In-depth
Tiger grass caterpillars sold as a delicacy
  • | danviet, dtinews.vn | December 19, 2018 07:24 AM
The caterpillar of the Brihaspa atrostigmella moth lives in the terminal leaf of the Tiger grass are being sought out as an expensive delicacy of the northwestern provinces.

The caterpillar is claimed to be tremendously beneficial for the kidney, liver and skin.

In Dien Bien Province, the most popular months to catch the Tiger grass worm is from November to February. It is generally found in Nam Po, Dien Bien Dong and Muong Ang districts. Dozens of local households flock to the forest during this time to search for the caterpillars for extra money.

Ho A Vu, a local in Ta Te Village, said, "I search for them every year and I had to go deep into the forest. Some days, I can find up to 2kg. It's like a gamble. Children and elderly people can't do this job since it requires stamina."

Vu said he had to wake up early, travelling for hours in the forest in order to find the best groups of Tiger grass.

Nguyen Thi Anh, a trader at Dien Bien Phu City, said, "We have to take the caterpillars out of the grass within 48 hours afterwards or else they'll die and lost quality. The caterpillars are cleaned by being soaked into light alcohol. Some people like to drink the spirit while some like them fried."

The caterpillars are mostly ordered as gifts. A kilo can be sold for VND800,000 (USD34) to VND1m.

Anh said she produced and shipped out over 20kg of caterpillars to various provinces and cities every day. Many tourists also buy them as gifts along with rice and buffalo meat.

Some photo of the caterpillars:

 

 

 

Tiger grass caterpillars soaked in wine

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