Mopane worms
Dried caterpillars stewed in tomato
Think of it as: Like beef jerky, if jerky came from the tree instead of the cow
Caterpillars. Close your eyes and chew.
What does it taste like?
Earthy, salty and savory, especially in tomato sauce.
SweetSpicySourSaltyFunkSmellTextureCrunchy and chewy
What is it?
The larvae of a large moth that grow up eating the leaves of the mopane tree. The insides are squeezed out, then they're dried and stewed with tomato and onion or fried crispy. High in protein and a long-valued food.Source: Wikipedia
How locals eat it
Dried ones are munched as a snack, or stewed in tomato and eaten by hand with sadza (cornmeal staple). Sold by the bag at markets.
Watch it
EnglishTap to play (YouTube)Where is it from?
🇿🇼Zimbabwe
CapitalHarare
Populationabout 17.3 millionestimate (unverified)
IndustriesMining (gold, platinum), Tobacco, Farming
Famous peopleNick PricePro golfer who reached world No. 1
HelloMhoro (Shona)
CurrencyZimbabwe Gold (ZiG) and US dollar
Fun factAround 2008, prices rose so fast that a 100 trillion Zimbabwe dollar bill was issued.
The flag🇿🇼 The bird is modeled on the stone birds found at Great Zimbabwe, a World Heritage Site.
From Tokyoabout 12,810 kmstraight line, Tokyo to Harare
Getting thereabout 22 hours from Tokyo (with transfers)rough guide
✈ Check cheap flights Best timeThe dry season from May to October is best. Victoria Falls is famous. Also trySadzaDovi (peanut stew)
✈ Check cheap flights Best timeThe dry season from May to October is best. Victoria Falls is famous. Also trySadzaDovi (peanut stew)
🇿🇼 Sounds & life in Zimbabwe
MhoroHello（Mhoro (Shona)）
Latin alphabet
Latin alphabet
Right now…
Anthem"Blessed Be the Land of Zimbabwe" (Kalibusiswe Ilizwe leZimbabwe)
MusicChimurenga (mbira music) Songs of resistance built on the mbira, a thumb piano
Listen on YouTube SportSoccer
Andy Flower (cricket; Zimbabwe's great batter) World HeritageVictoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya) and more National flowerFlame lily (Gloriosa) FestivalIndependence Day (April 18)
MusicChimurenga (mbira music) Songs of resistance built on the mbira, a thumb piano
Listen on YouTube SportSoccer
Andy Flower (cricket; Zimbabwe's great batter) World HeritageVictoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya) and more National flowerFlame lily (Gloriosa) FestivalIndependence Day (April 18)
Ingredients
- Dried mopane worms 200 g
- Onion 1
- Tomatoes 2
- Peanut butter 1 tbsp (optional)
- Salt, a pinch
- Oil 2 tbsp
How to make it (one way)
- Squeeze out the insides of the collected larvae
- Boil or roast them, then sun-dry until crisp
- Before eating, soak in hot water for about 30 minutes to rehydrate
- Fry onion and tomato, add the worms and simmer
- Season with salt and eat with sadza (cornmeal staple)
⚠️ Very hard to get hold of. People with insect allergies (similar to shellfish allergies) should not eat them.