Cicadas are yummy delicacies ...

Posted July 14th, 2016

 

China ... 

Cicale, or Cicadas as they are called in English, have been a part of my life since my record, "Cicale" became Gold, years ago. They are the chirping friendly "ChChChCh" sound-like insects, that we hear on a bickering hot day.

Well, Cicadas are becoming the talk of the day. They are very popular as a seasonal delicacy, since people today, like to have something exciting when ordering food. They can be grilled or fried and are regarded as highly nutritious. 

I will never forget my first reaction, years ago, when my husband, Umberto Maria and I, were in Chengdu, at a luncheon, with one of his important clients. 

The precise word would be: aghast. 

It was one of those typical Chinese restaurants, where the quality of the food has absolutely nothing to do with the subdued and simple decor. Let's just say, that if you were in Italy, you would avoid it at all costs. But, that is China, the atmosphere, at times, has zilch to do with how delicious the food might be.

I felt a pat on my right shoulder, turned around, and was offered a large bowl with a considerable amount of BUGS. I swallowed, whatever saliva, remained in my rather dry mouth (taste buds had vanished!!). I immediately glanced at my husband with helpless eyes, remembering NEVER to offend the Host. 

As he was in deep conversation with my husband, stealing some time, 15 seconds, I begged someone to explain, hoping that the Chinese business man would start before me. 

As he glanced up, his nonchalant hand gesture with a simple "Go away, wrong table", made my day!!

It was a dish that the table behind us had ordered, yippey!!! Or, so i thought. 

Two minutes later, and, with another tap on the shoulder, I was offered from the people at that same table, to taste their delicacy, Boiled Cockroaches ... 

Without offending anyone, but even if it were the last piece of grub existing, I would have refused, and, I did!! Those HUGE insects, were boiled, with transparent feathers lurching below their hard-shelled wings. 

A sight I find hard to abandon from my mind.

This time I was spared. 

 

HP