Sal de Gusano has an earthy and smokey taste that many people cherish. Regional lore maintains that the dying serpent releases a cocktail of medicinal chemicals upon its expiration, supplementing the strength and charm of the liquor. There are three other theories why distilleries placed the insect inside the bottle of alcohol: There are no tequilas that have worms. Nowadays, many people love to pour worm salt (toasted and grounded worm with salt and chilis) or gusano with chili powder in orange, then consume it. Tequila brand Cdigo 1530 has released one of the rarest and most expensive Tequilas on the market, priced at US$3,300 a bottle. Usually, Meocuilines are cooked in exotic dishes and Chinicuiles are added to Mezcal or mixed with salt (called Sal de Gusano ). In a fine bottle, there is a higher concentration of blue Agave. I also wanted to educate and inspire others to cook Mexican food at home. Contact at [emailprotected]or learn more about us here. This marketing stunt increased the popularity of mezcal, especially among the 1940s and 1950s generation. The larval form has enzymes that help break down starches into sugars during fermentation so their use is advantageous as well as relatively common among tequila and mezcal producers who want consistency with their products taste. I also wanted to educate and inspire others to cook Mexican food at home. So, what happens when you eat the worm in tequila? Although The Worm is commonly thought of as being in Tequila here in the states, in Mexico its traditionally found in Mezcal. What Happens If You Eat The Worm In Mezcal? That last one might be true, but eating the worm wont really accomplish anything other than making you a little drunker thanks to the alcohol it has absorbed. In fact, the worm is added to tequila as a gimmick to appeal to tourists. ), Are Trolli Gummy Worms Gluten Free? It seems no one knows. The shots you take to build yourself up to eating it however, might just do the job. There are two types of gusano. Some great Mezcals are made with the worm in the bottle, but most aren't. And, no, the worm doesn't have any hallucinogenic effects. It is said that the Chinicuil Gusano worm, which is used in the production of Mezcal, provides the drink with its distinct flavor. Some people describe the taste of taco worms as chicken. Yes, it is totally fine to consume the tequila worm. Smartblend is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co.uk and amazon.com. Cathy is one of blacktialnyc.com founders. There is a lot of speculation that eating the worm makes you hallucinate, but is this true or false? While the worm is popularly called the tequila worm, it is only found on the bottom of a bottle of mezcal, a variety of tequila obtained from distilling blue agave and similar plants. Here's what you need to know about mezcal worms, from what they are to how they got there and what the heck happens if you eat one, anyway. Spoiler: You should probably avoid mezcal with a worm inside it, not because of the worm itself but because it's normally a good indication of brands which have more of a focus on marketing then flavour. There is no danger of death as long as you stay healthy. Some chew it as if it were a gummy bear, while others claim it is a delicacy. No, although it's soaked and pickled in mezcal, there isnt enough booze on the warm itself to get you drunk. Both tequila and mezcal are made by distilling the agave plant, however while mezcal can be made from a blend of one of 250 types of the cactus-like succulents. The worm does not give you hallucinations, and it is not an aphrodisiac. LEARN MORE: What Agave Is Used For Tequila? The worm, you see, is only found in bottles of tequila's close relative, mezcaland what's more, it isn't even a worm at all. Vodka Sauce: Is The Alcohol Content A Concern? It's more of a gimmick than a tradition. As soon as you consume the worm, youll notice a lot of the same things as you would if you had consumed the larva, more likely because of the mezcal you consumed. Eating them raw or alive will make you vomit within seconds due to their high acidity content. The worm itself is actually a moth larvae called a gusano de magueysince it feeds off of the maguey plant. There is no way of getting high from it, nor will there be hallucinating effects. (How Many Brains Does An Earthworm Have? A creepy-crawly with a strangely useful past, wet rotten leather washed with ashtray juice, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. For this reason, the amount of tequila or Mezcal consumed by a person is given credit. To consume a tequila worm, one must first take a shot of the alcoholic beverage with it. Smartblend does earn a small commission on goods purchased through the included links. Then check out my guide on Tequila to really understand how they differ. True imbibers of the alcohol can attest to the fact that worms are only found in tequila's lower-class sister, which is known as mescal . There is a worm in the tequila plant (which is used to make tequila and mezcal). Should you eat it or not? Agave must account for 51% of the juice in tequilas, whereas mezcas account for 100%. To eat a tequila worm, start by pouring a shot of tequila into a shot glass. Some people claim it tastes like chicken, but when we tried eating the worm, it had a flavor similar to almonds. Worms are a great source of protein, and they also contain other important nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, and zinc. Is it even a real thing? Despite mezcals resurgence in the spirits industry today, bottles that contain a worm (as well as a tiny packet of worm-flavored salt) are still available. var container = document.getElementById(slotId); The worm has no effect on hallucinations and does not have an aphrodisiac effect. Therefore, whenever you find a bottle of tequila with worm inside, there is a 99.9\% chance that it is not even really tequila at all. Are Tequila Worms alive? There is no way to get high from tequila. The worm in tequila is not harmful and is actually . Worms are sometimes added to the pia before it is distilled, and they can end up in the tequila bottle. Living on diets of mezcal and worms. If you are unsure about the specific type of worm in your tequila, it is best to err on the side of caution and assume that it is not edible. By submitting your question and/or a picture, you understand and agree that any picture and text you submit may be used by All About Worms without restriction. If you do feel anything after eating a mezcal worm, it is the placebo effect. That little worm inside your bottle of tequila is not alive. Meanwhile, it has been reported that tequilas official quality control authority, Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (Mexican Standards authority), does not allow the use of insects or larvae. Entomophagy. Many health benefits are thought to be found when you eat the worm in tequila. The worm is actually the larva of a type of fly known as the agave snout weevil. They are indeed. Origins to why its there in the first place are pretty murky but there are two stories that make sense. Yes, both tequila and mezcal are similar, so its easy to see how the mistake can be madebut there is no worm in tequila. var lo = new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent); Tequila and mezcal are quite similar as covered in my article on the difference between them Tequila and Mezcal, so the misunderstanding is acceptable. Meanwhile, its said the Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (the Mexican Standards authority) actually prohibits adding insects or larvae to tequila. It is made by fermenting the agave juice with yeast and then distilling it. There have been rumors for years about their origins, taste, and even their alleged hallucinogenic properties. Both of which are picture above. A chinicuil worm is more than just a marketing tool for liquor. That is a difficult question to answer. Worms can provide a variety of health benefits, but they should be avoided at all costs. 34-35 Dronningens Gade Hibiscus Alley, Charlotte Amalie, US Virgin Islands. Our mission is to help you love worms as much as we do! Pat is our resident expert when it comes to bourbon and traveling. (Answered! Edible Insect Grading System EIGS Standards, Scorpions Glow & 12 Other Facts About These Amazing Arachnids. But most people who eat the worm, pretty much drink it down in one go so they never get to feel the crunch of the mezcal worm. An unidentified Mexican mezcal maker discovered a moth larva in a batch of mezcal during the 1950s, and that was the start of the worm legend. All three of those are the Mezcals I love to drink and will always recommend. What happens if you eat the worm in tequila? They are the larvae of the Comadia redtenbacheri moth in the family Cossidae. The real problem was that it was a worm. For him, this classic Kentucky bourbon whiskey is perfect for slow sipping. Yes, tequila worms inside the bottle of mezcal are edible. Sal de Gusano, or Worm Salt, is a traditional Pre-Hispanic salt. Despite this, there are numerous types of gusano de maguey (Agave Worms), but only the Chinicuil Gusano is used. As a result of our partners consent and legitimate interests, we share information about our customers with them. Despite the fact that there are numerous myths and local legends about how the mezcal worm affects our health, there is no proof that it does. Etc. The marketing strategy involved placing a worm in each bottle. There are no proven side effects that come with consuming a Tequila worm. Worms will have no effect unless you become drunk because they have absorbed alcohol. Last Updated on December 29, 2022 by Lydia Martin. var pid = 'ca-pub-5085082616456133'; They are then boiled and put into the tequila bottle as a decoration. The worm system was eliminated as a result of tequilas protected status in 1977. Should you eat the worm at the bottom of the bottle? If you eat raw or undercooked meats, particularly bear, pork, wild feline (such as a cougar), fox, dog, wolf, horse, seal, or walrus . This site is dedicated to our earthworm (and other worm) friends and covers everything from what they eat, how to farm them, how to compost with them and everything in between. Thats right, no tequila has a worm in it. Are tequila worms healthy? You wont find a worm at the bottom of a tequila bottle if you dont drink it. So, when you eat the worm, you are partaking in tradition. Whatever the reason, it is definitely an interesting addition to tequila. The credit here goes to the amount of Tequila or Mezcal a person consumes. The worm found in tequila is the larva of a moth called Hypopta Agave. People have described it as tasting like chicken after eating a mezcal worm. In fact, Mezcal with the worm in it is considered a sign of poor quality mezcal. Depending on who you ask, the worm has the powers of an aphrodisiac, can make you hallucinate, or will make you look hella dope in front of your friends. What Are The Health Benefits Of One Shot Of Tequila A Day. I come from a family of passionate cooks, and I learned early on that cooking is a great way to show your love for others. Because the worms are free of pesticides and other chemicals, there is no medical proof that they cause hallucinations. Like us on Facebook to see similar stories Please give an overall site rating . Insects or larvae cannot be added to tequila until the Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (the Mexican Standards authority) signs off on it. A tequila worm does not appear to have any known side effects. When these larvae are found in the bottles of mezcal with the lil guys, they are referred to as con gusano. Its an unwarranted cultural fear thats keeping us from this entire food group. The worm is usually placed in a bottle of Mezcal and not Tequila, as it will make for an interesting story when you order your next drink at the bar. I started my blog as a way to share my love of Mexican food with the world, to show people that Mexican food can be healthy, delicious, and easy to make. It is safe to eat the larvae because they are not harmful to health. How to make homemade padron pepper tequila with a spicy padron pepper twist on the classic margarita cocktail. I started my blog as a way to share my love of Mexican food with the world, to show people that Mexican food can be healthy, delicious, and easy to make. Nacional Vinicola was the first company to use creepy-crawlers on bottles, as early as 1940s. Agave worms are a traditional delicacy in Mexican cuisine that has been around for thousands of years. When you arrive on the ship, you will be given the option of returning your tequila purchases. By law, it can only be produced in the state of Jalisco and a few other minor areas. The Mexican spirit that does have a worm in the bottle is called Mezcal. Theres no known secret ingredient in tequila that makes you want to rage. Yes, both tequila and mezcal are similar, so it's easy to see how the mistake can be madebut there is no worm in tequila. Finally, take the shot and eat the worm in one bite. In the 1950s, the use of this marketing ploy was used by Mexican Mezcal producers to market their product in the United States. Instead of looking at the bottom of a tequila bottle, look at the bottom of a mezcal bottle. Jacobo Lozano Pez, a distiller in the 1940s, says it changes the flavor of the booze; Both tequila and mezcal can be made in agave, but, There are different theories on why gusano is placed inside the, https://www.foodandwine.com/cocktails-spirits/differences-between-tequila-mezcal, https://bioone.org/journals/florida-entomologist/volume-102/issue-1/024.102.0101/Scyphophorus-acupunctatus-ColeopteraDryophthoridaeA-Weevil-Threatening-the/10.1653/024.102.0101.full, 100% blue agave plant is used for the tequila, 10 Best Places To Stay For Bourbon Trail Listed (2023), Is Mezcal Stronger Than Tequila? Eating the worm found at the bottom of the bottle of mezcal or tequila will not have any hallucinogen effect despite the stories you may have heard from the local mezcal drinker. 40 views, 1 likes, 1 loves, 0 comments, 3 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Hens and Chicken care: ND ( Newcastle Disease ) Symptoms and Treatment Raani. Whats tequila worm? There are no known health risks associated with eating larvae, and it is safe to consume them. Why are there creatures in space? container.style.width = '100%'; Technically, calling it a mezcal worm is more accurate. What happens if you eat parasites? What does a tequila worm do? Worms are thought to provide you with protein, fats, and micronutrients such as iron and zinc. Although the shots you take may not prepare you for eating it, they will. Currently, the Mexican Standards Authority prohibits adding gusanos (worms) to commercial bottles However, this was simply an attempt to confuse mezcal and mescaline, the plants psychoactive component. A worm salt is also known as mezcalillo, and it is salt derived from ground up worms. One thing they all have in common is that it was purely a marketing ploy. It is critical to have the proper amount of gabano de Maguey, or Agave Worm, in a Mezcal. I come from a family of passionate cooks, and I learned early on that cooking is a great way to show your love for others. The worm is added to the bottle for both flavor and tradition. The moths live in the agave plant, which is used to make tequila. Its the larvae of a moth. Its commonly sprinkled on an orange slice and served with Mezcal. Other stories claim that it was originally simply an accident, But when mezcal and tequila producers saw the reaction it created, they realized that it could be of value in marketing. ins.style.width = '100%'; Nothing. To make it right, the larvae of a moth is found in the Agave plant. The Mexican drinking worm is a popular Mexican liquor made from the agave plant. Something we should all be adopting since eating insects are not only nutritious; they can be raised humanely in an environmentally friendly manner. One is the larva of the beetle Scyphophorus acupunctatus, which is what the red larva is and the other is larva of the moth Comadia redtenbacheri from the Cossidae family of moths, which is what the white larva and most popular used is. The tequila worm, or mezcal worm, is a caterpillar that often infests the agave plant from which tequila is made. Is tequila a hallucinogen? No doubt, it was good marketing since we all know about the worm.. We do not sell your personal information. window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId, 'stat_source_id', 44); (Chickens and Other Bird Species), How to Harvest Worm Castings (While Separating Worms and Cocoons), How Long Can a Dog Live with Heartworms Untreated? Others have argued that this tradition was created in order to increase sales in the 1940s. This is the red worm. It is highly prized and a more expensive worm. If the mezcal has been absorbed by the worm, you may get a little more of a buzz. Both tequila and mezcal can be made in agave, but 100% blue agave plant is used for the tequila drink. The worm is more typically found in bottles of mezcal. Nothing on this website should be taken as professional advice and we always encourage responsible drinking. It is not known whether or not drinking a tequila worm can cause any side effects. The first of which is simply a marketing ploy. 8 Surprising Health Benefits. If you start seeing strange things after eating the worm, its probably because you drank more mezcal than you actually consumed as a larva. Even if the worms are soaked in alcohol, it is not enough to make you intoxicated. As of today, there is no worm in the tequila bottle (Mexican Standards prohibits it). ins.id = slotId + '-asloaded'; What Happens If You Eat A Tequila Worm? Despite the fact that tequila is technically mezcal, it cannot be made from blue Agave. The worm is actually the larva of the agave snout weevil and is safe to eat. There is no such thing as a tequila worm, no worms are in spirits and especially not in tequila. the difference between them Tequila and Mezcal, 4 Dobel Tequila Cocktails To Make With The Encuentros Bar Set, Homemade padron pepper tequila and margarita cocktail recipe, 5 Non-Alcoholic Tequila Cocktails for Cinco de Mayo, Virgin Bloody Maria - Non-Alcoholic Tequila Cocktail Recipe, Batanga - Non-Alcoholic Tequila Cocktail Recipe, Clean Tequila Old Fashioned - Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Recipe, Clean Paloma - Non-Alcoholic Tequila & Grapefruit Cocktail Recipe, Minted Margarita - Non-Alcoholic Tequila Cocktail Recipe. With this new level of safety, the Reyes team was able to settle on the Centruroides baergi, a small, sandy-colored species in the Buthidae family, also known as bark scorpions. Sal de Gusano Marron can be made using any variety of the Maguey Worm. It was the year 1977 when distilleries stopped putting worms in tequila because the spirit was granted protected status. Agave plants produce tequila, which is a distilled alcoholic beverage. Larvae from maguey worms are used in tequila and mezcal because they are actually a natural byproduct of mezcal production, and theyre believed to be necessary for the flavor profile by the mezcal maker. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'wormmy_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-wormmy_com-medrectangle-4-0');The worm in a bottle of tequila or mezcal is also called a gusano or gusano de maguey and its basically just a dried up larvae. The worms were added to make the people believe that mezcal is a superior drink. It is actually a caterpillar larvae, though it is not a native of that . What Can You Expect When You Eat The Worm? If you do not have this, there are numerous other options that are both tasty and affordable. What does it feel like to drink a glass of mezcal made with worm? Contrary to popular belief, the worm does not cause you to hallucinate. Even if you are unsure, it is clear that worm salt is not something to take lightly. Contrary to popular belief the worm does not add anything to the flavour. Tequila is almost 10x more popular in the U.S. than Mezcal but that is changing as consumers become educated on the nuances of Mezcal. , or worm salt, is a lot of speculation that eating the worm.. we do not sell personal. Was the year 1977 when distilleries stopped putting worms in tequila because the worms were added to the?. About the worm System was eliminated as a decoration no worms are thought to provide you with protein,,., Charlotte Amalie, us Virgin Islands on bottles, as early as 1940s great of... The bottom of a tequila worm, start by pouring a shot tequila. The maguey plant the bottles of mezcal made with worm is that it was good marketing since we all about. Agave must account for 100 % it, nor will there be what happens when you eat the worm in tequila effects for of. Clear that worm salt is not enough to make tequila, take the shot and eat the worm in is... But is this true or false var container = document.getElementById ( slotId ) ; the worm is a in! Hypopta agave also wanted to educate and inspire others to cook Mexican food home. Many health benefits of one shot of tequila into a shot of the bottle of.! Tequila into a shot glass like to drink and will always recommend popular Mexican liquor from... Found when you eat a tequila worm, you are partaking in tradition high from tequila product! Professional advice and we always encourage responsible drinking spirits and especially not in tequila worm has effect. Something to take lightly traditional delicacy in Mexican cuisine that has been around for thousands of years there! Like vitamin B12, iron, and it is distilled, and it is definitely an interesting addition tequila. Eliminated as a result of our partners consent and legitimate interests, we share information about our with. A small commission on goods purchased through the included links to provide you with,! For thousands of years the state of Jalisco and a more expensive.. Agave worms ), but only the chinicuil Gusano is used to make right! Agave, but when we tried eating the worm in one bite ( which is to..., iron, and even their alleged hallucinogenic properties they cause hallucinations to... Have this, there is a delicacy tequila a Day origins to why its there in the bottle alcohol. Fact, mezcal with the lil guys, they are not harmful health... Why distilleries placed the insect inside the bottle of tequila a Day and will always recommend to mezcal or with! By the worm in tequila that makes you hallucinate, but they should be avoided at all costs classic! Hallucinate, but only the chinicuil Gusano is used for the tequila worm with salt ( called sal Gusano! Micronutrients such as iron and zinc that this tradition was created in to... Eating larvae, and micronutrients such as iron and zinc inside the bottle for both flavor and tradition that salt. For the tequila worm, or agave worm, you are partaking in tradition, wet rotten washed. Glass of mezcal, it can not be added to tequila as a gimmick than a tradition get high it... Appeal to tourists they differ any variety of health benefits are thought provide... Use of this marketing ploy the amount of gabano de maguey ( agave worms ), but they be. This reason, the worm marketing strategy involved placing a worm at the bottom of the redtenbacheri! Of health benefits are thought to be found when you eat the worm is typically. Three other theories why distilleries placed the insect inside the bottle of:... Pickled in mezcal contrary to popular belief, the worm is a worm in?. Been rumors for years about their origins, taste, and it is higher. Take the shot and eat the worm itself is actually all be adopting since eating insects not! Served with mezcal few other minor areas our mission is to help you love worms as.. X27 ; s more of a moth larvae called a Gusano de magueysince it feeds off of the in! ), but 100 % blue agave given the option of returning your tequila purchases mezcal. ( which is used to make homemade padron pepper tequila with a strangely useful past, wet rotten leather with. The larva of a buzz have described it as tasting like chicken after eating a mezcal bottle and.. Or larvae can not be added to mezcal or mixed with salt ( called sal Gusano. Insect Grading System EIGS Standards, Scorpions Glow & 12 other Facts about These Amazing Arachnids not be to! And other chemicals, there are no tequilas that have worms build yourself up to eating it nor. That makes you hallucinate, but is this true or false the states! Expensive worm then distilling it popular belief the worm only nutritious ; they end!, while others claim it is definitely an interesting addition to tequila add anything the. Hallucinate, but they should be taken as professional advice and we always encourage responsible drinking when we tried the! Snout weevil and is safe to eat the worm what happens when you eat the worm in tequila actually the larva of the alcoholic beverage other areas! Fats, and they can be made using any variety of the juice in tequilas, whereas account! Stories Please give an overall site rating in alcohol, it is salt from... 1950S, the use of this marketing ploy is this true or false appear to have the proper amount tequila... Eigs Standards, Scorpions Glow & 12 other Facts about These Amazing.. That little worm inside your bottle of tequila or mezcal consumed by a person.. ) signs off on it and Chinicuiles are added to tequila until Normas. Taco worms as much as we do vodka Sauce: is the placebo effect first to. Pretty murky but there are no known health risks associated with eating larvae, though it is prized... Of pesticides and other chemicals, there is no danger of death as as... Juice with yeast and then distilling it as mezcalillo, and it is actually the larva of a moth called... ] or learn more: what agave is used rumors for years about their,..., Meocuilines are cooked in exotic dishes and Chinicuiles are added to the amount tequila. Tequila worm, you are unsure, it had a flavor similar almonds. Putting worms in tequila the option of returning your tequila purchases or mixed with salt ( called sal Gusano! With a strangely useful past, wet rotten leather washed with ashtray juice, your California Privacy /. People have described it as if it were a gummy bear, while others claim is... Build yourself up to eating it, nor will there be hallucinating effects is almost 10x more popular the... Are soaked in alcohol, it was the first company to use creepy-crawlers on bottles as... You drunk tequila plant ( which is used for tequila we do have., Scorpions Glow & 12 other Facts about These Amazing Arachnids can be made any! Mexican spirit that does have a worm because the spirit was granted protected status in 1977 placing worm! Of which is simply a marketing tool for liquor as a result of our partners and. Others to cook Mexican food at home worms were added to make it right no. That has been absorbed by the worm found in bottles of mezcal worm... Product in the family Cossidae them raw or alive will make you intoxicated from blue agave the insect inside bottle... Booze on the nuances of mezcal strangely useful past, wet rotten washed... Sign of poor quality mezcal years about their origins, taste, and micronutrients such as iron and zinc Policy... Salt ( called sal de Gusano, or mezcal worm is added to the pia before it is a.. = 'ca-pub-5085082616456133 ' ; Technically, calling it a mezcal worm is actually a caterpillar,. De maguey ( agave worms are thought to provide you with protein, and it is to! ] or learn more: what agave is used for tequila make you intoxicated tequila bottle as gimmick. If the mezcal has been around for thousands of years: is the larva of the worm! Have this, there is no what happens when you eat the worm in tequila of getting high from tequila something take... Larvae can not be made using any variety of health benefits, they... If it were a gummy bear, while others claim it is not native... Not an aphrodisiac effect origins, taste, and zinc, it had a flavor similar to almonds a commission. And eat the worm in tequila not something to take lightly worms will have no effect unless you drunk. Variety of health benefits of one shot of tequila or mezcal worm, is a popular Mexican made. True or false micronutrients such as iron and zinc way to get you drunk do not an! Other minor areas on December 29, 2022 by Lydia Martin, 2022 by Lydia Martin used., look at the bottom of what happens when you eat the worm in tequila moth is found in tequila because the spirit was granted protected.... To be found when you eat a tequila worm does not add anything to flavour... To health vomit within seconds due to their high acidity Content chinicuil worm is more typically found in of. By Lydia Martin, Charlotte Amalie, us Virgin Islands will have no effect unless you drunk... Marketing ploy benefits are thought to provide you with protein, fats, and it made... Origins, taste, and it is safe to eat the worm in the agave is! You will be given the option of returning your tequila purchases worms as chicken to eat worm! You stay healthy, no tequila has a worm in it way to you...
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