Taste of Mexico: Escamol

One of the most noticed chapters of the Mexican cuisine is about insects.

However, it is important to clarify a common misconception: not all Mexican people eat insects, and it is not true that we all love them, because it is in our DNA. I have seen friends and family suffering from the sight of cricket, worms, or escamols – some people have descended on the edge of the unconscious, weeping or rushed to the bathroom after a bite.

I must admit, if you present me with any insect, I will try it, but not all insects are my favorite. I don’t taste everyone, even if I enjoyed them, I am not the person who snacks in a grasshopper bag every day.

For me, the best way to hide the insects is: in a sauce, in my tortilla, landed on a mole, or mixed on the edge of my Mescalita. However, when I see an insect dead on top of its small legs on top of my quacamol, I get Sisters (The feeling of disgust or creepy-land. This is one of the most fun words. In the Cuba and Dominican Republic, this actually refers to a skin injury.)

Escamols: Mexican Caviery

Ants are larvae of ants that provide a unique cooking experience. I have no hesitation in starting my food with these butter delicious foods. Eating eschamols is a luxurious experience because they have a taste of young corn and have a taste of butter and nut. Their taste is smooth and complicated, and they are truly special food.

Is it really like caviar?

Yes, that’s it! The harvest of the Escamolera ants has been taken very seriously since the time of the Hispanic period. These ants make up their nests underground, usually at the base of the Magui plants, aloe vera or near the pyrol trees. The collection period occurs in March and April, and Escamolera ants are very aggressive, thus the harvest process is challenging. That is why it costs 1,500 to 2,500 pesos one kilogram.

Some legends suggest that the Tladonis (emperors), the warriors, the nobles and the priests were a luxury food reserved. However, this seems to be somewhat exaggerated. It is difficult to believe that it is not the main food, through Magui plants and aloe vera everywhere. Hispanic cultures continue to add 95 eating insects to their diet. Although we do not know the frequency or size of their consumption, it is known that the ostegs have eaten the escamols.

In fact, say Escamels Nahuad comes from words arecatl (Ant) and Soft (Sauce or ground mixture).

Escamols in colonial times

Unlike many of the items we have spoken, escamols are not forbidden in colonial times. On the contrary – many convent and household recipe books are cooked in dishes such as molls, mixes, tamalles or nobals.

Escamels today

Escamols have become a good meal in Mexico. You can find them in many places, but my favorite four places here I have personally tried:

1. Cardinal. L Cartnell has many branches throughout the city. Butter escamols are divine and is a very traditional way to enjoy them. Tip: Try their spies -they are the best -and always choose seasonal foods.

2. San Juan’s kitchen. If the insects give you a Hebi-Gebis, this is not the place for you. They are scorpion, spiders, RumbleOf course Escamels. If you are fearless, find yourself in La Kosina de San Juan and try the wild boil. This is incredible and makes you feel a real Aztec Emperor.

3. Begin – If you find what you are in the historic center, this is the restaurant to visit. Some companies are dedicated to limosneros to renew traditional ingredients, techniques and foods when adding modern twist. I recommend everything in their menu, but the CUUITLACOCHE TACO must try to try.

4. Maximum restaurant – Escamol Krostini is pending. This restaurant is suitable for anyone looking for the best food at the CDM. Try vaku beef tongue with mole and crab delauda; Both are the best examples of Mexican Recipes. It is a wonderful place to rest from all corn and salsa-red foods.

If you have too much time, I ask you to visit the state of Hitco, where almost every restaurant during the season serves a delicious traditional food.

The ultimate reason to eat escamels

Escamol is the best source of protein than your average protein shake. In fact, 100 g of escams offer about 45 grams of protein, which surpasses the protein content found in beef or poultry. In addition, they are rich in B-vitamins, iron, calcium and phosphorus, which all promote bone and brain health.

Did I convince you?

Amigos, I understand – not everyone is eating pests. It is challenging to look at your tortilla and see a few errors, and then pretend that this is the most appetite of your life. However, I encourage you to try the escacles. They resemble resotto and taste like butter. Experience is not as shocking as you expect; Still, this is a little attractive.

I would like to hear your thoughts. Are you ready to try them? Did you already try them? How was it?

Maria melandez A Mexico City Food blogger and influencer.