Coconut Grub, Bacon Without The Pig

A message from EatThePlanet.org: "We are happy you found us! We strive to be informative and accurate. Enjoy what you find here! Take a look at our new downloadable pdf eBook A Complete Guide To Foraging. We put a lot of work into this eBook and are very excited to share it with you." - Joe Forager(Owner)

Coconut Grubs in a bowl
Coconut Grubs in a bowl

Coconut Grub(Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) also called sago grub  is the larvae of the red palm weevil, also known as Asian palm weevil or sago palm weevil.  This beetle is present around the world with the larvae inhabiting a number of palm species.  They are still spreading worldwide and are considered a pest species for palm plantations.

Edibility and Culinary Use

The Coconut Grub is a delicacy in much of southeast Asia. They can be eaten raw or cooked.  It has a creamy texture when raw, but when cooked it is crunchy and tastes similar to bacon or pork rinds.  This is an insect with no acquired taste because it already tastes like something that is familiar to most people.

Health Benefits

One myth about insects is that they are not a substantial meal.  This couldn’t be farther from the truth when it comes to Coconut Grubs.  If there is one bug that people are meant to eat, this is it.  The Coconut grub is regarded as a very nutrient rich and substantial meal by many people worldwide.  It is commonly known that they are full of protein, just as much as beef, and farming them takes much less resources.

Red Palm Weevil Adult
Red Palm Weevil Adult (Photo By: Marco Petrotta / Wikimedia Commons)

Conclusion

The Coconut Grub is a delicious bug to try or include in your regular diet.  You can forage for it in tropical climates, but in temperate zones you will have to settle for ordering them online dried and seasoned.  This is the one edible insect I know of that should be the ambassador for entomophagy(the practice of eating bugs) because of its familiar,delicious taste and texture when cooked.

Read our Article on: Safe Foraging



Many of our readers find that subscribing to Eat The Planet is the best way to make sure they don't miss any of our valuable information about wild edibles.

Like our facebook page for additional articles and updates.

Follow us on Twitter @EatThePlanetOrg

See our privacy policy for more information about ads on this site

3 Responses

  1. Eating them raw is disgusting. However I would eat bowls of them if they were cooked. I ate cooked cricket and enjoyed it.

  2. I’ve eaten them raw and don’t even ask me about the entire experience. Try them sauteed in soy sauce and garlic. They’re also good substitute for popcorns, cook them like you cook popcorns. Deep frying them tastes good but it destroys most of its nutrients.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stellaria media – Chickweed

Chickweed (Stellaria media) is a common edible green that was brought here from Europe. Chickweed can be identified by its teardrop-shaped leaves that grow opposite

Read More »