Now this a souvenir! A fresh jar of grasshoppers from Mexico! I knew that people have eaten various types of insects in Mexico for thousands of years, but I did not know that they now had them packaged for export! This is a jar of Chapurrines brand chapulines (grasshoppers). The jar claims that they are a HOT item for export. Who am I to argue. When I saw these, I knew that they were something that I had to try. Why should Anthony Bourdain and Andrew Zimmern be the only ones who get to have all of the fun?
I have to admit that my cultural conditioning made me a little squeamish at first, but I was able to temporarily overcome my aversion to insects. I ate one. It wasn't bad. It tasted sort of tart and earthy, like sumac. I don't think that I will make them a part of my usual dining routine, but I am glad to say that I have finally tried insects. They are, after all, a very important food source for many people in the world.
In case you were wondering what to do with your Chapurrines, don't worry. There are recipe suggestions right on the jar! Here is one that I thought sounded pretty good (I changed it a bit because I just can't help myself):
Pico de Gallo con Chapurrines (Chapulines)
- 1 large tomato, diced small
- 1/4 large onion, diced small
- 1/2 avocado, diced small
- 3 jalapenos or to taste, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 75 grams (1 jar) Chapurrines brand chapulines
- salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Serve with chips, vegetables, or use on tacos.
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