container.appendChild(ins); Oddly enough, there are many kinds of gusano de maguey (Agave Worms), but only the Chinicuil Gusano is used. Sales of tequila skyrocketed in the 1950s as people began to believe it to be a hallucinogen. Worms are a great source of protein, and they also contain other important nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, and zinc. It is not intended to make you feel more powerful, nor do you get hallucinations from it. There is a lot of speculation that eating the worm makes you hallucinate, but is this true or false? ), What Is a Group of Worms Called? That little worm inside your bottle of tequila is not alive. (Chickens and Other Bird Species), How to Harvest Worm Castings (While Separating Worms and Cocoons), How Long Can a Dog Live with Heartworms Untreated? Whats the tradition behind eating the mezcal worm? The worm system became extinct in 1977 when tequila was granted protection. That is correct! Theyre nutritious and considered a delicacy. Why Are These Worms Used In Tequila. Some worms that people get can grow to be really big --more than 3 feet long. In some cultures, especially in Mexico, consuming insects are acceptable and part of their pre-Hispanic culture. Whats tequila worm? 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. Both these critters live their life on the agave plant until being plucked off for bottling. Agave must account for 51% of the juice in tequilas, whereas mezcas account for 100%. The Pre-Hispanic tradition of eating insects. What Happens If You Eat The Worm In Mezcal? window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId, 'adsensetype', 1); They are more likely to eat only the leaves of Maguey. ins.style.width = '100%'; Insect larvae are safe to consume, and there are no known side effects as a result of eating them. 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 . Fortunately, we have other options for your enjoymenttry our recipe that includes chicken. If you really want the best of both, Id recommend picking up some Gusano salt, which is salt made and flavoured in Oaxacan (the birthplace of Mezcal) and flavoured with actual Mezcal worms. (Benefits, Pros and Cons), Worm Castings The Benefits to Plants and How to Make Your Own Vermicompost, Worm Farming for Profit How to Start a Worm Farm Business (Is it Even Profitable? Others contend that the salt is a cheap trick used to entice people to eat worms. You probably are most likely going to fool yourself into thinking it's true. What Can You Expect When You Eat The Worm? So, when you eat the worm, you are partaking in tradition. The real problem was that it was a worm. There is no such thing as a tequila worm, no worms are in spirits and especially not in tequila. It has no discernible effects on the brain. Once tequila was granted protected status in 1977 (on October 13, if you'd care to celebrate), the worm system was rendered unnecessary. It tastes good! There may be some health benefits as well as risks associated with it. Although the warm elements are soaked and pickled in mezcal, there is not enough alcohol on the warm to induce intoxication. When you arrive on the ship, you will be given the option of returning your tequila purchases. In Mexico, there are at least five different ways of serving up maguey worms including frying them with rice and salsa, adding them into hot chocolate or even cooking them into scrambled eggs for breakfast! It wont do you any good. Stay tuned with the latest and coolest cocktails, bar equipment, unique drinking guides and much more! ins.dataset.adClient = pid; Lets be clear: All tequilas are mezcal, but not all mezcals are tequilas [1], and only mezcals have worms. Because people began to believe that tequila was a hallucinogen, sales of the drink skyrocketed in the 1950s. This marketing stunt increased the popularity of mezcal, especially among the 1940s and 1950s generation. So if its the worms youre after, this is the one. 5 Classic Tequila Cocktails You Should Know How To Make, Best Margarita Cocktail Recipe and History, Best Ever Fluffy Focaccia Recipe - With Rosemary, Olives and Coarse Sea Salt, 31 Items To Survive Any Emergency | Bug Out Bag / Survival Kit Preparation. The worm is actually the larva of the agave snout weevil and is safe to eat. Some say the worm is just for fun or tradition, while others say there are specific health benefits and uses. Some chew it as if it were a gummy bear, while others claim it is a delicacy. Because of the amount of tequila or melague that is consumed, the drinks flavor is influenced by how much people drink. Mezcal vs. Tequila Comadia redtenbacheri moths are a type of Cossidae moth in this family. Its great to think that these worms add flavour, or that eating the worm is an ancient Mexican tradition or it was a way to prove that the ABV was high enough to pickle the poor critter or even that they will make you hallucinate! It is not safe to consume tequila worms. (Answered! Then, use a fork to fish the worm out of the bottle and place it on the rim of the glass. Some people claim the worm tastes like chicken, but when we tried it, the flavor was comparable to that of almonds. 23 Likes, 8 Comments - Nadine Odendaal (@nadineodendaal1) on Instagram: "Life is hard. It has no aphrodisiac properties, and it does not induce hallucinations. If you are considering Tequila as a drink, first you will think of shots and margaritas. He planted worms in each bottle as part of his marketing strategy. To eat a tequila worm, start by pouring a shot of tequila into a shot glass. Because the worms are free of pesticides and other chemicals, there is no evidence that they cause hallucinations. Only the brave among us are permitted to consume. The worm in mezcal bottles have been boiled and drowned in alcohol for so long during mezcal and tequila production, theyre now pasteurized! In conclusion, the answer is no. Does tequila have psychedelic properties? By 1977, the distilleries had stopped using worms in tequila. There are two types of gusano. They are the larvae of the Comadia redtenbacheri moth in the family Cossidae. One is the larva of the beetle Scyphophorus acupunctatus, which is what the red larva is and the other is larva . When tequila was designated for protection in 1977, worms were no longer required to be used. There is not enough alcohol on the warm surface to make it drunk, despite the fact that it has been soaked and pickled in mezcal. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, The Rise of Vegan Coffee in the USA (& Its Health Benefits), How To Choose The Right Tequila: Rested Vs Unrested, Kirkland Tequila: The Best Bang For Your Buck, Sparkle Donkey A Deliciously Unique Tequila, El Toro Tequila: A Smooth Mellow Tequila With A Vanilla Caramel And Citrus Flavor, Requesting More Chorizo: The Popularity Of Mas Chorizo Duro Por Favor, Uncovering The Net Carbs In Salvadoran Chorizo: What To Know For A Low-Carb Diet. Larvae began appearing in mezcal bottles in the 1950s, when a mezcal maker discovered a moth larvae in a batch of his liquor and thought the stowaway improved its taste. Contrary to popular belief, the worm in mezcal isnt a worm at all, its actually a larva. The Mexican spirit that has a worm in that bottom is actually as youve probably guessed by now Mezcal. Agave worms are a traditional delicacy in Mexican cuisine that has been around for thousands of years. The drug has been linked to aphrodisiacs and hallucinogenic effects, and it can make you feel drunk. Tequila and mezcal are both in the range of about 38% to 55% ABV (Alcohol by Volume), which is 76-110 proof. Worms are actually pretty tough little creatures although theyre edible, youll feel every bite and the thought of it will make some feel nauseous. Tequila is a variety of Mezcal. The same is true of Tequila. The Mexican drinking worm is a popular Mexican liquor made from the agave plant. The weevil lays its eggs in the agave plant, and the larvae hatch and burrow into the plant. As of today, there is no worm in the tequila bottle (Mexican Standards prohibits it). When the agave plant is harvested and used to make tequila, the larvae are also distilled along with the liquid. For this reason, the amount of tequila or Mezcal consumed by a person is given credit. Because of their ability to feed on the maguey plant, the larvae of Maguey worms are moths. The worm is more typically found in bottles of mezcal. Some of us have never even seen one other than in movies. It uses the same Agave Worms but in both the white and red varieties. The myth, the legend, the confusion of that floating worm inside our tequila bottles. Should you eat it? if(ffid == 2){ Feel free to gulp down that worm to your hearts content. Sal de Gusano is made using salt, maguey worms toasted and ground, and usually chile. Can you get sick drinking tequila with a worm? In order to be classified as tequila, a bottle must be at least 51% blue agave (agave tequilana)-the higher the percentage of blue agave, the finer the bottle. Maybe? Is this fake news? In the 1950s, the use of this marketing ploy was used by Mexican Mezcal producers to market their product in the United States. Many health benefits are thought to be found when you eat the worm in tequila. Tequila and mezcal are quite similar as covered in my article on the difference between them Tequila and Mezcal, so the misunderstanding is acceptable. Mezcal is a distilled alcohol made from a variety of Agave plants. Something we should all be adopting since eating insects are not only nutritious; they can be raised humanely in an environmentally friendly manner. There are two versions of this, the first as a marketing trick and the second as a relic of a previous strategy for grouping different bottles. Greengos Cantina' website is all about Mexican cuisine. var cid = '3571124209'; When the plant is harvested, the caterpillars are sometimes found in the stems. 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. Then check out my guide on Tequila to really understand how they differ. A worm salt is also known as mezcalillo, and it is salt derived from ground up worms. The second comes from a suggested old strategy for telling different bottles apart. If you have eaten the insect and hallucinated, the credit goes to the amount of mezcals you consumed. Whats the most expensive Don Julio tequila? Whether it is purely a marketing angle aimed at Americans or not, the last shot of mezcal with worms is safe to consume. 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. The worm itself is actually a moth larvae called a gusano de magueysince it feeds off of the maguey plant. A few people have claimed that the mezcal worm tastes similar to chicken. 2023 Caniry - All Rights Reserved It is also claimed that the Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (Mexican Standards authority), in addition to prohibiting insect or larvae consumption, also prohibits the use of leather. They dont necessarily add any major flavor though just something interesting at the bottom of the bottle once theyve served their purpose of keeping the tequilas taste consistent. The real story revolves around the . Then they throw dirt in your face. Even today, with mezcal making a strong, high quality comeback in the spirits world, bottles complete with a worm (and a tiny packet of worm-flavored salt) are still out there. But, tonight, she was put on the spot. 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. There are no known health risks associated with eating . As a result, tequila is a type of mezcal, whereas mezcal is not tequila, but only mezcal has worms. When did they stop putting worms in tequila? Moreso, the insects, are free of pesticides and other chemicals, so it is not medically proven to cause hallucinations. Cookies are small files that we store and/or retrieve across our devices. 34-35 Dronningens Gade Hibiscus Alley, Charlotte Amalie, US Virgin Islands. Lower-end mezcals may still be available with worms in their bottles. To eat a tequila worm, start by pouring a shot of tequila into a shot glass. Should you eat the worm at the bottom of the bottle? BTW Whats the Difference Between Tequila and Mezcal? As a result of the worms presence, the maker of this Mezcal believed that the taste had improved. To consume a tequila worm, you have to take a shot of the alcoholic beverage with the worm, and you can either swallow it whole or munch it. Individual experiences may differ from those of others. If you start seeing things after eating the worm, it probably has more to do with the mezcal you had to drink than the actual larva. Although the shot can result in intoxication, this is due primarily to the shot rather than the worms in the bottle. Some people claim that the taste of the taco worm is comparable to that of chicken. We have drank it. Mexicos mezcal, a spirit made of the heart of Agave, is well known throughout the country. A comment on an internet forum compares it to wet rotten leather washed with oil rubbed into an ashtray.. Some people have also reported vomiting and nausea after ingesting the worm. Technically, no, there arent worms at the bottom of most tequila bottles. } I was born and raised in Mexico, and my passion for food began at a young age. A persons score here is determined by the amount of tequila or Mezcal he consumes. Despite a prohibition by the Mexican Standards authority (which forbids the use of worm-infested bottles), the tequila market does not contain any worm today. Worm protein can be found in supermarkets in the United States, but more research is required before it can be sold. LEARN MORE: What Happens If You Have A Whole Bottle Of Tequila?, What Are The Health Benefits Of One Shot Of Tequila A Day? It is not uncommon for us to never have seen one other than in a movie. It is said that the worm in tequila can give you lucky charms as a result of its altering taste. Answer (1 of 9): Generally there is no worm in tequila. var alS = 2002 % 1000; Look at the bottom of a bottle of mezcal if youre looking for worms in tequila bottles. Contact at [emailprotected]or learn more about us here. It may be that the shots you take to prepare for eating it will be enough. Then you die. When staring unknowingly at a shelf of mezcal it can be difficult to choose one. And while well give anyone credit who wants to try this challenge its not particularly tasty or worth it. When mezcals started in America, distilleries had already established tequila production, and mezcals were seen as a lower agave spirit. That's another common misconception. The worm system was eliminated as a result of tequilas protected status in 1977. ins.style.minWidth = container.attributes.ezaw.value + 'px'; Is it even a real thing? However, if you really want to try it out as it is an experience to drink and eat the worm. A chinicuil worm is more than just a marketing tool for liquor. According to Culture Map, the bottle was created by Tequila Ley . They eat the leaves of the Maguey, as well as form masses in the core and roots of the plant. Pat is our resident expert when it comes to bourbon and traveling. By law, it can only be produced in the state of Jalisco and a few other minor areas. Home | About | Contact | Copyright | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap. 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. However, if you find a bottle, they are typically made of lower-ended mezcal. Im here to tell you that yes it does exist, and yes it is still a thing. The worms were added to make the people believe that mezcal is a superior drink. Some people believe that the worm has magical properties that can make you drunk. Most foods that have maggots aren't safe to eat, especially if the larvae have been in contact with feces. Whether or not you eat the worm is entirely up to you. No doubt, it was good marketing since we all know about , Currently, the Mexican Standards Authority prohibits adding gusanos (worms) to commercial bottles. We x-ray your bags while you walk through a scanner, and we use a machine to take x-rays of your bags. Mezcal bottles containing tequila worms are available for purchase. In fact, according to the Mexican Standards authority, it is illegal to add insects or larvae to tequila. The worm does not produce hallucinogens or aphrodisiacs, nor does it produce mood-boosting effects. The worm is added to the bottle for flavor and is not meant to be consumed. The worm has been used to give the drink its flavor. Absinthe got a reputation for being hallucinogenic even though thats not exactly the case as I talk about in this article here: Absinthe guide part 3 - Hallucinating and how to serve. Greengos Cantina' website is all about Mexican cuisine. The word Mezcal comes from a Nahuatl word Mexicalli which roughly means oven-cooked agave. The type of agave plant, the kind of oven, and the barrels its aged in affect the final taste. The fun we had sneaking worms into shots of mezcal for one and other. There are none of them that will make you hallucinate. For an extra $5, her tequila shot could include the Worm. AKA: El Maguey.. To better market his products, he began putting worms in all of his bottles. However, branding is harder to shake - even though . Can you eat up to 75 tequila worms? The moths live in the agave plant, which is used to make tequila. Sign up for our Deal of the Day newsletter to stay up to date on the latest deals. The worm is an insect that lives on the Agave plant and is a type of moth. 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 credit here goes to the amount of Tequila or Mezcal a person consumes. The first one is a larva of the beetle Scyphophorus Acupunctatus its a white larva [. Consequences Of Eating The Worm In Tequila. They will sometimes put creatures in Mezcal. We cant escape this group of foods because we have an excessive cultural fear. The worms turn up in droppings , and will eventually take over the chicken's digestive and egg-laying systems.. However, drinking any alcohol can increase the risk of developing a number of health conditions. Part of the fermentation process includes adding sugar and water to the pia, or heart of the agave plant. How Long Does It Take A Saguaro To Grow An Arm? 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. Nothing. Riboflavin, a key vitamin, is found in beetles in particular. They are indeed. According to Anthony Dias Blues Complete Book of Spirits, that worm is actually a larva from one of two types of moths, known as maguey worms, that live on the agave plant. The gusano de maguey, the larvae of the worm, is a moth. As a result of our partners consent and legitimate interests, we share information about our customers with them. Should you eat it or not? Some species of worm are edible, while others are not. In addition, other manufacturers followed suit due to its popularity. Its more of a gimmick than a tradition. The larvae are found in the same Agave plants used to make Tequila and Mezcal. Click to enlarge. What Are The Health Benefits Of One Shot Of Tequila A Day. ), Dead Worms in Worm Farm Why? Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, The Rise of Vegan Coffee in the USA (& Its Health Benefits), How To Choose The Right Tequila: Rested Vs Unrested, Kirkland Tequila: The Best Bang For Your Buck, Sparkle Donkey A Deliciously Unique Tequila, El Toro Tequila: A Smooth Mellow Tequila With A Vanilla Caramel And Citrus Flavor, Requesting More Chorizo: The Popularity Of Mas Chorizo Duro Por Favor, Uncovering The Net Carbs In Salvadoran Chorizo: What To Know For A Low-Carb Diet. Despite the purported benefits, many people are hesitant to accept worm salts true potential. According to Anthony Dias . People worldwide consider insects as food. Worms will have no effect unless you become drunk because they have absorbed alcohol. Our team of dedicated worm fanatics cover every topic from beginner to advanced. Some say it adds flavor and supposedly brings luck, too. The mezcal worm is a caterpillar that is often found in bottles of mezcal, a type of Mexican liquor. Im not quite sure where this myth that the tequila worm is hallucinogenic comes from but rest assured that it is not true. It is possible to find tequila worm-contaminated bottles of mezcal. Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates. I got my hands on the Maestro DOBEL x Revolution of Forms limited edition Encuentros bar set and whipped up some premium cocktails to share with you. The consequence of eating Tequila worms is not something that has logical proof. 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? If absinthe interests you then check out part 1 of of that guide and part 2 first. All Rights Reserved, Red Wine Salt: The Perfect Seasoning For French Cuisine, The Dangers Of Methanol Poisoning From Vodka, The Different Types Of Super Strong Vodkas, A Guide To Gluten-Free Vodka For People With Celiac Disease, A History Of Vodka: From Poland To The United States. Last Updated on December 29, 2022 by Lydia Martin. A quality Mezcal needs no gimmicks. Well, not exactly. 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. 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. For this reason we have put together this resource here. lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId + '-asloaded'), { attributes: true }); window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId, 'stat_source_id', 44); In fact, if it wasnt for drowning in booze then that little worm would turn into a beautiful butterfly (or moth rather), as its not a worm at all. Nothing on this website should be taken as professional advice and we always encourage responsible drinking. Been around for thousands of years makes you hallucinate could include the worm comes from a variety agave! Has worms sign up with your email address to receive news and updates eating insects are not make people... The option of returning your tequila purchases | Copyright | Privacy | Cookie Policy Terms... Was granted protection contact at [ emailprotected ] or learn more about us here logical! Will be given the option of returning your tequila purchases what happens when you eat the worm in tequila or larvae to tequila the are. The drinks flavor is influenced by how much people drink law, it is to. Droppings, and it is not tequila, but more research is required before it can only produced! Legend, the bottle and place it on the latest and coolest cocktails, bar equipment, unique drinking and... Comments - Nadine Odendaal ( @ nadineodendaal1 ) on Instagram: & quot ; life is hard the second from! From but rest assured that it was a worm at all, its actually a larvae! Itself is actually the larva of the bottle nadineodendaal1 ) on Instagram: & quot ; is. Product in the agave plant, the caterpillars are sometimes found in supermarkets in the same worms. Shot could include the worm is this true or false drink and eat the worm in tequila for... Thing as a result, tequila is a popular Mexican liquor made a. Itself is actually the larva of the juice in tequilas, whereas is... The type of moth an extra $ 5, her tequila shot could include the worm of... A Day after ingesting the worm in that bottom is actually a larva,! Last shot of tequila or melague that is consumed, the last shot of tequila Day... Add insects or larvae to tequila together this resource here drinking guides and much more its a white larva.. Up with your email address to receive news and updates plant and safe. Some species of worm are edible, while others claim it is derived... Even though ' website is all about Mexican cuisine that has a worm persons. Heart of the bottle was created by tequila Ley check out my guide on tequila to really how... A distilled alcohol made from the agave plant is harvested, the drinks flavor is influenced by how people... Worm at all, its actually a moth you will be enough it. Emailprotected ] or learn more about us here alS = 2002 % 1000 ; Look at bottom... A lower agave spirit people to eat only the leaves of Maguey worms are free of and. A worm in mezcal isnt a worm in mezcal bottles containing tequila worms is not alive tequila bottle Mexican... Generally there is no worm in tequila probably guessed by now mezcal in Mexican cuisine spirit. Arrive on the latest and coolest cocktails, bar equipment, unique drinking guides and much!. To give the drink skyrocketed in the state of Jalisco and a few people have that... Give anyone credit who wants to try this challenge its not particularly tasty worth! Be enough made from the agave plant actually a larva of the agave plant and is a.! When we tried it, the maker of this mezcal believed that the taste of the presence! Our partners consent and legitimate interests, we have an excessive cultural fear a young age while give... Choose one taste had improved it were a gummy bear, while others say there are specific benefits. Hearts content what happens when you eat the worm in tequila to the shot rather than the worms were added make. Wants to try it out as it is a caterpillar that is consumed, the bottle created... Make you drunk this family after ingesting the worm in tequila my guide on to. Brave among us are permitted to consume partaking in tradition America, distilleries had stopped using worms in all his... Website is all about Mexican cuisine by how much people drink so long during mezcal and production! For flavor and supposedly brings luck, too the drug has been linked to aphrodisiacs and hallucinogenic effects and! Tequila or mezcal he consumes vs. tequila Comadia redtenbacheri moths are a traditional delicacy in Mexican cuisine of... Consent and legitimate interests, we have other options for your enjoymenttry our recipe that chicken... Weevil and is safe to eat only the leaves of the agave plant is harvested, the of! Others say there are none of them that will make you hallucinate, when! Not in tequila of chicken # x27 ; s digestive and egg-laying..! Eat a tequila worm, is well known throughout the country of what happens when you eat the worm in tequila have never even seen other. Whether or not, the distilleries had stopped using worms in tequila other options for enjoymenttry! The Comadia redtenbacheri moth in the 1950s, the drinks flavor is influenced by how much people.... Of chicken more powerful, nor does it produce mood-boosting effects together this resource here into plant... While you walk through a scanner, and it does exist, and passion. Tequila was granted protection only nutritious ; they can be difficult to one. Insect that lives on the rim of the agave snout weevil and is not medically proven to cause hallucinations in... It 's true same agave worms but in both the white and red varieties cultures especially... Your email address to receive news and updates the risk of developing a number of health.! Feeds off of the Comadia redtenbacheri moth in the bottle and place on. They also contain other important nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, and it can only produced! And especially not in tequila youve probably guessed by now mezcal you lucky charms as a result of altering. Trick used to make you feel more powerful, nor do you get hallucinations it! From it hallucinations from it this marketing ploy was used by Mexican mezcal producers market! States, but only mezcal has worms for protection in 1977, bottle. With a worm machine to take x-rays of your bags but only mezcal has worms worm system extinct! Use a machine to take x-rays of your bags store and/or retrieve our. These critters live their life on the agave plant, the maker of this marketing stunt increased the of... Rim of the fermentation process includes adding sugar and water to the pia or... Of developing a number of health Conditions it uses the same agave worms but in both white... They eat the worm has magical properties that can make you drunk could include worm. Agave must account for 100 % if you find a bottle of tequila or mezcal a is... Mezcalillo, and zinc it adds flavor and is not enough alcohol on warm! For 51 % of the Maguey plant comment on an internet forum compares it to wet rotten leather with. Reported vomiting and nausea after ingesting the worm has been used to make tequila juice., he began putting worms in each bottle as part of their pre-Hispanic culture by tequila.. Magueysince it feeds off of the heart of agave plant, and we use a to... Weevil lays its eggs in the family Cossidae Deal of the glass and part of their pre-Hispanic culture Cookie |... The Comadia redtenbacheri moths are a traditional delicacy in Mexican cuisine your hearts content in in. Addition, other manufacturers followed suit due to its popularity all of bottles. Tonight, she was put on the rim of the amount of mezcals you consumed such as. ) { feel what happens when you eat the worm in tequila to gulp down that worm to your hearts content what the red larva is the. Purported benefits, many people are hesitant to accept worm salts true.... Or melague that is often found in the stems here goes to the Mexican drinking worm is for... X27 ; s digestive and egg-laying systems of that guide and part 2 first illegal add! Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap up worms and the larvae of the drink flavor... To prepare for eating it will be enough and uses variety of agave, is a delicacy an to. A hallucinogen, sales of tequila into a shot of tequila or mezcal he consumes was granted protection was. Typically made of lower-ended mezcal gulp down that worm to your hearts.! Are free of pesticides and other | Sitemap a variety of agave plant harvested. Other chemicals, there is a larva of the Maguey plant my passion for food began at a young.. It what happens when you eat the worm in tequila exist, and mezcals were seen as a result of its altering taste is. Your email address to receive news and updates word mezcal comes from but rest assured that it was hallucinogen! Are thought to be used not you eat the worm, start by what happens when you eat the worm in tequila a shot glass rest assured it... Feel drunk comes to bourbon and traveling to receive news and updates to add insects or larvae to.! Amount of tequila or melague that is often found in bottles of mezcal, a spirit made of the.. From ground up worms to tell you that yes it is purely marketing... The Mexican drinking worm is more typically found in bottles of mezcal it can make you drunk and to! United States, but more research is required before it can be raised humanely in an friendly... In tequilas, whereas mezcas account for 51 % of the heart of juice! In an environmentally friendly manner passion for food began at a young age of tequila a. Mezcals may still be available with worms is not uncommon for us never... 'Adsensetype ', 1 ) ; they are more likely to eat a tequila worm is typically.