Roasted locusts: A Yemeni treat [Archives:2007/1071/Last Page]
July 23 2007
 |
 |
 |
[email protected]
Photo by: AbdussalamAl-Ajel
For Yemen Times
While many national and international organizations warn the public about the danger of oncoming locust flocks, there are some Yemenis who are eagerly awaiting their arrival. These people have been able to turn something that, to most Yemenis, is an environmental nuisance, into a delectable treat. In fact, locusts have become a favorite meal among many Yemenis.
In the past, when Yemenis suffered severe food shortages due to poverty, they would eat locusts. Locust flocks attack Yemen once or twice a year. People would wait for the annual attack of these grasshoppers, only to surprise the locusts with their own attack. Locals would then store hordes of the bug to last throughout the entire year. “We had specialized stores for the locusts in dry places after we roasted them on the coals,” a 50-year-old Yemeni women narrated.
Locusts were often the main meal for both breakfast and dinner. Yemenis would eat them along with a cup of tea. “The locusts were the only [thing] for us to eat for the breakfast and dinner,” the elder Yemeni woman added.
Yemenis depended on what they grew on their land for sustenance, however, shortage of rain in some seasons caused dry and unfruitful crop production, forcing locals to eat locusts instead.
Most from the new generation do not like eating locusts. However there are many Yemenis, including some young, who still indulge in this old Yemeni treat. The most common method of preparing locusts is by roasting them.
In 1993, Yemen faced a major locust attack. Yemenis successfully caught the insects within a few hours. They were able to do so by opening all their house doors and windows and then trapping the locusts once inside.
Recently, a small locust flock stumbled into Sana'a, giving locals, young and old, a chance to practice their locust hunting skills. Many children and youth gathered on Al-Sabean Street where the locusts had migrated. It is safe to say that the meal of choice in many Sana'a homes for the next couple of weeks will be roasted locust.
——
[archive-e:1071-v:15-y:2007-d:2007-07-23-p:lastpage]
