Ants are some of the most fascinating and diverse creatures on Earth. They live in colonies that can contain millions of ants, and they can be found almost anywhere, from deserts to rainforests. Ants have been around for over 100 million years and have evolved into many different species.
If you are one of those people who like to explore eating new food, you may wonder if you can eat ants.
Can You Eat Ants?
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While it is technically possible to eat ants, it is not recommended. Eating ants can be unsafe because some species of ants can be poisonous or carry diseases. Additionally, ants are often contaminated with chemicals or pesticides, which can be harmful to humans. If you are looking for a protein-rich snack, there are plenty of other options that are safer and more appetizing.
Are There Any Risks To Eating Ants?
There are risks to eating ants, as well as benefits.
The biggest risk is that you might get bitten or stung by an ant. If this happens, it can lead to itching and swelling for a few days. There may be more serious symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and chills if you have an allergic reaction. Ant bites can also become infected if they’re not treated properly.
Even in the case of non-allergic people, there is still a risk of contracting diseases from insects such as salmonella from cockroaches or E coli from flies (which are both quite common throughout the world).
Benefits Of Eating Ants
Ant eggs are extremely rich in protein, fat and vitamins A and D. They also contain calcium, iron and other vital nutrients that the body needs to function efficiently. On top of these benefits, ant eggs can be obtained very easily by simply collecting them from the ground where they were laid by ants.
What Do Ants Taste Like?
Ants are a great source of protein. They taste like a walnut and peanut butter mixture, if you want to know exactly what they taste like. Ants can also be eaten raw or cooked, but we highly recommend cooking them first in order to remove their exoskeleton and make it easier for your digestive system to break down their proteins.
How To Prepare and Clean Ants
- Wash them in water
- Remove the wings, legs and head
- Remove the antennae, thorax and abdomen
- Remove the venom gland (the large white plate on their backs)
- Remove the mandibles (jaws) where they hold food in place until they have a chance to eat it
- Cut off stinger if you want to eat them raw; otherwise remove digestive system with stinger intact
How To Eat Ants
When you’re ready to eat ants, the first thing you should do is wash them. Using a small bowl of water, gently dunk the ants (which will be on your hands) and then set them aside for a few minutes as they dry off. If there are any stubborn dirt or debris sticking to your fingers, you can use a wet cloth to scrub it off.
Conclusion
If you want to try eating ants, make sure you know what you’re getting into first. There are certain risks associated with eating ants and other insects, but the benefits may outweigh them if they can be avoided. If you’re confident in your ability to prepare and clean the insects properly then there shouldn’t be any issues!
Kate has been in the food business for over 20 years. Worked as a cook at several buffets which include Old Country Buffet, Five Star Buffet, and Ichiban Buffet. Now, I’m mostly at home cooking for my family, caring for chickens and ducks, and tending the garden.
