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

In the early 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 Tet, leaving only sugarcane stumps on the bare land. This is where mountain boys hunt for sugarcane worms to process 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 people living on the fields in the Thung Coong sugarcane growing area. They put them in their mouths, chewed them, and looked delicious.

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

40 years old, Mr. 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 flash, the worms were cleaned, stuffed with herbs, spices and grilled over charcoal.

Mr. Lo Van Trung, another “sugarcane worm hunter” said: Although they are called “worms”, they are actually the larvae of a scorpion species 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 holes and hide right under the roots of the sugarcane.

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 has become 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 “skilled” 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 fat, greasy worms. When they were scarce, they were sought after for 1,000 VND - 2,000 VND each./.

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