Satiated Culprit

[Tormato]

Battered and deep fried on a stick, like a crn dg,
and I might give it a go.

Tormato

[maf]

It is interesting that many people have commented on this idea, but none have yet reported back with a taste test. I would very much like to taste a tomato hornworm, but unfortunately they do not live here in the UK, so I will not get the opportunity any time soon. Strange as it may seem, I am really starting to get jealous of you guys who live in tomato hornworm country and am hoping someone out there in the US will take the plunge and report back so I can share the experience vicariously.

My original idea was for a simple and colorful shrimp and hornworm salad built in layers; red and green lettuce on the base, followed by slices of tomatoes of all different colors and topped with a mix of shrimp and hornworms that have been sauteed in olive oil with garlic and jalapeno. Season to taste and drizzle with EV olive oil. The contrast in color between the two invertebrates would really make the dish from a visual perspective.

My other idea was a tempura surprise; take equal quantities of similarly sized shrimps and hornworms, batter and deep fry, and serve with dips of your choice. Unlike regular tempura, it would be necessary to remove the tails of the shrimps to make it less obvious which was which. Oh what fun to take a bite, not knowing if it will be the pink of the shrimp or the green of the hornworm!

[Redbaron]

Originally Posted by maf

It is interesting that many people have commented on this idea, but none have yet reported back with a taste test. I would very much like to taste a tomato hornworm, but unfortunately they do not live here in the UK, so I will not get the opportunity any time soon. Strange as it may seem, I am really starting to get jealous of you guys who live in tomato hornworm country and am hoping someone out there in the US will take the plunge and report back so I can share the experience vicariously.

My original idea was for a simple and colorful shrimp and hornworm salad built in layers; red and green lettuce on the base, followed by slices of tomatoes of all different colors and topped with a mix of shrimp and hornworms that have been sauteed in olive oil with garlic and jalapeno. Season to taste and drizzle with EV olive oil. The contrast in color between the two invertebrates would really make the dish from a visual perspective.

My other idea was a tempura surprise; take equal quantities of similarly sized shrimps and hornworms, batter and deep fry, and serve with dips of your choice. Unlike regular tempura, it would be necessary to remove the tails of the shrimps to make it less obvious which was which. Oh what fun to take a bite, not knowing if it will be the pink of the shrimp or the green of the hornworm!

[maf]

Aren't you curious to try something that tastes "a bit like green tomatoes, shrimp, and crab"? Quote from: http://edibug.wordpress.com/list-of-edible-insects/

[Redbaron]

Originally Posted by maf

Aren't you curious to try something that tastes?

I have eaten so many things you can't imagine. However hornworms?

[maf]

lol. Shrimps, when alive, do not look as if they will be very appetizing either, then there are mussels and other shellfish...

As an aside, I know there was a country in SE Asia (can't remember which one) that simultaneously had a problem with protein deficiency in the less affluent sector of the population and a severe problem with locusts eating crops. The government promoted locusts as a food source, people tried them, and a few years later they are now regarded as a delicacy. Win win.

[Redbaron]

Originally Posted by maf

lol. Shrimps, when alive, do not look as if they will be very appetizing either, then there are mussels and other shellfish...

As an aside, I know there was a country in SE Asia (can't remember which one) that simultaneously had a problem with protein deficiency in the less affluent sector of the population and a severe problem with locusts eating crops. The government promoted locusts as a food source, people tried them, and a few years later they are now regarded as a delicacy. Win win.

I have eaten Grasshoppers (locusts). Not great, certainly not a delicacy, but edible and if I was hungry I'd be happy to include them in my diet. I am not hungry so I don't. Shrimp, crab, mussles, oysters, clams etc....all taste great. I don't eat a lot since I am mostly lacto-ovo-vegetarian. I eat meat less than once a week on average. Mostly because I just love fresh veggies! And you guessed it, my favorite veggie is a vine ripened tomato!

But hornworms? I'd have to be starving.

[clkeiper]

Maf, If you had ever squished one underfoot and saw the green popping explosion that looks a little like flying green diarrhea, you would never be tempted to eat one. Does this give you a little better picture of the repulsion we feel at seeing one?

[J CRAB]

Olive oil, garlic, and white wine would be a great saute. Escargot and shrimp in addition to these green beauties would make a lovely dish. Crusty bread to swipe up all the great sauce. DELISH !! !!

[Garf]

YUK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!