Regional Cuisine
This grand world presents us with so many different people and different palates. Sometimes you have to get out of your comfort zone.
I've pretty much got two requirements when it comes to food. If it were part of fauna, it has to be dead and cooked. If it's seafood, it has to be not eaten. Generally speaking, I will try just about anything else as long as the smell doesn't revolt me or it's not sanitary.
Recently, I received the opportunity to go to Colombia. I know! Colombia sparks thoughts of a vast landscape filled with acres and acres of illicit plants guarded by vicious cartels. I didn't see any of that. Neither did I see any of the other parts of Colombia people were worried about. While I strove to be aware of my surroundings, as I do almost every place I visit, I ventured through a country with a rich heritage and a tourist trade experiencing a renaissance.
I felt like I experienced the joys of a wonderful place with wonderful people and wonderful ants.
Yes, Ants.
Hormigas Culonas, or "Ants with the big butts," are aptly named for their large abdomens. They are prepared by frying and a light salting them.
Now, when I say I'm adventurous, I do mean I'll try it once.
Truthfully, not too bad. It tasted like peanuts and had a texture of a whole sunflower seed with the shells on without the sharp parts to stab your gums. The abdomen was the crunchy part and the legs were a little hard to grind in with the rest of them so you had to make sure you got it all chewed.
While I didn't take a bag home, I didn't regret the chance to, in my own way, be bold.
Nom nom...