Would You Eat Earthworm Jerky?
One of the first decrees to my staff writers is that The Takeout should never be judgmental about other people's food choices. We should avoid, as best as we can, to never yuck on someone else's yum. As a Chinese immigrant, I got a lot of shit for bringing moon cakes and White Rabbit candy to school. I learned that what's foreign and weird to one culture could have emotional significance to another.
Now.
All that being said.
I know I said I wouldn't judge.
But.
Who the fuck would you eat earthworm jerky?
Thanks to BoingBoing for informing us about the existence of this product, made by a company called Newport Jerk Company that jerkyfies, powderizes, and cans things like crickets, alligators, and rattlesnakes (less exotic products include beef and bacon jerky).
But earthworms? Personally, I draw the line there. But here's where context matters: Earthworms are a good source of protein and iron, according to NPR, and it's consumed by tribes in Venezuela, New Zealand, and in parts of China. One author who has eaten earthworms told NPR that not surprisingly, it tastes "distractingly earthy."
I suppose eliminating the least enticing trait of potential earthworm-consumption—its slimy, soft, gummy, texture—could help lower the barrier of entry. But my personal aversion to earthworms, traced back to 7th grade science class in which I threw up at the prospect of dissecting one, means I'll stick to my Slim Jims thankyaverymuch. And it seems most buying it, according to its Amazon reviews, are doing so as a gag gift. The question, then, is: Would you eat earthworm jerky? I feel like more of you would try dried crickets and grubs before you'd munch on some Earthworm Jim.
Anyway, thanks for BoingBoing for tipping us off about earthworm jerky, and if you're compelled enough to buy a bag, give those guys and their affiliate link a click.