Adivasi Women Train Youth on Forest Foods in India

There is much to learn from Adivasi women on identifying seasonal wild foods! For this report, we highlight documentation work on one of the many insect species consumed as food in India - the winged termite swarmer, which swarms during rainy nights.

These insects can be easily collected by hand from the cracks and crevices they adhere to. Some people even eat them as they are collected! When abundant, these termites are sold by street vendors. The insects contain energy, protein, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, and equivalents of Vitamins A and E.

Curious to learn how this meal is prepared? Read on for the recipe:

1. Before consumption, the wings are removed. Only the body is edible.
2. To remove the wings, the insects need to be slightly warmed over a low fire and stirred constantly.
3. After heating, they are spread out on a plate or tray and allowed to cool.
4. Once cool, the tray or plate is gently shaken and blown over. The wings of the termites fly off, leaving only the edible part behind. One may use one's hands to finish the de-winging process too. 
5. Once dewinged, the insects are ready for consumption.
6. To garnish, one can add a few supplements, such as coconut slices and broken chickpeas. Many people and communities though eat these insects in their raw form.

Bon appetit!

Be part of our journey in documenting wild foods and indigenous food ways. Your donation to the Forest Food Field School in Adukkam will help support women experts to train the youth on identification, documentation and preparation of traditional foods in India.