Yes, you can eat cicadas. Here are 3 recipes to try before they go underground for more than a decad

[240B]

Yes, you can eat cicadas. Here are 3 recipes to try before they go underground for more than a decade.

CBS News
By Li Cohen
May 8, 2024



What do cicadas taste like?
There always seems to be one person who says a new meat "tastes like chicken." And in this case, it's Warner – but he says there's another flavor that comes out when you bite down.

"They do have a nutty flavor and a nice crunch when sautéed in olive oil with a few seasonings tossed in for good measure. Old Bay seasoning is always a winner," he said. "...But please don't use ranch dressing. After all, they've been waiting 17 years for this big dance, and you shouldn't humiliate them one last time."

For Borgerson, the cicadas are good to eat just themselves or in tacos, where she said "you can use the toppings to bring out a lot of their green spring flavors."

Cicada allergy warning
While trying a new food, or insect, can be exciting, it's important to be wary of allergies. According to Montclair State University, the outside of their body is similar to that of shellfish. The university said that there is no overwhelming evidence showing a link between those with shellfish allergies and those with cicada allergies, but there is also minimal research saying otherwise.

Cicada recipes
Tempura Cicadas (courtesy of Borgerson for Montclair State University)
Ingredients:

15 cicadas
1 egg
1 1/2 cup of flour
2 teaspoons salt
Cold seltzer
Oil for frying

While your oil is preheating in a deep pan, use a bowl to combine the flour, salt and egg. Slowly pour the seltzer into the flour bowl and mix until it reaches a pancake batter-like consistency. Place the mixture in the fridge until oil is properly heated, at which point you'll coat each cicada in the batter and then fry until golden brown.

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https://www.cbsnews.com/news/eating-cicadas-recipes/

[240B]

Anything deep-fried and sprinkled with hot sauce has got to be good, if it is edible at all.

[DB]

Why?

[240B]

Why not?

[Sighlass]

@240B I like it, gonna try this... Thanks for the heads up !

I just got a wild hair to try something new.... and this is something we get plenty of about this time of year... though seems not tonight...