Mopane Worm
Wild South Africa
Kruger National Park
The Mopane “worm” is actually the caterpillar form of the Emperor moth (Gonimbrasia belina), which lives nearly its entire life on the mopane tree. It lays its eggs on the tree’s leaves, which the larvae gorge on from the moment they hatch.
Mopane worms are an important species in their mopane tree-dominated habitats, and they play an important ecological role in converting plant matter into nutrients that are available to other animals and plants. They are also economically important as they are a seasonally abundant form of cheap, but nutritious protein for local people.
Once picked, the worm is pinched open at one end and squeezed to expel a vibrant green mass of half-digested leaves and innards. If any remnants of leaves are left in the worms, they impart a slightly tea-like flavor. The empty body of the worm is then pickled, dried, smoked, and/or fried to the individual’s specific tastes. Some say that the smoked and fried worms are similar in flavor to the jerky-like biltong or a well-done steak, while others cite an earthy, vegetal experience.
PS In season a Mopane worm pizza is also available????
Mopane Worm
Wild South Africa
Kruger National Park
The Mopane “worm” is actually the caterpillar form of the Emperor moth (Gonimbrasia belina), which lives nearly its entire life on the mopane tree. It lays its eggs on the tree’s leaves, which the larvae gorge on from the moment they hatch.
Mopane worms are an important species in their mopane tree-dominated habitats, and they play an important ecological role in converting plant matter into nutrients that are available to other animals and plants. They are also economically important as they are a seasonally abundant form of cheap, but nutritious protein for local people.
Once picked, the worm is pinched open at one end and squeezed to expel a vibrant green mass of half-digested leaves and innards. If any remnants of leaves are left in the worms, they impart a slightly tea-like flavor. The empty body of the worm is then pickled, dried, smoked, and/or fried to the individual’s specific tastes. Some say that the smoked and fried worms are similar in flavor to the jerky-like biltong or a well-done steak, while others cite an earthy, vegetal experience.
PS In season a Mopane worm pizza is also available????