9 Strange Things people eat in Mexico

So you think you have tried Mexican food? Well, this article will introduce you to some pretty strange delicacies that I’m sure you have not tried at your local Chili’s. Nachos and fajitas aside, Mexico’s cuisine is very varied and there are more than a few acquired tastes to experience. Take a look at the 9 strangest things people eat in Mexico. Number 7 might just make you want to vomit.

1. Grasshoppers (Chapulines)
A common delicacy in the state of Oaxaca, eating fried salty grasshoppers is as popular as munching a bag of chips back home, only probably a lot higher in protein. You can find them on various market stalls and can be eaten as a snack, or used as a garnish for guacamole or a salad. Don’t be surprised if you get spicy grasshoppers instead of peanuts with your Corona in Oaxaca!

2. Corn Fungus (Huitlacoche)
Huitlacoche or corn smut is the name of a fungal disease that affects maize. In Mexico, this dark gray/green fungus is eaten as we would mushrooms, and is used as a filling for quesadillas, soups, and sauces. It is actually quite delicious despite its appearance.

3. Fruit with Chili
Adding chili powder to our fruit might seem like a contradiction of flavors to North American or European taste buds, but adding salt and chili to fresh and dried fruit is a popular delicacy in Mexico.

4. Flying Ant Salsa
Again, in Oaxaca, flying ant salsa is a seasonal delicacy when swarms of the bug attack the area after the first rains of the wet season eat year. Chicatanas, as these flying ants are known, are cooked on a hot pan, then grinded with salt, garlic and chili to be mixed with water to create a delicious hot salsa.

5. Hot Chocolate Sauce with Chicken (Mole)
Mole is famous Mexican sauce for chicken that is made with chocolate and chilis. Although mole has a complex list of ingredients, chocolate is the primary substance and you will find that every self respecting Mexican chef (or mother) will have their own special recipe.

6. Cows Eyelids and Lips
You are often warned not to eat on the streets if you want to avoid a running tummy on vacation in Mexico, but you might not have realized that this warming could also save you from eating cows eyelids, lips and tongue. Considered a delicacy, many Mexicans will travel far to get to the taco stand serving such coveted cuisine. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Check the meat that goes into your tacos first!

7. Escamoles (maggots)
Ant larvae are harvested from the cactus plant, the maguey, from which the alcoholic beverage mescal is made. Also known as insect caviar (perhaps to make its high price seem appropriate) the nutty flavor of these caterpillars-maggots complements its cottage cheese-like texture.

8. Cactus Flower Ice cream
In Mexico, you will find that ice-cream can be made out of anything, including cactus flowers. The cactus flower is known as “tuna” in Spanish (tunafish is “Atun”) and has a refreshing, sweet taste. The fruit itself is light green in color and has texture like a cucumber.

9. Worm salt
You will often find salt mixed with crushed worms and chili in places that sell mescal. You dab your slice of orange that will accompany your mescal like lemon accompanies tequila and suck on the juice before taking a shot. Some bottles of mescal come with the worm inside the bottle, and eating it is supposed to be hallucinogenic.

Add a comment below if you think you can beat this list for weird foods to try.

via http://ift.tt/1K49eS4