Hunting scorpion larvae for snacks

(Baonghean.vn) - The wriggling sugarcane worms suddenly became a snack. In times of scarcity, they are sought after by highland diners for 1,000 - 2,000 VND each. This is the larva of a species of scorpion as big as a thumb.

Sugarcane worms usually hide under sugarcane roots. After harvesting, these local men have to use hoes to dig for them.

In the early days of spring, I had the opportunity to visit the Thung Coong sugarcane growing area in Chi Khe commune, Con Cuong district (Nghe An). The sugarcane harvest season had begun before the Lunar New Year, leaving behind only the sugarcane stumps on the bare land. This is where mountain boys hunt for sugarcane worms to make into a snack for lunch or dinner.

After work, Kha Van Nui, a resident of Trung Dinh village in Chi Khe commune (Con Cuong), and his friends go to the field near the guardhouse to dig for sugarcane worms. The finger-sized worms have recently become a favorite dish of the boys in the fields.

This larva, as big as an adult finger, is a pest to many sugarcane gardens in Chi Khe commune, Con Cuong district.

The worms dug up were still crawling on the hands of the “hunter”. Just a moment later, they were brought back, gutted, washed, stuffed with onions, herbs, spices and then grilled over hot coals. About 20 minutes later, the scary-looking worms became food. Crispy grilled sugarcane worms are a favorite snack of the people living in the fields in the Thung Coong sugarcane growing area. They put them in their mouths and chewed them, it looked really delicious.

No one seemed afraid of the larva that would develop into a scorpion.

At 40 years old, Vi Van Tuong has been working on the farm for 25 years. The hut has become a real home for this single man. Mr. Tuong said: Sugarcane worms have only appeared for about 4 years while the sugarcane growing area has been there for 16 years.

In just a moment, the worms were cleaned, stuffed with herbs and spices and grilled over charcoal.

Mr. Lo Van Trung, another “hunter” of sugarcane worms, said: Although they are called “worms,” they are actually the larvae of a scorpion as big as a thumb. Sugarcane worms appear in large numbers in late autumn. By the summer of the following year, they will develop into scorpions. During the larval stage, sugarcane becomes the worms’ food. They usually destroy at night. During the day, the worms dig burrows and hide right under the sugarcane roots.

About 20 minutes later, the sugarcane worms were cooked.

Knowing the characteristics of this pest, the “hunters” choose yellowed or dead sugarcane roots to dig. With just a few hoe strokes, the worm’s true form is revealed. They can only crawl slowly and are easily caught.

This larva becomes a popular snack because it is fatty and rich.

Processed sugarcane worms become a favorite snack of local boys.

According to Kha Van Nui, the most “experienced” person in the sugarcane worm hunting group, 2 years ago was the time when sugarcane worms were most active. One day, this 24-year-old man dug up 10kg of worms. Previously, some local diners showed a preference for these fatty, greasy worms. When they were scarce, they were sought after at prices ranging from 1,000 VND to 2,000 VND each./.

You Wei