Community Corner

Could Cicadas Be the Perfect Summer Snack?

Considered a delicacy in some parts of the world, these bugs in your backyard could be a newfound treat.

This article was posted by Caitlin Nolan. It was reported and written by Ivy Jacobson.

Some might say cicadas are loud, annoying and disgusting—but others say they make a great snack! Cicadas are considered a delicacy in some parts of the world, primarily Southeast Asia. 

The Baltimore Sun reported that cicadas are commonly sauteed or fried. Gaye Williams, an entomologist with the Maryland Department of Agriculture in Annapolis, affirmed, "Cicadas are the truffles of the insect world. They're just like any other food commodity, but they're scarce."

They can also be eaten covered in chocolate, roasted, marinated or pickled. "They're high in protein, low in fat, no carbs," said Gene Kritsky, a biologist and cicada expert at the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati, OH. 

"They're quite nutritious, a good set of vitamins," he told National Geographic News during the last major cicada outbreak in 2004.

Cicadas are common in the mid-Atlantic region, and some come out every spring and summer. But with a unique brood of cicadas awaking from a 17-year slumber this spring, locals will see more cicadas this year than any year since 2004.

There’s no mistaking cicadas for other large insects. Cicadas are generally three-quarters of an inch to two inches long. They have wide-set eyes, six legs, and long, transparent wings.

So, if you’re brave enough to eat one, here are a few recipes for cooked cicadas. If not, watch your step in the yard!

TELL US:
Would you ever eat a cicada? Have you even eaten one? Share with us in the comments below!


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