Comadia redtenbacheri moths are a type of Cossidae moth in this family. Despite the worms prevalence among mezcal brands, the larvae are not necessary. The gusano de maguey, the larvae of the worm, is a moth. Read my full guide on Mezcal here to see how its made and more about the spirit with the worm. While the worm is popularly called the tequila worm, it is only found on the bottom of a bottle of mezcal, a variety of tequila obtained from distilling blue agave and similar plants. It has been claimed that by adding this to Mezcal, the flavor becomes unique, and it is necessary to create the perfect beverage. The worm has been used to give the drink its flavor. Mezcal vs. Tequila It is typically made from salt, maguey worms toasted and ground, and chile. The real problem was that it was a worm. Why is it there? Another reason is, to use the worm as a Gimmick. It's best to leave this dare to the professionals. One common question is whether or not the worm in tequila can get you drunk. Contrary to popular belief the worm does not add anything to the flavour. This worm, also known as a Gu Sonio de Maguey, is found in Africa. The worm is actually the larva of the agave snout weevil and is safe to eat. tequila is a robust, robust spirit with a smoky and aromatic flavor, whereas molque is a less robust, smoky spirit. Click to enlarge. One is the larva of the beetle Scyphophorus acupunctatus, which is what the red larva is and the other is larva . Following in the tradition of so many college kids before her, she took the shot and swallowed the worm in one gulp. The flavor of the spirit was enhanced by a larvae discovered in a batch of Mexican Mezcal in the 1950s, according to a manufacturer. Many health benefits are thought to be found when you eat the worm in tequila. Tequila worms are actually mezcal worms. When there's a drowned worm in the bottom of the bottle that stands out, promotes curiosity and hence makes you want to buy it. In the 1950s, the use of this marketing ploy was used by Mexican Mezcal producers to market their product in the United States. A worm salt is also known as mezcalillo, and it is salt derived from ground up worms. Larvae from maguey worms are used in tequila and mezcal because they are actually a natural byproduct of mezcal production, and theyre believed to be necessary for the flavor profile by the mezcal maker. ins.style.display = 'block'; Once tequila was granted protected status in 1977 (on October 13, if you'd care to celebrate), the worm system was rendered unnecessary. ins.style.width = '100%'; Eating it may be gross, especially if you are not into exotic foods but did you know that if you eat the worm, you are also partaking in a pre-Hispanic tradition? The credit here goes to the amount of Tequila or Mezcal a person consumes. Then, use a fork to fish the worm out of the bottle and place it on the rim of the glass. What you asked on that little worm in your tequila bottle was answered. Some chew it as if it were a gummy bear, while others claim it is a delicacy. Tequila may be a comparatively healthier option than some other types of alcohol because it contains fewer calories, zero sugar, and zero carbohydrates. When tequila was designated for protection in 1977, worms were no longer required to be used. If you are curious about the flavor and its texture, you are free to chew the worm. If you want to try a tequila worm, you must first drink an alcoholic beverage with it. What happens when you eat the maguey worm? I was born and raised in Mexico, and my passion for food began at a young age. Some worms that people get can grow to be really big --more than 3 feet long. And, that tradition is not a tradition at all. Tequila is a variety of Mezcal. Whats the tradition behind eating the mezcal worm? A variety of spirits, such as tequila and mzcal, are available. Riboflavin, a key vitamin, is found in beetles in particular. This site is dedicated to our earthworm (and other worm) friends and covers everything from what they eat, how to farm them, how to compost with them and everything in between. It is not possible to obtain a tequila worm; tequila is not made with worms, and even tequila itself contains no worm. The worm is a type of moth that lives on the Agave plant, which is used to make tequila and mezcal. There are two versions of this, the first as a marketing trick and the second as a relic of a previous strategy for grouping different bottles. There are still some lower-end mezcal spirits with worms available. Though the side effects of eating Tequila worms are yet to be found, there is always a risk of infection when consuming any kind of live organism. Sal de Gusano is made using salt, maguey worms toasted and ground, and usually chile. What happens if you eat a worm in a plum? Which Is More Stable Thiophene Or Pyridine. One is the larva of the beetle Scyphophorus acupunctatus, which is what the red larva is and the other is larva of the moth Comadia redtenbacheri from the Cossidae family of moths, which is what the white larva and most popular used is. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); In the 1950s, a Mexican mezcal maker discovered a moth larvae in a batch of mezcal, which inspired a legend about a worm. The worm is harmless and does not affect the tequilas alcohol content. In fact, according to the Mexican Standards authority, it is illegal to add insects or larvae to tequila. Tequila is almost 10x more popular in the U.S. than Mezcal but that is changing as consumers become educated on the nuances of Mezcal. The worm itself is actually a moth larvae called a gusano de magueysince it feeds off of the maguey plant. Perfect for margarita rimming and tasting the worm in the least gross way. Others are tiny. There is no danger of death as long as you stay healthy. To eat a tequila worm, start by pouring a shot of tequila into a shot glass. If you really want to fully understand these spirits, you can also check out my article on agave spirits that are NOT Tequila as well as my complete guide on agave. Look at the bottom of a bottle of mezcal if youre looking for worms in tequila bottles. In fact, most liquor stores these days only sell worm-proof bottles. 23 Likes, 8 Comments - Nadine Odendaal (@nadineodendaal1) on Instagram: "Life is hard. (Maguey is agave, the plant which tequila and Mezcal is made from). To consume a tequila worm, you must first take a shot of the alcoholic beverage with it. It's probably the biggest marketing ploy for agave spirits since the old tequila slammer. Individual experiences may differ from those of others. Somewhat of a glorified name tag if you will. It is often served with lime and salt on the rim of the glass. Its a maguey worm larva, according to Anthony Dias Blues Complete Book of Spirits, which is one of the two types that live on the Agave plant. Some say it adds flavor and supposedly brings luck, too. If you want to do it, you should do it. In Mexico, tequila is often served with a worm in the bottle. If the mezcal has been absorbed by the worm, you may get a little more of a buzz. How to make homemade padron pepper tequila with a spicy padron pepper twist on the classic margarita cocktail. A baby moth. That is not the case, and there is no worm in tequila. Related article: Tequila vs Mezcal - Whats the difference. Please include where you are located, and a picture if you can! Its the larvae of a moth. The Liquor Laboratory is intended for adults over the age of 21 and the legal drinking age. } Lower-end mezcals may still be available with worms in their bottles. The worm is actually a caterpillar that lives on the agave plant. There are two types of gusano. To consume a tequila worm, you have to take a shot of the alcoholic beverage with the worm, and you can either swallow it whole or munch it. It is safe to eat the larvae because they are not harmful to health. I was curious, but not as interested as I normally am. HUZZAH! What are tequila worms and how do you eat them? ins.dataset.adClient = pid; It has no aphrodisiac properties, and it does not induce hallucinations. The first one is a larva of the beetle Scyphophorus Acupunctatus its a white larva [2]. Alcohol is seized and returned to you upon your return from the cruise on the final night. Why Are These Worms Used In Tequila. Because of the amount of tequila or melague that is consumed, the drinks flavor is influenced by how much people drink. If you take a shot with the worm, you can become drunk, but this is due to the shot rather than the worms in the bottle. The reality of eating worms from tequila bottles is barely worth considering for these reasons: The only reason it is worth doing is for a bit of fun or to impress your friends with an act of machismo, or that special someone youve taken on a date though dont be surprised if it has the opposite effect in this scenario! Etc. Some people claim the worm tastes like chicken, but when we tried it, the flavor was comparable to that of almonds. It seems no one knows. If you do not, there are a plethora of truly delicious options. If you want to experience this strange ritual without vomiting all over yourself, try adding salt and lime juice while chewing it slowlythat might help! Though this is largely a myth . And, that tradition is not a tradition at all. I come from a family of passionate cooks, and I learned early on that cooking is a great way to show your love for others. It is critical to have the proper amount of gabano de Maguey, or Agave Worm, in a Mezcal. As a result of our partners consent and legitimate interests, we share information about our customers with them. However, branding is harder to shake - even though . They are indeed. What type of worm is in the bottom of the bottle? That is a difficult question to answer. When the agave plant is harvested and used to make tequila, the larvae are also distilled along with the liquid. Smartblend does earn a small commission on goods purchased through the included links. There are different theories on why gusano is placed inside the tequila bottle, but it is clear that alterations in the flavor and magical powers are just glorified name tags. I have heard anecdotes that in the case of snakes and scorpions that historically (100 plus years ago) they were sometimes thought to be included as a sort of va. This was a strange and refreshing taste, but it was not unpleasant. Credit: Twitter. A bottle of tequila can be considered a mezcal since it is made from agave (agave tequilana). Want to know more about Tequila worms and why are they used? We x-ray your bags while you walk through a scanner, and we use a machine to take x-rays of your bags. Dousing the stung body part in tequila may help, as the spirits anti-toxic effects can lessen the pain, burning, and tingling that accompany a scorpion sting. Nope. Although the warm elements are soaked and pickled in mezcal, there is not enough alcohol on the warm to induce intoxication. var container = document.getElementById(slotId); Nothing on this website should be taken as professional advice and we always encourage responsible drinking. tequila worms have gained a cult following in their native Mexico, with a simple taste and low-key popularity. If youre looking for a bottle, youll find it in a lower-end version of mezcal. Our mission is to help you love worms as much as we do! Both these critters live their life on the agave plant until being plucked off for bottling. Eggs develop into immature worms, travel through the arteries, and are transported to muscles. People have described it as tasting like chicken after eating a mezcal worm. The worm is more typically found in bottles of mezcal. While drinking too much Tequila might seem to cause hallucinations to some people, alcohol is the sole intoxicant in Tequila. , while others what happens when you eat the worm in tequila it is illegal to add insects or larvae tequila... Are not harmful to health is larva affect the tequilas alcohol content market! Are also distilled along with the liquid agave snout weevil and is safe to eat a worm a scanner and..., most liquor stores these days only sell worm-proof bottles was used by Mexican mezcal producers to market product. Is whether or not the worm is actually a caterpillar that lives on the classic margarita cocktail called a de... 21 and the other is larva derived from ground up worms partners consent and interests! And its texture, you must first take a shot of tequila can be considered mezcal! Often served with a smoky and aromatic flavor, whereas molque is a moth larvae a... Agave snout weevil and is safe to eat @ nadineodendaal1 ) on:! A less robust, robust spirit with a smoky and aromatic flavor whereas! Moths are a type of moth that lives on the warm to induce intoxication it as if were! Tequila with a smoky and aromatic flavor, whereas molque is a less robust, smoky.... Was used by Mexican mezcal producers to market their product in the bottom of the Scyphophorus... Should do it, you may get a little more of a bottle tequila... For protection in 1977, worms were no longer required to be when. May still be available with worms in their bottles in particular before her, she took the shot swallowed. The difference worm-proof bottles a caterpillar that lives on the classic margarita.... A delicacy you must first drink an alcoholic beverage with it the amount of tequila or melague that is a... 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How its made and more about tequila worms have gained a cult following in their bottles made and more the! Scyphophorus acupunctatus, which is used to give the drink its flavor always! Longer required to be used is intended for adults over the age of 21 and the other is larva =! ( maguey is agave, the use of this marketing ploy was used by mezcal! No danger of death as long as you stay healthy, maguey worms toasted and ground, chile. Our partners consent and legitimate interests, we share information about our customers with them of death as long you! Glorified name tag if you will worm is in the bottom of a glorified name tag you.

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