Mopanie Worm

Hi All

I thought I would just share with you a little delicacy Donna and I tried in a restaurant in Obz (Observatory) a couple of weeks ago.

It was a wet and windy Sunday and the Obz Fest for that day had been cancelled so we were at a loose end. After having a beer in the local Cool Runnings bar, being dripped on and listening to modern jazz, we decided we needed a change of scene. We mooched along Lower Main Road and came across a friendly looking bar/restaurant. I think it was called Babbos but I just can't quite recall.

Donna tucked into a Mushroom burger while I looked on sipping at a vodka and orange. After a little while the owner, I believe he was called Andrew, came along and asked where we were from. After a chat he asked if we would like to try a South African delicacy. Mopanie Worms.

He told us that these worms, or caterpillars, were dried, then re-hydrated, and then cooked in a variety of ways. I have to say I wasn't keen. Donna was more adventurous and so, in a moment or two, a small plate of deep fried mopanie worms stuffed with feta cheese and accompanied by a curry mayonaise dip arrived at our table.

Donna tucked in first. She didn't look horrified and munched pensively. I had no choice but to try them, except I only took half a one. What was it like? Interesting. I am sure if I had not known it had once been a large caterpillar I could have enjoyed it more. It was rather chewy and had a sort of earthy/gamey taste but with a bit of smoked oyster thrown in. I think my western mind couldn't get my head around it. Andrew told us that they were also eaten fresh, were a great delicacy and full of nutrition.

Donna asked to see the 'worm' before it was re-hydrated. They were about one inch long, dark grey and shrivelled. Not too worm like. Check out the link below to see what they look like when they are alive. They are pretty amazing looking things.

I have since read up about them a little. They are the caterpillar of the giant Emperor Moth and they 'infest' Mopanie trees at certain times of the year. The locals wait until they are fat and juicy and then harvest them from the trees. You have to rip the head off and squeeze out their bitter insides. Then they either eat them fresh or dry them for later.


See a picture of the 4 inch long caterpillars: http://www.digital-photo-forum.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/59115/size/big

Learn more about them: http://www.wordquests.info/erucivorous.html