1. Cicadas for Dinner?

FEBRUARY 21 2022 /

Cicadas for Dinner?

Cicada Recipes

Well DC home-owners, it’s that time again! Yes, the periodical cicadas are beginning to show themselves along the East Coast! 

These cicadas were last seen in 1996.  Although these insects are very strange looking, make loud noises (mating calls), and are in a huge abundance, they are not at all harmful. 

These cicadas do not pose a threat to you or your pets.  The cicadas will surface one the ground temperature reaches about 64° F.

Speaking of temperature, let’s warm things up a bit!  Cicadas are edible and can be made into delicious dishes for all to enjoy! 

Here are a few tips when collecting the right cicadas to consume followed by a few tasty recipes to try!

 

Tips

⭐ Newly hatched cicadas are considered the best for eating and making dishes with because of their soft shells.  They haven’t had time to mature and harden.

⭐ If you choose to freeze your cicadas for later, when you do decide to consume them, the best results will occur if you roast them.

⭐ Adult females are filled with fat compared to their male counterparts, making them more fun to eat!

 

Recipe:

Maryland Cicadas

Ingredients                                                          

  • ½ cup of Old Bay
  • 2 Tbsp. of salt
  • 4 cups of water
  • 1 (12 fluid ounce) can of beer
  • 8 red potatoes
  • 2 large onions
  • 2 lbs. smoked sausage
  • 8 ears of corn
  • 4 lbs. of cicadas

 

Directions

  1. Bring Old Bay, salt, water, and beer to a boil. Add quartered potatoes and onions.  Cook over high heat for 8 minutes.
  2. Add sausage halves; continue to cook for 5 minutes. Add corn; boil additional 7 minutes. Add cicadas, cook for 5 minutes. Drain and serve!