Have you ever wanted to travel to an exotic location and have a weird snack that could be alive? Well if the thought of scorpions might have crossed your mind, you are not alone. Here is everything you need to know about eating scorpions on vacation.
What are Scorpions?
These creepy crawlies, are predatory arachnids that have roamed the earth for 435 million years. These gross suckers have eight legs and are easily recognized by their two pincers and a spikey tail that contains a stinger. There are over 2,500 described species that live mainly in deserts but have adapted to a wide range of environmental conditions and can be found on all continents except Antarctica.
Where to find Scorpions?
Wondering around drunk through the downtown streets looking for a cheeseburger could lead you into some interesting locations, but be wary…Grabbing a wild scorpion off the ground and stuffing it in your face is not the best idea. You want to only eat them cooked and from a local vendor who has been serving and eating these 8-legged creatures for years.
Most commonly scorpions are eaten in West Africa and regions of East Asia. Fried scorpion is typically eaten in China. Thailand is also a popular place to eat these little devils, but mostly you will find grasshoppers.
But the short answer is to wander the streets and you will find vendors in most countries.
How are they cooked?
Scorpions can be cooked and eaten in a variety of ways. Have you had roasted scorpion lately… Fried… grilling… you can even eat them alive. But if you do eat them alive you might want to remove the stinger. Or cook them to have the stinger effects not be able to hurt you, as the heat does something magical to the venom so it won’t hurt you.
What do they taste like?
Butter, garlic..salt. I know you are dying to know what they taste like and the truth is… chicken… just kidding. We are not going to spoil the surprise… or are we… They can taste like a variety of things, but it really comes down to knowing how they are prepared. Some people say beef jerky. Others have said soft shell crab… some have even eaten there with a slice of watermelon and cantaloupe.
What not to do?
Be careful to make sure the scorpions are not still alive and going to attack you. If you try to whistle show tunes at them, this could agitate them. Just kidding.
The truth is, you can do whatever as long as they are not alive and the pinchers are removed. But if you want them to taste good we recommend frying them or grilling them. Everything also tastes better with garlic.
Conclusion
Don’t let us stop you. Go on your dream vacation and if you see the right vendor slanging arachnids with 8 legs (that are not spiders). Give it a whirl. There is nothing better than bragging to your friends about how you ate something crazy on your crazy adventure.
My name is Brax Charleston. Over and out.
