Yet another new article about food that includes insects!

“Escamoles: Escamoles are the eggs of the giant black Liometopum ant, which makes its home in the root systems of maguey and agave plants. “

You can also read a bit more about Escamoles, considered an “insect caviar”, on page 5 of this version of the Food Insects Newsletter:

“Actopan, Mexico — Angry red ants began climbing up the arms and back of Candido Aviles Hidalgo as he smiled and showed off his day’s find, a handful of ant eggs. [Ed.: The so-called ant "eggs" are actually pupae.] Aviles Hidalgo quickly offered the white mushy eggs to onlookers and then scooped several into his mouth, giving out a long sigh. For campesinos, or poor farm workers, like Aviles Hidalgo, 29, who live in the state of Hidalgo some 120 miles north of Mexico City, moles are a source of pocket money. In a country where the unemployment rate may range higher than 30 percent, money is scarce.”

Many foods we reject with a squirm here in the US are important sources of protein and income elsewhere. Don’t be too quick to judge!  There’s a beautiful photo of several different types of insect foods served in Mexico at Wikipedia, and more info about escamoles production and profits (En Espanol) here!