The state of Oaxaca is the insect-eating capitol of Mexico. About 300 species of insects are considered "edible" and more than a dozen are consumed regularly by the Indigenous population of this state. Mostly you'll be offered one of two types of insects in and around the market area; "Chapulines" and Maguey worms, which are the same worms used to "flavor" Mescal and Tequila.

Chapulines are reddish-colored roasted or fried grasshoppers. Usually three sizes are offered: Small - where they are so small in fact you can't even tell what they are. They simply look like a reddish powder of some type. This might be the best way to start off if you'd like to try them. "Free" samples are offered, typically by Indian girls or women, in hopes you'll like them and buy some. Medium - larger and recognizable if you look at them closely. Frequently seasoned with lemon or lime juice and placed in a plastic bag for you to carry and munch on at your leisure. Large - nearly adult sized and definitely recognizable. Not for the faint of heart! But at whatever size you choose, bite the bullet and try them! They're actually pretty tasty! (Honest !)

Maguey worms are used in mescals and tequilas. They live on and eat Maguey cactus which is the same one whose liquid is fermented and processed to make mescal. Worms are typically about an inch or so in length and about a quarter inch in diameter. They are also edible when fried or roasted and can be purchased in both forms at the market, usually sold by native Indian women in their brightly colored native dress. If you'd like to try a sample, there's no charge, in hopes you'll like the nutty taste of the sample and make a purchase of more. Dried or roasted they can be added to mescal to impart extra flavor to the liquor. Again, you should take the plunge and buy a few. If you don't try them (they're crunchy like unsalted, nut-flavored pretzels) you can always put them in the bottle or two of mescal you'll buy while you're here in Oaxaca.

Bon Appetite!

Be sure to check out my other articles in the two continuing series: Teaching English in Mexico and Traveling in Mexico. If you would like more information, have questions or comments, the author can be e-mailed; see address below.