ESCAMOLES IN MEXICO

Mexicans are crazy about what at a glance may look like a grain salad – but it’s actually made from creepy ant larvae. Escamoles, also known as insect caviar, have been eaten for more than 700 years since the days of the Inca civilisation.

The larvae are found in the roots of plants like the agave (sisal tree), from which tequila is made. The larvae are fried in butter or hot oil and served in tacos and omelettes. Lovers of escamoles say they taste nutty and the texture is like that of cottage cheese.