Weird News - This Summer’s Delicacy: Cicadas

by Violet Wisdom

Not on my plate, but for the most daring of foodies out there, the upcoming plague-scale emergence of cicadas is offering options. If you aren’t a fan of thousands of bugs chirping and clicking, you can eat them! 

Food Network states they are often sauted or fried, used as pizza toppings and in tacos. The Audubon Insectarium in New Orleans, a restaurant with insect-specific cuisine is making a cicada salad. Historically, they have been eaten as a delicacy in Greece, Rome, and to this day in Asia. Words of caution, they can be dangerous for people with allergies to shellfish and anyone needing to avoid mercury (Don't we all? I thought Mercury was bad). It is also recommended that the bugs are processed in a sterile kitchen. 

Don’t have any cicadas in your area yet? You can head out to South Carolina where they have emerged in full force to the extent that the police are receiving numerous calls about loud concerning sounds. This year’s event won’t be a national one. Known as Brood XIII and Brood XIX, they will be hatching primarily in the center of the Midwest and the Appalachians. 

Personally, I love being able to witness natural phenomena. 2024 has already provided a solar eclipse and now a semi-rare cicada emergence. Bring it on cool little bugs, bring it on! 

Note from the editor: No way am I eating bugs. It's just gross. Check the packaging on your purchased food products - many of them such as Cheese Puffs, already have bugs listed in their ingredients under various names such as "organic cricket flour."