J Nutr 138:145S–161S, Hrabar H, Hattas D, du Toit JT (2009) Intraspecific host preferences of Mopane moths (, Illgner P, Nel E (2000) The geography of edible insects in sub-Saharan Africa: a study of the mopane caterpillar. 1 cup of caterpillars (Mopane worms) 1 medium sized tomato (diced) 1 medium sized onion (chopped) Half a green pepper (chopped) Salt. Like most caterpillars, the mopane worm's life cycle starts when it hatches in the summer, after which it proceeds to eat the foliage in its immediate vicinity. It is called a mopane (or mopani) worm from its diet -- the leaves of the mopane tree. [5] The principal producers are Botswana, Namibia, South Africa (Limpopo Province and Mpumalanga) and Zimbabwe. Science Publishers, New Hampshire, pp 545–577, De Man JN (1999) Principles of food chemistry, 3rd edn. A hatched or parasitized egg cluster on a mopane leaf, Gregarious first-instar caterpillars feeding on a mopane leaf – the first three instars are always, A late instar caterpillar feeding on a mopane tree (head towards the right). Although the mopane worm feeds chiefly on the mopane tree, it is not limited to this diet, and can feed on many other trees that are indigenous to the same regions, including the leaves of the mango tree. Afr icans. Add the cooked mopane worms and the rest of the ingredients. Some areas once rich in mopane worms are now barren due to over harvesting and lack of a proper sustainable approach to commercial mopane worm farming. Chiang Mai, Thailand, FAO (2010b) Development of regional standard for edible crickets and their products. A common way to eat mopane worms is in the same way that I did - fried with a combination of tomatoes, garlic, peanuts, chillies and onions. How to cook mopane worms: Soak the mopane worms in 500 milliliters (about 2 cups) of hot water for 10 minutes. Most people prefer to fry the worms with a combination of tomatoes, garlic, peanuts, chillies, and onions. In Zimbabwe, mopane worms are a staple part of the diet in rural areas and are considered a delicacy in the cities. Edible and Other Insects of Mid-western Zambia. FAO, Rome, Fennema OR (1996) Food chemistry, 3rd edn. Mopan worms are harvested at the beginning of the rainy season in late December and January. Like most caterpillars, the mopane worm is a voracious eater, and will continue to eat - almost non-stop - until it reaches the next stage of its life cycle, when it burrows underground to undergo metamorphosis. Since they are essential acids, the body can not make them and one can only get them from food. Another cooking method for this traditional Africa food is to cook the mopane worms in a delicious stew with either tomato, onion and chilli or a peanut sauce. They require only 3kgs of feed to produce 1kg of worms; in contrast, cattle farming requires 10kgs of feed to generate 1kg of beef. 15% dwb of which 38% fatty acids are saturated and 62% are unsaturated), carbohydrates (approx. Studies in Ethno-entomology II. In: Internal report: Mopane woodlands and the Mopane worm: enhancing rural livelihoods and resource sustainability, DFID project no. These NTFPs play an important role by providing employment, fulfilling vital needs and generating income (Makhado, et al., 2009a). Larvae are black, peppered with round scales in indistinct alternating whitish green and yellow bands, and armed with short black or reddish spines covered in fine white hairs. “This will help more mopane worms cross over to feed off mopane trees,” she said. Most of the countries in which Mopane worms are consumed use maize (corn) as a staple. 2. Some aspects of innovation and traditional processing, storage and Marketing of Mopane Worms in Botswana. Dr Dzerefos is lobbying for a ‘mopane worm crossing’ where there are no humps of sand on the side of the road acting as obstacles. Step 5: Let them dry in the sun, salt, and serve. 15% dwb of which 38% fatty acids are saturated and 62% are unsaturated), carbohydrates (approx. They can be eaten dry, as crunchy as potato chips, or … Geogr J 166:336–351, Kinyuru JN, Kenji GM, Muhoho SN, Ayieko M (2011) Nutritional potential of longhorn grasshopper (RuspoliaDifferens) consumed in Siaya District, Kenya, J. J Agric Sci Technol 12, Klunder HC, Wolkers-Rooijackers J, Korpela JM, Nout MJR (2012) Microbiological aspects of processing and storage of edible insects. of Biol., Sci., Univ. Give the selected mopane worms a good wash. (I usually do this in a colander under running water.) Step 2: Squeeze out the guts and discard. Environment and Development Economics, 14(05), 587-600. The industrial method is to can the caterpillars (usually in brine). Often, more than 40% of a mopane worm's eggs will be attacked by various parasites, and the caterpillars themselves are susceptible to infection from a virus that has a high mortality rate. Can the restrictive harvest period policy conserve mopane worms in southern Africa? [10], The harvesting and sale of mopane worms is a multi-million rand industry in southern Africa. Legislative aspects and rural community support are critical and a necessity for sustainable production of mopane worm and subsequent utilization of the insect as a potential source of proteins and minerals in food items such as FBFs. Rinse several times. Alternatively, mopane worms can be soaked to rehydrate, before being fried until they are crunchy, or cooked with onion, tomatoes and spices and then served with pap or sadza. Academic Press, London, Wessels DCJ, Potgieter MJ (2001) Observation on the survival of Colophospermum mopane seedlings in mopane-veld of the Northern Province, South Africa, Wessels DCJ, Wessels LA, Wessels RD (2001) Observation on the dispersal patterns of Colophospermum fruits from parent tree branches. In the bush, the caterpillars are not considered to belong to the landowner (if any), but around a house, permission should be sought from the resident. Add turmeric, chillies, garlic and ginger. After 10 minutes remove the hot water and rinse the worms in fresh water. However, looking at the future mopane worm is under threat due to deforestation, human pressure, as populations grow, and erratic weather patterns and participation in the mopane worm trade increase. In some areas, farmers and communities have taken steps to reach a balance, so that each year may yield maximum returns without compromising the following year's harvest. Bull Entol Soc Am 35:22–35, Dithlogo M (1996) The ecology of Imbrasia belina (Westwood) in North-Eastern Botswana. Very common in semi-desert, bushveld and grassland. pp 241-256 | © 2020 Springer Nature Switzerland AG. Those in the business have considered domesticating the mopane worms in a manner that is similar to the domestication of silkworms. Suggestions of how to reintroduce the worms to these areas include re-colonisation. Widespread. Soak the Mopani Worms in boiling water until they are soft and clean. Jamforand. When u a done heat ur cooking oil, saute onion until soft.and pour in diced tomatoes and salt cook til soft and pour in ur Mashotsa and cook for 5min on low heat. Trop Anim Health Prod 41:935–942, Manditsera FA, Lakemond Catriona MM, Fogliano V, Zvidzai CJ, Luning PA (2018) Consumption patterns of edible insects in rural and urban areas of Zimbabwe: taste, nutritional value and availability are key elements for keeping the insect eating habit. The moths are large with a wingspan of 120 mm. Instructions. Chavunduka, D.M. Mopane worms are collected from the trees (there was one in the compound of Tshugulu Lodge), eviserated by squeezing out the gut & contents, and boiled in clear water or brine.Most harvested worms are dried for preservation, but some are prepared … Tins of mopane worms can be found in rural supermarkets and markets around southern Africa.[8]. (Quoted ch.17 DeFoliart 2003). The adult moths live only for three to four days, during which time they mate and lay their eggs. Mopane worms contribute greatly to the livelihoods of traders and harvesters. Occ. In the bush, the caterpillars are not considered to belong to the landowner (if any), but around a house, permission should be sought from the resident. During this time, you can try them roasted, boiled, stewed, or, if you're bold enough, raw. A sure sign of the presence of mopane worms is defoliation of mopane woodland - sometimes around ninety per cent of leaves. Fry the onions in a little oil on medium heat. In November 2015, a Cornell team of food scientists placed third in Brisbane, Australia, at the 2015 Global Business Challenge, by presenting the economic and nutritional benefits of transforming proteins from mopane worms into food. Mopane worms ar e rich in protein a nd crude fats. Annu Rev Entomol 58(1):563–583, Vega F, Kaya H (2012) Insect pathology. Out of season, mopane worms are also sold in local markets either dried, smoked, or canned. Those with access to the caterpillars can find recipes for cooking them online. As the adult moth lives only three to four days, during which it must mate and lay eggs, there is only a small window of opportunity to relocate them. Whereas this relationship profits both the commercial harvester and the farmer, it is often to the detriment of the local community for whom the caterpillars may previously have been an important source of food and seasonal income. [7] When the caterpillar has been picked, it is pinched at the tail end to rupture the innards. 1 cup mopane worms; Steps. Mol Nutr Food Res 57:802–823, Stack J, Dorward A, Gondo T, Frost P, Taylor F, Kurebgaseka N (2003) Mopane Worm Utilisation and Rural Livelihoods in Southern Africa. Succulent Mopane Worms Posted 03.10.2009 in South African Recipes Tell-a-Friend . Some farmers therefore view the mopane worm as competition for their livestock, and attempt to eradicate the "pest" with insecticides and the like. Chavanduka describes women in Zimbabwetying a piece of bark to particular trees to establish ownership, or moving the young caterpillars to trees nearer home. (2003) Internal Final Report: Mopane Woodlands and the Mopane Step 4: Allow the water to boil out over about an hour. The industry would thus be less susceptible to the pitfalls that are associated with it, such as climate change, drought and other factors that could compromise a harvest. 1.335% dwb). Pak J Nutr 4:287–290, FAO (2010a) Forest insects as food: humans bite back proceedings of a workshop on Asia-Pacific resources and their potential for development 19–21 February 2008. 1975. Printers: Print. The short-lived emperor moth is the final stage. If this stage was to be successfully completed, collaboration with local farmers and communities would be required to ensure that the caterpillars are not harvested for a set number of years. The Food Insects Newsletter. A bioeconomic modelling approach. In: Paoletti MG (ed) Ecological implications of minilivestock; role of rodents, frogs, snails, and insects for sustainable development. Mopane worms are hand picked in the wild, often by women and children. South African Journal of Batany, Womeni HM, Linder M, Tiencheu B, Mbiapo FT, Villeneuve P, Fanni J, Parmentier M (2009) Oils of insects and larvae consumed in Africa: potential sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Put the Caterpillars on the pan and fry. Serve with pap; for the pap… Add some salt. The mopane worm can either be eaten dried as a crispy snack, or fried to perfection with a pinch of salt. Mopane worm outbreaks defoliate shrubs, depriving game of browse. Academic Press, San Diego, CA, USA, pp 583–616, Gahukar RT (2011a) Entomophagy and human food security. This circumstance leads to overharvesting, and fewer mopane worms the following year. Ol. Mopane worms can also be added to a stew, boiled to soften them up, or simply eaten raw and fresh off a tree. In: Morales-Ramos JA, Rojas MG, Shapiro-Ilan DI (eds) Mass production of beneficial organisms. Since the 1950s, commercial farming methods have been applied to the mopane worm harvests, particularly in South Africa. ISBN 99912-913-3-4, Dreyer JJ, Wehmeyer AS (1982) On the nutritive value of Mopanie worms. It is one of the region's most economically important insects. Step 1: Go out into the bush and collect your mopane worms. Villagers collect the protein-rich larvae by the sackful from mopane trees, remove the intestines and either roast them or squash them flat and leave them to dry. S Afr J Sci 78:33–35, Ekpo KE, Onigbinde AO (2005) Nutritional potentialities of the larvae of Rhynchophorus phoenicis (F.). Springer-Verlag, Berlin, DeFoliart GR (1989) The human use of insects as food and as animal feed. CRC publishers, Boca Raton, Florida, Finke MD, Oonincx D (2014) Insects as food for insectivores. R7822. Food Nutr Bull 30(3):343–404. Importantly, mopane worm contains significant amounts of fibre commonly chitin and possibly some bioactive compounds and antinutrional factors, though this has not yet established; hence, a study to ascertain their levels is vital. Eco Food Nutr 36:287–319, Bukkens SGF (2005) Insects in the human diet: nutritional aspects. An orange eyespot is present on each hindwing. 1/2 cup water. bring to the boil and let the water dry out. 64–69. This succulent mopane worms recipe is made from mature mopane worms that are as thick as a man’s finger and about seven centimetres long. After soaking, cook them in boiling water. Paper presented at the Joint FAO/WHO meeting Food Standards Programme: FAO/WHO Coordinating Committee for Asia, Bali, Indonesia, FAO/WHO/UNU (1985) Energy and protein requirements. Clean the mopane worms and place them in a pot of water and bring it to a boil for 15 minutes. Thus the mopane worm is scattered over a fairly large area. English version. 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