Missy, who offered up the triops as a depression buster (which has garned some interesting comments), has also suggested the pillbug for our contest Pest or Dinner?. She points out that they are also crustaceans which tend to be rich in the depression-fighting Omega-3 fatty acid.
Taking advantage of our new "Ask Mom" feature, I asked my mom for a pill bug recipe. She has obliged:
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Hmmm, they are very small, but that doesn't mean they have no food value.
Back in the 70's people were buying red worms for their compost boxes, partly for the compost, partly because the worms were considered highly nutritious. I don't know if any of those highly nutritious worms got consumed, or how they got consumed. Most of them made a run for it to the local forests.
Back to the pill bugs! Unlike the red worms, they are not making an attempt to run anywhere. My gardens have always been well-populated with them. So, if the little darlings are on the depression-buster list, I recommend this:
Pillbug Toppers
1. Track them down and wash them off in a wire mesh strainer.
2. Figure out some way for them to dry off without running all over your kitchen. You don't want to have to round them up a second time.
3. After they are dry, put them in a bowl and coat them with a mixture of sesame oil and teriyaki sauce. I don't think the little bugs are going to like this, but it's all about flavor.
4. Take the ones that have not escaped and spread them on an ungreased cookie sheet.
5. Bake at 375 degrees for about 10 minutes, maybe 15. (You may have to sweep some of them up off the bottom of the oven)
6. Check for crispness.
7. Use your crispy critters as salad topping, garnish in an assortment of scenarios. Use my salad dressing tips as well.
8. If you don't breathe a word to anyone about what you are serving, you just might get away with it.
BON APPETITE!
PS: This has made me wonder about those cultures that serve chocolate-covered beetles and the like. How do they get those bugs to stand still while they get covered in chocolate? The answer to this question would greatly simplify the pill bug recipe, which I think has potential.
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That's a good question, Mom. How exactly do the manage the insects, especially if the recipe calls for them "whole"?
They certainly are pests, but there doesn't seem to be a nutrient profile of the pillbug on the internet. Does anyone happen to have one?
And while looking for pillbug information, I found a site with great insect pictures. Check out What's That Bug?
Comments (5)
It looks like this is a must-read book for this contest:
David George's Eat-A-Bug
Posted by Amanda Rose | March 9, 2007 4:06 PM
Posted on March 9, 2007 16:06
Now I hate to be contrary, especially since I suggested the pillbug in the first place, but I'm having doubts as to whether it's an actual pest or not. From what I understand, pill bugs help to break down dead and decaying plant matter, so I would have to say that they are actually beneficial, however I have also read that they actually eat living plants as well.
BTW, I totally love that recipe. I think it's my favorite way to serve pill bugs!
Missy
Posted by Missy | March 9, 2007 7:01 PM
Posted on March 9, 2007 19:01
Hi Missy. They do have their place, but just like the squirrel, there can be far too much of a good thing.
Report back to us after you try the recipe. :)
Amanda
Posted by Amanda Rose | March 9, 2007 7:54 PM
Posted on March 9, 2007 19:54
In regards to the problem of pill bugs escaping at various stages of preparation, why not freeze them after the initial washing and drying? They would then hold still for the coating of oil and teriyaki sauce.
Posted by Kevin | May 22, 2007 8:53 PM
Posted on May 22, 2007 20:53
Kevin,
You must be a bug gourmet or at least have good bug-eating intuition. I met David George Gordon this weekend and it appears that the freezer is his preferred method of preparing the critters for the teriyaki. :)
Amanda
Posted by Amanda Rose | May 22, 2007 9:02 PM
Posted on May 22, 2007 21:02