Now, the million-dollar question is can you eat the tequila worm? Some bottles of La Penca contain two worms inside. The drug has been linked to aphrodisiacs and hallucinogenic effects, and it can make you feel drunk. The worm is actually the larva of the agave snout weevil and is safe to eat. A Mexican Mezcal maker discovered a moth larvae in a batch of the beverage in the 1950s, and the worm has since spread to other parts of the world. Eating the worm can help you stay healthy and strong, and it may even help improve your digestion. Meanwhile, its said the Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (the Mexican Standards authority) actually prohibits adding insects or larvae to tequila. It has become more of a cool marketing ploy. 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. Some people describe the taste of taco worms as chicken. It has notes of chocolate and vanilla, light spice, and sweetness with a minimal burn. What Happens If You Have A Whole Bottle Of Tequila? Some great Mezcals are made with the worm in the bottle, but most aren't. And, no, the worm doesn't have any hallucinogenic effects. What does eating the worm in tequila do? Worms are sometimes added to the pia before it is distilled, and they can end up in the tequila bottle. I was born and raised in Mexico, and my passion for food began at a young age. Mezcal with the worm, as they say, is all a marketing ploy, but there are many better mezcals without the worm. When tequila is produced, agave plants are fermented and distilled to create the clear liquor. Read my full guide on Mezcal here to see how its made and more about the spirit with the worm. Origins to why its there in the first place are pretty murky but there are two stories that make sense. Finally, take the shot and eat the worm in one bite. This marketing stunt increased the popularity of mezcal, especially among the 1940s and 1950s generation. The worm in mezcal bottles have been boiled and drowned in alcohol for so long during mezcal and tequila production, theyre now pasteurized! And while well give anyone credit who wants to try this challenge its not particularly tasty or worth it. The owner of this mezcal business found that it actually tasted better with the worm in it. Because the worms are free of pesticides and other chemicals, there is no evidence that they cause hallucinations. It is made by fermenting the agave juice with yeast and then distilling it. As a result of these technologies, we and our partners can process non-sensitive data such as IP addresses, unique IDs, and browser information. Is the worm in tequila hallucinogenic? Want to know more about Tequila worms and why are they used? The gusanos de oro, or gold worms (also known as white worms) are the caterpillars of Aegiale hesperiaris. So if its the worms youre after, this is the one. Its commonly sprinkled on an orange slice and served with Mezcal. The worm is more typically found in bottles of mezcal. And, that tradition is not a tradition at all. 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! They are the larvae of the Comadia redtenbacheri moth in the family Cossidae. Mezcal vs. Tequila Many health benefits are thought to be found when you eat the worm in tequila. Another common misconception is that. Some believe that when the worm is ingested, it can cause hallucinations. 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? But most people who eat the worm, pretty much drink it down in one go so they never get to feel the crunch of the mezcal worm. What happens when you eat the maguey worm? 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. Following in the tradition of so many college kids before her, she took the shot and swallowed the worm in one gulp. Agave plants, which are used to make tequila and Mezcal, are used to grow these larvae. Because the worms are not contaminated with pesticides or other chemicals, there is no medical evidence to support hallucinations caused by them. It is most likely the result of amisunderstanding about the term Mezcal, which some people believed came from the term Mescaline, which is a hallucinogenic alkaloid found in Peyote. In the film Poltergeist II, it played a silent role, assisting the plot in the development of a key possession. If you take a shot with the worm, you can become drunk, but this is due to the shot rather than the worms in the bottle. Some people have also reported vomiting and nausea after ingesting the worm. If you take a shot with the worm, you can get intoxicated, but that is because of the shot and not the worms from the bottle. var ins = document.createElement('ins'); It is not a traditional part of tequila production, and most high-quality brands do not include worms in their bottles. An unidentified Mexican mezcal maker discovered a moth larva in a batch of mezcal during the 1950s, and that was the start of the worm legend. Agave, the same plant as tequila, is used to make both types of alcohol. worm in tequila isnt really in the beverage as is commonly believed. The mezcal worm is a caterpillar that is often found in bottles of mezcal, a type of Mexican liquor. Meaning by the time you had the worm you were just about drunk enough to think you were hallucinating. The worm is an insect that lives on the Agave plant and is a type of moth. Solved (2023 Updated), Angels Envy Bourbon Bottle Review (2023 Edition), How To Open A Tequila Bottle: Full Guide (2023 Updated), 7 Best Whiskeys For A Toothache (2023 Updated), Don Julio Primavera Tequila Review & Tasting Notes (2023). Edible Insect Grading System EIGS Standards, Scorpions Glow & 12 Other Facts About These Amazing Arachnids. When these larvae are found in the bottles of mezcal with the lil guys, they are referred to as con gusano. You may find that taking the shots you take to prepare yourself for eating it yields results. In spite of the fact that it is commonly referred to as the tequila worm, the worm can only be discovered in the bottom of a bottle of mezcal, which is a type of tequila made by distilling blue agave and other related . Home | About | Contact | Copyright | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap. Theyre nutritious and considered a delicacy. But what happens when you eat this worm served in Tequila? So, why is there a worm in mezcal? There is a lot of speculation that eating the worm makes you hallucinate, but is this true or false? Mexicos mezcal, a spirit made of the heart of Agave, is well known throughout the country. There have been rumors for years about their origins, taste, and even their alleged hallucinogenic properties. Only those who are daring can drink. 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. This is a common question but theres little scientific evidence backing up this possibility. Its best to leave this dare to the professionals. All three of those are the Mezcals I love to drink and will always recommend. The fibers in them are high in nutrients and are regarded as delicacies. Some say that it is a natural way to filter the tequila, while others believe that it is a way to add flavor to the drink. They are indeed. Gringos often mistake them for spiced peanuts. The answer is no, the worm in tequila cannot get you drunk. Some houseflies use animal and human feces as breeding sites. They dont necessarily taste disgusting, it's more the thought of what it is that gets people. It seems no one knows. This marketing gimmick made people drink more mezcal, especially in the 1940s and 1950s. This is a question that has been asked by many people who enjoy drinking tequila. There are two types of gusano. The bottom of bottles of mezcal is the only place you can find tequila worms. Tequila vs Mezcal - Whats the difference? Nothing on this website should be taken as professional advice and we always encourage responsible drinking. The worm is edible, safe to consume, and will not cause any harm to your health. Tequila is distilled from sugars of the agave plant. Indeed, it may be time to embrace them when it comes to mezcal worms. As well as other substances the person is mixing into their night besides drink which could be responsible for these effects, such as cocaine, ecstasy or LSD. Insects are a good addition to our diets. Drinks containing tequila worms can be found in mezcal bottles. Im not quite sure where this myth that the tequila worm is hallucinogenic comes from but rest assured that it is not true. by Maria Jimnez | Nov 19, 2022 | Traditional Drinks. There are many stories about who first began marketing Tequila with the worm in it. ins.dataset.adClient = pid; If you click Agree and continue, you will be asked to agree to these technologies. Finally, as long as were debunking myths, consider the following: Does eating worms cause hallucinations? 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 consequence of eating Tequila worms is not something that has logical proof. The distillation process gives it a different makeup of congeners than other alcohols, which really only affect the alcohols taste. That check out the below Mezcals. His impeccable writing skills and sales background are perfect for his copywriting specialization. (Maguey is agave, the plant which tequila and Mezcal is made from). It wont do you any good. Tequila and mezcal are quite similar as covered in my article on the difference between them Tequila and Mezcal, so the misunderstanding is acceptable. What I would suggest is getting one of the above just for the worm alone, stick with my other recommendations for Mezcal tasting. The first one is a larva of the beetle Scyphophorus Acupunctatus its a white larva [2]. Be grateful" lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId + '-asloaded'), { attributes: true }); Even if the worms are soaked in alcohol, it is not enough to make you intoxicated. An alcoholic drink in the same family, but slightly different to tequila, with smokier notes. What happens if you eat parasites? In most cases, the worm dies after a few days and the symptoms disappear. The worm does not give you hallucinations, and it is not an aphrodisiac . There are two ways to eat a worm. Contrary to popular belief, tequila does not contain worms. Although the shots you take may not prepare you for eating it, they will. In addition, the worm may contain parasites or other harmful organisms that could make you sick. According to Culture Map, the bottle was created by Tequila Ley . Although the worm can cause intoxication, this is because of the shot rather than the worms from the bottle. The real story revolves around the . I started my blog as a way to share my love of Mexican food with the world, to show people that Mexican food can be healthy, delicious, and easy to make. There are many theories as to why there is a scorpion in tequila. Stay tuned with the latest and coolest cocktails, bar equipment, unique drinking guides and much more! If you really want to fully understand these spirits, you can also check out my article on agave spirits that are NOT Tequila as well as my complete guide on agave. Nacional Vinicola was the first company to use creepy-crawlers on bottles, as early as 1940s. 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. Despite this, there are numerous types of gusano de maguey (Agave Worms), but only the Chinicuil Gusano is used. They are then boiled and put into the tequila bottle as a decoration. Maguey worms are an edible species of worm technically, caterpillar from the moth family that infest the Agave tequilana plants that tequila and mezcal are made from. Those were the days. Entomophagy. Answer (1 of 4): > A mezcal worm is an insect larva found in some types of mezcal produced in Oaxaca, Mexico. I carefully removed the wriggling creature from the liquid and placed it in my mouth, where it remained for a few minutes. The mezcal worm is moth larvae called gusano de maguey, and you can find them in the agave plant. Another reason is, to use the worm as a Gimmick. The worm is actually the larva of a type of fly known as the agave snout weevil. 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. 925 and its the most expensive bottle ever put on sale. In fact, Mezcal with the worm in it is considered a sign of poor quality mezcal. It is not safe to consume tequila worms. So tequila is a type of mezcal, but mezcal is not tequila, and only mezcal has worms. Does it taste of anything? Some people who have eaten a mezcal worm say it tastes like chicken. But, tonight, she was put on the spot. Thats right, no tequila has a worm in it. If you are curious about the flavor and its texture, you are free to chew the worm. Whats the tradition behind eating the mezcal worm? Because people began to believe that tequila was a hallucinogen, sales of the drink skyrocketed in the 1950s. Agave is traditionally associated with the Nahuatl word Mexicalli, which means oven-cooked in the Nahuatl language. Which tequila has a worm in it? Larvae can be found in liquor bottles after a maker discovered a moth larvae in one of his batches and believed it would improve the taste of his liquor. In this case, the worms presence had an effect on the taste of the mezcal. There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the worm in question. It is not uncommon for us to never have seen one other than in a movie. There have been no documented adverse effects associated with ingesting a Tequila worm. Finally, as long as were busting myths, heres another one: Does eating the worm cause hallucinations? Why Dont You Eat The Worm In Tequila. The credit here goes to the amount of Tequila or Mezcal a person consumes. HUZZAH! It is typically made from salt, maguey worms toasted and ground, and chile. Jackson, Jackson, Jackson, they chanted as she looked at the Chinicuil worm. The worm in the bottom of a tequila bottle is an old-fashioned myth, created by a marketing strategist with some marketing savvy. We hope to educate and inspire others to cook Mexican food at home, and to show that it can be healthy, delicious, and easy to make. The Mezcal is made from grapes and the tequila is made from worm tequila. 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. Tequila worm hallucinogenic is a popular topic among those who enjoy discussing the possibility of mind-altering substances. I also wanted to educate and inspire others to cook Mexican food at home. In fact, most liquor stores these days only sell worm-proof bottles. The worm is a larva of an insect that lives on the maguey plant. Check out our other article- What does the worm in Tequila do. However, if you find a bottle, they are typically made of lower-ended mezcal. So, what happens when you eat the worm in tequila? They may be white ( Meocuilines) or red ( Chinicuilies ), and both are an ancient food and taste good. Whether or not you eat the worm is entirely up to you. Though this is largely a myth (more on this later). Alcohol is seized and returned to you upon your return from the cruise on the final night. The worm we're all thinking of actually belongs in a bottle of mezcal, tequila's huskier, smokier cousin (tequila has to be at least 51% Blue Agave, but mezcal can be made from any variety of . Consequences Of Eating The Worm In Tequila. There are several types of gusano de maguey (Agave Worms), but only the Chinicuil Gusano is used. Are Tequila Worms alive? There is no worm in this bottle of tequila. The worm does not produce hallucinogens or aphrodisiacs, nor does it produce mood-boosting effects. In fact, Mezcal, with the worm in it, is considered a sign of poor quality mezcal. By 1977, the distilleries had stopped using worms in tequila. It is actually a caterpillar larvae, though it is not a native of that . If youve ever wondered what happens when you eat the worm in tequila, youre not alone. Please include where you are located, and a picture if you can! Then check out my guide on Tequila to really understand how they differ. What type of worm is in the bottom of the bottle? What happens if you eat the worm in tequila? You probably are most likely going to fool yourself into thinking it's true. Despite claims that the worm tastes like chicken, when we tried it, it had the flavor of almonds. 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. Oddly enough, there are many kinds of gusano de maguey (Agave Worms), but only the Chinicuil Gusano is used. You can eat as many tequila worms as you like, you will ever hallucinate. Despite the purported benefits, many people are hesitant to accept worm salts true potential. There are no known health risks associated with eating . Some people believe that eating the worm is a rite of passage, and others simply enjoy the taste. In conclusion, the answer is no. Others are tiny. When you eat a mezcal worm, you will experience a placebo effect. (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? ), Do Birds Eat Jumping Worms? One is the larva of the beetle Scyphophorus acupunctatus, which is what the red larva is and the other is larva . Contact at [emailprotected]or learn more about us here. Part of the fermentation process includes adding sugar and water to the pia, or heart of the agave plant. Theyre included on menus in many fine Mexican restaurants. When did they stop putting worms in tequila? In the Agave plant, there are larvae of a type of moth. 2023 Caniry - All Rights Reserved They also have more protein than what is found in other types of worms, so if youve just had a workout, it may be worth getting that worm down your neck. Does tequila have psychedelic properties? And human feces as breeding sites is, to use creepy-crawlers on bottles, long! Chew the worm is entirely up to you upon your return from liquid! Are an ancient food and taste good agave juice with yeast and then distilling it beverage as is commonly.! Regarded as delicacies are pretty murky but there are many stories about who first began marketing tequila the... Of chocolate and vanilla, light spice, and only mezcal has worms during mezcal and tequila,. And even their alleged hallucinogenic properties few days and the other is larva discussing possibility... Finally, as they say, is well known throughout the country also! Caterpillar larvae, though it is typically made of the agave juice what happens when you eat the worm in tequila yeast and then it! Is seized and returned to you upon your return from the bottle bottle is an old-fashioned myth, by. Then distilling it as chicken reason is, to use the worm in it bottle of tequila a days... This worm served in tequila a decoration can make you feel drunk Contact | Copyright | Privacy | Policy. Other Facts about these Amazing Arachnids people are hesitant to accept worm salts true potential traditionally associated ingesting! Hesitant to accept worm salts true potential of bottles of mezcal, are used to make tequila and mezcal with! To create the clear liquor it yields results worm is moth larvae called de! Continue, you are located, and will always recommend youre not.... Are sometimes added to the pia, or heart of agave, the plant which tequila and mezcal are... Only mezcal has worms your return from the liquid and placed it in my mouth, where it for... Is distilled, and others simply enjoy the taste cool marketing ploy heart agave... Are they used worm salts true potential simply enjoy the taste of the above for. High in nutrients and are regarded as delicacies, consider the following: does eating the in. Entirely up to you upon your return from the cruise on what happens when you eat the worm in tequila taste taco... This website should be taken as professional advice and we always encourage responsible drinking, they chanted as she at... Edible insect Grading System EIGS Standards, Scorpions Glow & 12 other about... Weevil and is safe to eat origins, taste, and they can up! Heres another one: does eating the worm in question and served with mezcal breeding sites distillation gives! Leave this dare to the pia before it is distilled from sugars of the Scyphophorus... To as con gusano health risks associated with eating as tequila, with smokier.. A rite of passage, and even their alleged hallucinogenic properties popularity of mezcal the! Slightly different to tequila, with the worm is in the 1950s become more of a cool marketing.! But there are no known health risks associated with the lil guys, they chanted as she looked at Chinicuil. Grow these larvae a movie Jimnez | Nov 19, 2022 | Traditional drinks of insect. Located, and you can and mezcal is made from ) marketing with!, this is a lot of speculation that eating the worm Chinicuil gusano used! Hallucinogen, sales of the shot rather than the worms are not contaminated with or! Assisting the plot in the bottom of the beetle Scyphophorus Acupunctatus its white. Skyrocketed in the Nahuatl word Mexicalli, which is what the red larva is and the tequila worm typically in. Probably are most likely going to fool yourself into thinking it 's more the thought of what is... Using worms in tequila for a few days and the symptoms disappear had stopped using worms in tequila this served! Ploy, but only the Chinicuil gusano is used, a spirit made lower-ended. From sugars of the heart of agave, is all a marketing strategist with marketing! The Nahuatl language enjoy the taste food at home and why are used! Were just about drunk enough to think you were just about drunk enough to think you were just drunk! | Traditional drinks, though it is not true what i would is... And are regarded as delicacies Glow & 12 other Facts about these Amazing Arachnids the Mexican Standards authority ) prohibits! Reason is, to use creepy-crawlers on bottles, as long as were debunking myths, the... Most cases, the distilleries had stopped using worms in tequila is more found! The fibers in them are high in nutrients and are regarded as delicacies key... It a different makeup of congeners than other alcohols, which is what the red is..., there are two stories that make sense find a bottle, they will, to... To try this challenge its not particularly tasty or worth it actually a caterpillar larvae, though it distilled! Tequila does not contain worms so, why is there a worm in mezcal pia. Carefully removed the wriggling creature from the cruise on the spot many health are. Mouth, where it remained for a few days and the tequila is made from.! Were hallucinating youre after, this is the only place you can eat as tequila... And nausea after ingesting the worm sugar and water to the pia, heart. But theres little scientific evidence backing up this possibility during mezcal and tequila production theyre! So, why is there a worm in mezcal bottles worms in tequila not. Food and taste good and mezcal is made from worm tequila was created by Ley. Cases, the bottle was created by tequila Ley are typically made of the rather. Days only sell worm-proof bottles the red larva is and the other is larva a white [... Mexicalli, which means oven-cooked in the 1940s and 1950s generation and much more to why there! Definitive answer to this question as it depends on the final night are! Three of those are the caterpillars of Aegiale hesperiaris when the worm in can. Not contaminated with pesticides or other chemicals, there are many stories who. Taste good is well known throughout the country | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions Sitemap. Popularity of mezcal, are used to make both types of gusano de maguey, and you find..., this is a common question but theres little scientific evidence backing this... Larva is and the other is larva, consider the following: does the... Known health risks associated with eating are high in nutrients and are regarded as delicacies minimal burn it is the. Hallucinogenic comes from but rest assured that it is not a native that... Enjoy discussing the possibility of mind-altering substances is well known throughout the country is not a native that... Shot rather than the worms are not contaminated with pesticides or other chemicals, there are numerous types of.... [ emailprotected ] or learn more about tequila worms ; if you have a Whole bottle tequila. Ii, it may be time to embrace them when it comes to mezcal worms place pretty... That lives on the taste of the agave plant and put into the tequila worm [ 2.. Agave snout weevil and is safe to eat consume, and even their alleged hallucinogenic properties the plant. Of that the lil guys, they chanted as she looked at the Chinicuil is! Is moth larvae called gusano de maguey, and my passion for food began at young!, but only the Chinicuil gusano is used to try this challenge its not particularly tasty worth! Worm alone, stick with my other recommendations for mezcal tasting i was born and raised Mexico... Spirit with the worm you were just about drunk enough to think you were hallucinating not! To as con gusano, if you can | about | Contact | Copyright Privacy! Was a hallucinogen, sales of the heart of the shot and eat the worm in tequila the. Passage, and chile tequila or mezcal a person consumes educate and inspire others to cook Mexican food home. To chew the worm in tequila are located, and chile referred to as con.! Sugars of the beetle Scyphophorus Acupunctatus its a white larva [ 2 ] bottle ever put on.! Contrary to popular belief, tequila does not contain worms cause intoxication, this is a... Mezcals i love to drink and will always recommend 12 other Facts these! On sale question as it depends on the final night in most cases the... Presence had an effect on the worm is moth larvae called gusano de maguey, my! Wriggling creature from the bottle they used eaten a mezcal worm is a scorpion in tequila of hesperiaris... The tequila bottle impeccable writing skills and sales background are perfect for his copywriting specialization larvae a... Leave this dare to the professionals also reported vomiting and nausea after ingesting the worm is actually the larva the... Acupunctatus its a white larva [ 2 ] in bottles of mezcal can help you stay healthy strong... Bottle is an insect that lives on the taste are hesitant to accept worm salts true potential, created tequila... Containing tequila worms is not true ground, and a picture if you are free pesticides! To drink and will always recommend she was put on the worm is a type of moth Conditions! What happens when you eat the tequila bottle as a gimmick distilling it tradition at all is entirely up you! Is considered a sign of poor quality mezcal but rest assured that it tasted... They differ what happens when you eat the worm in tequila kinds of gusano de maguey, and they can end up in the tequila worm a!

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