Certain earthworms are edible, and many civilizations consume them.
Worms are eaten by people in China and the Philippines, the Yekuana in Venezuela, and the Maori in New Zealand.
While you may not want to consume them, one query may arise in your mind right now.
You’re probably wondering what earthworms taste like. They must have a flavor if they are considered food, right?
It’s always a good idea to learn new things.
Continue reading to discover about earthworm tastes and other important details.
What are Earthworms?
Earthworms are terrestrial invertebrates that belong to the phylum Annelida and are one of the most common creatures.
They live in soil and eat organic stuff such as plant matter, fungus, bacteria, and other microbes.
Earthworms are hermaphrodites that breathe via their skin.
They do not have a skeleton since they are invertebrates.
They do, however, feature fluid-filled coelom segments that serve as a flexible skeleton.
There are many different kinds, and you may find huge, medium, and little earthworms all throughout the planet.
Although they seem slimy and even nasty, as previously said, certain varieties are edible and regarded a delicacy in a variety of cultures.
Earthworms are not only delicious, but they also play an important role in soil improvement, and we rely on them for increased agricultural production and soil aeration.
As a result, they play a vital role in the ecology.
What Do Earthworms Taste Like?
Although some civilizations eat earthworms, many others are fascinated by numerous things, including worms.
As a result, everyone who has tasted the creature has an opinion.
Earth worms taste distractingly earthy, according to Daniella Martin, author of Edible: An Expedition Into The World Of Eating Insects And The Last Big Chance To Save The Planet.
It’s logical given that the animals feed on dirt.
Some claim that earthworms taste like grasshoppers, however this is difficult to explain if you haven’t had the latter.
It is also said to taste like bacon when cooked with spices and herbs.
Earthworms may not be a popular culinary component, but they are known by many other names.
Angel worms, wigglers, fishing worms, night crawlers, and dew worms are among them.
Earthworms may dwell in the soil and seem unappealing, but they are a nutritional powerhouse.
Protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, calcium, iron, copper, iodine, phosphorus, zinc, chloride, and potassium are all present.
They also include Omega 3 fatty acids, which are beneficial to heart health.
They also include more important amino acids like lysine and methionine than meat or fish meal.
As a result, they make excellent chicken feed.
How to Eat Earthworms?
There are several ways to consume earthworms, whether you consider them a gastronomic joy or repulsive creepy-crawlies.
But, you should first inspect all of the worms and eliminate any dead ones.
Then, before cooking or eating them, thoroughly rinse them with warm water.
If you ever contemplate eating earthworms, there is one thing you should bear in mind.
You should only gather crawlers from clean, chemical-free environments.
If you want to test them as food, you may also nurture them in a specific area of your house.
You will know what they consume and will not put yourself in danger.
Feeding them leaves and vegetables may significantly diminish the earthy flavor.
Another important consideration is the temperature.
Earthworms do not fare well in hot weather.
As a result, attempt to keep them somewhere where the temperature is less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
You must also ensure that the worms are kept wet.
Native People used to feed the worms appropriate foods to eliminate dirt from their bodies in the past.
The worms were smoked for winter usage. They then properly washed and dried them.
The crawlers pair well with cumin and curry because to their earthy tones.
Yet, regardless of how you prepare them, it’s a good idea to boil them first.
When it comes to boiling the worms, everyone has their own set of rules.
Nevertheless, changing the water after 2-3 minutes and re-boiling a few times can remove any bad-tasting contaminants.
After cleaning and boiling, you may roast, fry, cut, dry, or grind them before using them in a recipe.
You may then use them to create patties, deep fries, sauts, brownies, and meatloaf, as well as add them to other meals.
Conclusion
It’s not as repulsive as you imagined it would be, is it? There are several ways to enjoy earthworms since they are high in nutrients and adaptable.
They are quite safe if you raise them yourself.
If you purchase or gather the wigglers from anywhere, follow the instructions above.
Regardless of what we assume, earthworms are a common element of many people’s diets.
They may soon become a common food item in locations where crops are difficult to cultivate.
