Entomophilia

Natural History, June, 2003 by Gene R. DeFoliart

I enjoyed Le Anh Tu Packard's article about the giant water bug known in Vietnam as the ca cuong ["Bug Juice" 3/03]. The insect is a food delicacy not only in Vietnam but also throughout Southeast Asia. In Thailand--where, according to the English entomologist William S. Bristowe, writing in 1932, "it reaches the tables of princes in Bangkok"--it is known as malaeng da na. Although artificial bug flavoring is now available, the Thais still prefer the real thing.

More information about this delectable insect is available in chapters 24 and 25 of my online book "The Human Use of Insects as a Food Resource" (www.food-insects.com).

Gene R. DeFoliart

University of Wisconsin--Madison

Madison, Wisconsin

COPYRIGHT 2003 Natural History Magazine, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning

 

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