Edible Mopane Worms
Also know as the edible mopani worm.
Sceintific Name: Gonimbrasia Belina
This finger food from Zambia is a crispy snack with a unique taste that many people enjoy.
The mopane worm is actually a caterpillar. It is common throughout southern Africa.
Mopane worms are high in protein and iron – around 3x as much protein and 4x as much iron as in beef. The Food and Agricultural Organization says that mopane worms are also a good source of potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, zinc, manganese, copper and B vitamins.
These mopane worms have been dried to a nice “chip-like” crunch.
The mopane worm gets it name from the mopane tree that is a primary food source although it does live in other trees including mango trees.
The adult is an Emperor Moth (Gonimbrasia Belina).