During a post-dim sum exploration of Hong Kong supermarket yesterday, I noticed these disturbing bottles of "Water Giant Bug Essence." Ecccchhhh... WHY?!I have a serious issue with insects. I'm up for eating most things, but can't stomach the bugs. I couldn't even read the Wikipedia page I found after an Internet search because of the photographs on it. But I did find a couple of more benign pages with a little info--apparently the essence of these bugs is used in certain Thai, Vietnamese, and Laotian dishes. I really, really hope nobody EVER tells me that something I'm eating contains this stuff...I think I'd freak.
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3 comments:
If you had dim sum in Hong Kong, then you've already eaten these bugs. They're an absolute necessity in authentic har gow (虾饺) and the essence is a must in fried rice.
Instead of wasting money on store bought essence, make your own. Obtain 24 adult male bugs. Take one out and tie its head to a spoon with a thread so that it won't run away. Gently stroke the body as you blow on its wing. Soon its head will bend back and a milking fluid will leak from the rear. Quickly squeeze the bug until no more fluid drips. Scoop up with a spoon and store in a bottle.
If the head hasn't come off and you didn't squeeze it to death, save the bug for future milking. If you killed it, then you can eat it fresh right now or have it stir fried. Put the head on you nose for good luck.
You can use the essence in sauces, tea, bajunaba, coffee, etc. You might also want to try the Japanese bug, which is 6" (15 cm) long and eats frogs and snakes. The bite is poisonous though.
If you had dim sum in Hong Kong, then you've already eaten these bugs. They're an absolute necessity in authentic har gow (虾饺) and the essence is a must in fried rice.
Instead of wasting money on store bought essence, make your own. Obtain 24 adult male bugs. Take one out and tie its head to a spoon with a thread so that it won't run away. Gently stroke the body as you blow on its wing. Soon its head will bend back and a milking fluid will leak from the rear. Quickly squeeze the bug until no more fluid drips. Scoop up with a spoon and store in a bottle.
If the head hasn't come off and you didn't squeeze it to death, save the bug for future milking. If you killed it, then you can eat it fresh right now or have it stir fried. Put the head on you nose for good luck.
You can use the essence in sauces, tea, bajunaba, coffee, etc. You might also want to try the Japanese bug, which is 6" (15 cm) long and eats frogs and snakes. The bite is poisonous though.
Ah yes, they are next to the artificial sweeteners. I've been tempted to pick up a bottle whenever I'm there for my sushi fix. It would be interesting to compare the bottled essence to my freshly milked stuff.
HK supermarket is a great place to cruise for dates. The corner tofu area is wonderful if you like short women, the canned fruit section if you like tell men, and instant coffee section if you're gay. Something about the white coffee. I love the new open layout of the store with all the fresh fruit. I do miss the mini cake machines that used to be at the door.
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