail to mention the fried cicadas with salt and chili. Cicadas are washed, drained, then marinated with salt and chili and fried in a pan or in the oven. This dish has a crispy, salty and spicy taste, suitable as a snack or eaten with rice.
People create recipes to process cicadas.
A strange-sounding dish that attracts many diners is the cicada tacos. Cicadas are boiled, then stir-fried with onions, bell peppers and spices. The tacos are made from corn or flour dough and filled with fried cicadas, salsa, guacamole and herbs.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says cicadas can be used as food for humans, as long as they are prepared properly. This species has a soft shell, so chefs can transform them in all kinds of ways such as eating them raw, grilled, boiled, fried...
Cicadas can be processed into many different dishes such as: roasted, grilled, deep-fried, boiled, and even eaten raw. Some popular dishes from cicadas include: smoked cicadas served with meat, salad, salt-and-chili fried cicadas, crispy fried seasoned cicadas... Cicadas are not only a "danger" but also a potential and interesting food source. Processing cicadas into dishes not only helps solve environmental problems but also brings a unique and nutritious culinary experience.
