Chapulines

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Chapulines are grasshoppers of the genus Sphenarium. They are considered a delicacy by many Mexicans. They are collected only at certain times of year. They are thoroughly cleaned and washed out, then fried with chiles, garlic and lemon juice, to create a sour-spicy-salty taste that is a good complement for beer. Chapulines are available only in certain parts of Mexico, the state and city of Oaxaca being best known. They are available in varying sizes, small to large. They are known to have been used as food for over 3000 years.

The taste is unique, but not especially strange. They may be eaten individually as a botana (snack) or as a filling, eg: tlayuda filled with chapulines.

Chapulines must be cooked prior to consumption. As with other grasshoppers, they may carry nematodes that can infest human hosts.

The word chapulín for grasshopper is specific to Mexico and derives from the Nahuatl language. In Spain and most Spanish speaking countries, the word for grasshopper is saltamontes or saltón.

[edit] In popular culture

One of the most famous Mexican comedy characters is The Red Grasshopper, El Chapulín Colorado.

Chapulines have been featured in PBS cooking/travel programs with Burt Wolf and Rick Bayless.

The name of the Mexico City landmark Chapultepec Castle derives from a Nahuatl phrase meaning "Grasshopper Hill".