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Sure, plenty of food trends have blown up over the past year, primarily thanks to the coronavirus' lockdowns. However, the latest dish taking America by storm might seem a bit too strange for most: deep-fried cicadas. That's right!
Want Sustainability? Try Eating Cicadas
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While the idea of cooking cicadas might seem a little gross, people should know that insects are eaten all around the world. Meanwhile, as Chef Elise Harris, a.k.a. The Diva Chef on social media, explains, the little creatures have fantastic health benefits. "They are full of antioxidants," Harris said. "Not only that, but they're a complete source of protein meaning that they contain all nine essential amino acids…Just to put that in perspective for you, a serving of beef contains 31g of protein whereas a serving of crickets contains a whopping 43g of protein."
Apart from all the health benefits that one receives, many chefs say that, when cooked right, cicadas can taste amazing. Just ask Iulian Fortu, the founder of the foraging company Arcadia Venture! In fact, he says that they are not that different from shrimp and lobster: soft, sweet, and a tad savory, all wrapped up in a crunchy shell! "They don't have their wings yet, and they're softer. Later they become more crunchy, which some people don't like," Fortu explained.
Likewise, those allergic to shellfish should stay away, as they are also likely allergic to the insects. "It's better to be safe than sorry and abstain from land arthropods if you can't eat their sea swimming cousins," Fortu said. But for those of us who like shellfish - and don't mind insects - how should you cook cicadas? Well, it's easier than you might expect!
How To Cook Insects
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Found some cicadas, collected them from a safe place, and ready to cook? Well, the steps for great cicadas are not that hard! First, ensure they are 100% clean by not only cleaning them in water, as you do vegetables and fruit, but also throw them in some boiling water for a few minutes. Now, you're ready to start cooking! Grab your favorite pan, adding some olive oil and minced garlic for flavor. Once the oil begins to sizzle, grab the cicadas, throw them in, and sautee them for a few minutes. Once deep-fried, get a little creative with the seasoning. Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes are a fantastic combo, as is garlic and Parmesan cheese.
If you have animals living at home, make sure to save a few unseasoned ones for them! "Many mammals and birds are about to feast on the periodic cicadas, so don't be surprised if your pet cat, dog, or backyard fowl indulge a little as well," said Assistant Professor of Anthropology Cortni Borgerson. "There's nothing to be worried about — cicadas are high in protein and their chitin is great for gut health."
Sources: Fox 5 D.C., Montclair State University, The Takeout.
