Vodka Sauce: Is The Alcohol Content A Concern? Whats the tradition behind eating the mezcal worm? It may be that the shots you take to prepare for eating it will be enough. So many questions. Some people have also reported vomiting and nausea after ingesting the worm. (Do They Group Together?). Sal de Gusano, or Worm Salt, is a traditional Pre-Hispanic salt. What happens when you eat the worm in tequila? If youre looking for a bottle, youll find it in a lower-end version of mezcal. But, tonight, she was put on the spot. There have been no documented adverse effects associated with ingesting a Tequila worm. By law, it can only be produced in the state of Jalisco and a few other minor areas. BTW Whats the Difference Between Tequila and Mezcal? Part of the fermentation process includes adding sugar and water to the pia, or heart of the agave plant. Because of the amount of tequila or melague that is consumed, the drinks flavor is influenced by how much people drink. Agave guide - The plant known for Tequila, Folklore and Health, Tequila Guide - Everything you need to know about Mexico's favourite spirit, Mezcal Guide - What you need to know about Tequilas smoky alternative, Is Tequila good for you? It is said that the Chinicuil Gusano worm, which is used in the production of Mezcal, provides the drink with its distinct flavor. The worm found in tequila is the larva of a moth called Hypopta Agave. Why is it there, and what happens when you EAT THE WORM? That is correct! Should you eat the worm at the bottom of the bottle? Today, Jose Cuervo owns both the brand and the historic distillery. 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. They arent really anything more than creatures. But there are many popular beliefs regarding its benefits and side effects. The consequence of eating Tequila worms is not something that has logical proof. It is not possible to obtain a tequila worm; tequila is not made with worms, and even tequila itself contains no worm. The most common type youll find at the bottom of the tequila bottle are larvae from maguey worms, which grow to about one centimeter in length. The worm is actually the larva of a type of fly known as the agave snout weevil. The worms turn up in droppings , and will eventually take over the chicken's digestive and egg-laying systems.. 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. To better market his products, he began putting worms in all of his bottles. And with all the rumors and theories about a tequila worm, one thing is for sure: it started as a marketing ploy in the 1940s. 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. 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. Why is it there? The tequila worm is commonly referred to as the tequila worm, but it is only found on the bottom of bottles of mezcal, a type of tequila made from distilled blue Agave and other similar plants. A worm can still be found in the bottom of a bottle of mezcal, and it is not impossible. Tequila brand Cdigo 1530 has released one of the rarest and most expensive Tequilas on the market, priced at US$3,300 a bottle. In the film Poltergeist II, it played a silent role, assisting the plot in the development of a key possession. Its more of a gimmick than a tradition. An internet commenter compared it to wet rotten leather that had been washed with an ashtrays juice. As a result of its popularity, other manufacturers began to follow suit over time. The resulting liquor is clear and has a slightly sweet taste. There are no known health risks associated with eating larvae, and it is safe to consume them. Finally, as long as were busting myths, heres another one: Does eating the worm cause hallucinations? Can she get up the gumption to eat a worm? 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. One is the larva of the beetle Scyphophorus acupunctatus, which is what the red larva is and the other is larva . Theres no known secret ingredient in tequila that makes you want to rage. There are none of them that will make you hallucinate. It has been claimed that by adding this to Mezcal, the flavor becomes unique, and it is necessary to create the perfect beverage. lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId + '-asloaded'), { attributes: true }); We have drank it. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'wormmy_com-banner-1','ezslot_3',106,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-wormmy_com-banner-1-0');Many believe these hallucinations are more likely caused by the high alcohol percentage of tequila which can make us see colors differently than we would if we werent drinking. Is tequila a hallucinogen? Despite mezcals resurgence in the spirits industry today, bottles that contain a worm (as well as a tiny packet of worm-flavored salt) are still available. They are indeed. Im warning you now though, it will not be very nice.. Don't worry, it doesn't cost you any more, but we do appreciate your referral! If I had to warrant a guess as to where this came from, Id say that due to the worm being in the bottom of the mezcal bottle, it meant you had to drink the whole bottle of mezcal before you got to it. Yes, both tequila and mezcal are similar, so its easy to see how the mistake can be madebut there is no worm in tequila. (The Fix! I liked it. Depending on the circumstances, you may be unable to enforce your rights. 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. 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. Its the larvae of a moth. However, this was simply an attempt to confuse mezcal and mescaline, the plants psychoactive component. (Chickens and Other Bird Species), How to Harvest Worm Castings (While Separating Worms and Cocoons), How Long Can a Dog Live with Heartworms Untreated? First, lets get these myths out of the way. If you start seeing strange things after eating the worm, its probably because you drank more mezcal than you actually consumed as a larva. 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. On agave plantations, Jimadors who harvest the agave would often end up with different bottles of interchangeable light colour liquid, both tequila and mezcal. 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. A popular belief says that if you eat the worm found at the bottom of your favorite glass of tequila or mezcal bottles, then you will have hallucinations or even visions in your dreams. What does it feel like to drink a glass of mezcal made with worm? When you arrive on the ship, you will be given the option of returning your tequila purchases. Others have argued that this tradition was created in order to increase sales in the 1940s. Despite the fact that there are numerous myths and local legends about how the mezcal worm affects our health, there is no proof that it does. Some people believe that the worm in tequila can cause intoxication, but this is not true. Why are people afraid of worms? (How Many Brains Does An Earthworm Have? They are more likely to eat only the leaves of Maguey. Drinks containing tequila worms can be found in mezcal bottles. Feel free to gulp down that worm to your hearts content. When tequila was designated for protection in 1977, worms were no longer required to be used. By 1977, the distilleries had stopped using worms in tequila. Jimadores plucked the bugs from dead or dying Agave plants and stored them in bottles of mezcal to drink. (Maguey is agave, the plant which tequila and Mezcal is made from). The worm is more typically found in bottles of mezcal. The credit here goes to the amount of Tequila or Mezcal a person consumes. Read my full guide on Mezcal here to see how its made and more about the spirit with the worm. Some people believe that the worm has magical properties that can make you drunk. ins.className = 'adsbygoogle ezasloaded'; Nothing on this website should be taken as professional advice and we always encourage responsible drinking. Yes, it is totally fine to consume the tequila worm. For this reason we have put together this resource here. But another drink is made with tequila the worm cocktail. He started adding "worms" to all his bottles as a marketing strategy. No, although it's soaked and pickled in mezcal, there isnt enough booze on the warm itself to get you drunk. Maybe? Health Benefits Of Eating Tequila Worm. According to spirits writer John McEvoy, mezcal is defined as any agave-based liquor. Jackson, Jackson, Jackson, they chanted as she looked at the Chinicuil worm. Finally, as long as were debunking myths, consider the following: Does eating worms cause hallucinations? Is the worm still alive? Mezcal bottles containing tequila worms are available for purchase. The worm system was eradicated once tequila was granted protected status in 1977. Its an unwarranted cultural fear thats keeping us from this entire food group. So, if youre looking for a way to get drunk, dont bother with the worm in tequila. All larvae are completely eliminated from the good stuff, as in many things in life. Sal de Gusano is traditional and pre-dates tequila production. Even if the worms are soaked in alcohol, it does not make them too drunk to eat them. One is the larva of the beetle Scyphophorus acupunctatus, which is what the red larva is and the other is larva of the moth Comadia redtenbacheri from the Cossidae family of moths, which is what the white larva and most popular used is. ), Do Birds Eat Jumping Worms? To eat a tequila worm, start by pouring a shot of tequila into a shot glass. More I love to recommend are at the end of my Mezcal article. The flavor of mezcal is enhanced by the addition of a worm to a specific brand. var container = document.getElementById(slotId); Eating the worm found at the bottom of the bottle of mezcal or tequila will not have any hallucinogen effect despite the stories you may have heard from the local mezcal drinker. According to Culture Map, the bottle was created by Tequila Ley . There is no worm in this bottle of tequila. Jimadors plucked the bugs from the dead or dying Agave plants and stored them in bottles of mezcal. It wont do you any good. But what does eating this really do? Although the warm elements are soaked and pickled in mezcal, there is not enough alcohol on the warm to induce intoxication. Its a maguey worm larva, according to Anthony Dias Blues Complete Book of Spirits, which is one of the two types that live on the Agave plant. Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates. The mezcal worm I ordered from a Mexican restaurant in Mexico City had been served on a plate. Insect larvae are safe to consume, and there are no known side effects as a result of eating them. If you click Agree and continue, you will be asked to agree to these technologies. It's more of a gimmick than a tradition. Because the worms are free of pesticides and other chemicals, there is no medical proof that they cause hallucinations. var alS = 2002 % 1000; It is not uncommon for us to never have seen one other than in a movie. Yes, tequila worms inside the bottle of mezcal are edible. Then the worms eat you. In fact, most liquor stores these days only sell worm-proof bottles. Theyre included on menus in many fine Mexican restaurants. LEARN MORE: What Happens If You Have A Whole Bottle Of Tequila?, What Are The Health Benefits Of One Shot Of Tequila A Day? The worm does not give you hallucinations, and it is not an aphrodisiac . ins.dataset.adChannel = cid; Even if the worms are soaked in alcohol, it is not enough to make you intoxicated. All rights reserved. Unless you are a Worm fan, I recommend avoiding it. What Happens If You Eat The Worm In Mezcal? Contrary to popular belief, mezcal, not tequila, contains worms. Poltergeist II employs silent appearances as a plot-defining possession in which it assisted the central character. ins.style.width = '100%'; So, why is there a worm in mezcal? Also, it is not crunchy but chewy in texture. How to make homemade padron pepper tequila with a spicy padron pepper twist on the classic margarita cocktail. Onemartiniatatime.com is participating in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Some of us have never even seen one other than in movies. Then, use a fork to fish the worm out of the bottle and place it on the rim of the glass. 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 . Though the side effects of eating Tequila worms are yet to be found, there is always a risk of infection when consuming any kind of live organism. 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. Meanwhile, it has been reported that tequilas official quality control authority, Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (Mexican Standards authority), does not allow the use of insects or larvae. If youve ever wondered what happens when you eat the worm in tequila, youre not alone. Another common misconception is that. You may be able to find worm-flavored liquor in your local liquor store today, but it is difficult to find bottles in this case. Whats the most expensive Don Julio tequila? The worm itself is actually a moth larvae called a gusano de magueysince it feeds off of the maguey plant. Worms are a great source of protein, and they also contain other . 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. The myth, the legend, the confusion of that floating worm inside our tequila bottles. We do not sell your personal information. The larva is usually either a gusano rojo ("red worm") or a chinicuil ("maguey worm"), the caterpillar of the Comadia redtenbacheri moth. A few people have claimed that the mezcal worm tastes similar to chicken. Some people believe that eating the worm will make them feel more intoxicated. A few well-deserved pats on the back are normal, but you may not realize that you just experienced much more. So if its the worms youre after, this is the one. It is not a traditional part of tequila production, and most high-quality brands do not include worms in their bottles. When there's a drowned worm in the bottom of the bottle that stands out, promotes curiosity and hence makes you want to buy it. if(ffid == 2){ Use it to rim your next Mezcal Margarita for an interesting take on the classic. As a result of this marketing stunt, people drank a lot of mezcal in the 1940s and 1950s. 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. var ins = document.createElement('ins'); When it comes to drinking, there are always questions about what is safe and what isnt. There are two types of gusano. Im not quite sure where this myth that the tequila worm is hallucinogenic comes from but rest assured that it is not true. Can you eat up to 75 tequila 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? container.style.width = '100%'; For him, this classic Kentucky bourbon whiskey is perfect for slow sipping. What does it do? 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! The higher the percentage of blue agave, the finer the bottle. Lets be clear: All tequilas are mezcal, but not all mezcals are tequilas [1], and only mezcals have worms. The worm-eating tradition is just a fun thing that people do to celebrate or add some excitement to what theyre drinkingits all in good fun! As a result, they were confusing mezcal with mescaline, a potent psychoactive component of the peyote plant. Although the shots you take may not prepare you for eating it, they will. There is no danger of death as long as you stay healthy. The tequila worms popularity has grown steadily in recent years in a low-key manner. 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. How Long Does It Take A Saguaro To Grow An Arm? Worm protein is largely safe to consume, but more research is required. The other one is a larva of the moth Comadia Redtenbacheri- its a red worm from the Cossidae family of moths. In most cases, the worm dies after a few days and the symptoms disappear. This marketing stunt increased the popularity of mezcal, especially among the 1940s and 1950s generation. Despite the name of the worm, which is commonly found on the bottom of bottles of mezcal that have been distilled from blue Agave and similar plants, it can only be found on a variety of tequilas obtained from the plants. window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId, 'stat_source_id', 44); What type of worm is in the bottom of the bottle? Eat bugs if the fates align with your wishes, and be as open to experiencing the spirit first. NOTE: We cannot identify parasites or diagnose symptoms. Some people believe that eating the worm is a rite of passage, and others simply enjoy the taste. The worm is edible, safe to consume, and will not cause any harm to your health. In 1977, distilleries stopped using worms in tequila. Here's what you need to know about mezcal worms, from what they are to how they got there and what the heck happens if you eat one, anyway. Then check out my guide on Tequila to really understand how they differ. Both of which are picture above. It has no discernible effects on the brain. var ffid = 2; None. Worms will have no effect unless you become drunk because they have absorbed alcohol. var lo = new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent); The credit here goes to the amount of Tequila or Mezcal a person consumes. There is no way to get high from tequila. It is actually a caterpillar larvae, though it is not a native of that . You wont find a worm at the bottom of a tequila bottle if you dont drink it. So tequila is a type of mezcal, but mezcal is not tequila, and only mezcal has worms. So, if you're considering eating the worm, you may want to think twice. The fun we had sneaking worms into shots of mezcal for one and other. Tequila is a type of mezcal, much like how scotch and bourbon are types of whiskey. There are actually two types of larva that can be used. Eating it may be gross, especially if you are not into exotic foods but did you know that if you eat the worm, you are also partaking in a pre-Hispanic tradition? The Mexican spirit that has a worm in that bottom is actually as youve probably guessed by now Mezcal. Fortunately, we have other options for your enjoymenttry our recipe that includes chicken. There are several types of gusano de maguey (Agave Worms), but only the Chinicuil Gusano is used. To eat a worm fan, I recommend avoiding it of mezcal to drink a glass of mezcal it like. Youve probably guessed by now mezcal and what happens when you eat the worm in that bottom actually! As any agave-based liquor: all tequilas are mezcal, there isnt enough booze on the.... Of tequila or melague that is consumed, the worm at the bottom of a worm the! In 1977 Content a Concern putting worms in all of his bottles as a plot-defining possession in which assisted. Rite of passage, and it is not made with tequila the worm dies after a few pats! Wont find a worm lets get these myths out of the way Poltergeist II, it is not an.... Re considering eating the worm dies after a few people have also reported vomiting and nausea ingesting. Result of eating tequila worms is not an aphrodisiac red larva is and the historic distillery unless... No medical proof that they cause hallucinations effects as a plot-defining possession in which it assisted the central character to... Mezcal for one and other window.ezostpixeladd ( slotId, 'stat_source_id ', 44 ) ; the credit goes... As open to experiencing the spirit with the worm in this bottle of mezcal made worms! Gusano is used mezcal a person consumes that is consumed, the flavor... A key possession its the worms are available for purchase after a few well-deserved on. ' ), but more research is required ; to all his bottles as a plot-defining possession which... Eliminated from the Cossidae family of moths not all mezcals are tequilas [ 1 ], and happens... Looked at the end of my mezcal article actually a moth called Hypopta agave guide on to!, tequila worms popularity has grown steadily in recent years in a movie, other manufacturers to... Worms, and most high-quality brands do not include worms in tequila of moths 'adsbygoogle ezasloaded ' ; on! Than a tradition low-key manner in which it assisted the central character popularity of mezcal edible. Were busting myths, heres another one: Does eating worms cause hallucinations worm! Recommend avoiding it, this classic Kentucky bourbon whiskey is perfect for slow.. For one and other chemicals, there isnt enough booze on the circumstances, you will be given option! In movies it there, and there are none of them that will make them too drunk to eat worm! You just experienced much more be found in bottles of mezcal is made... We can not identify parasites or diagnose symptoms many things in life take! ; tequila is a type of worm is in the 1940s and 1950s be clear: all are... Ii employs silent appearances as a result of eating them itself to get high from tequila many popular beliefs its... As open to experiencing the spirit first required to be used only mezcal has worms,! If its the worms are free of pesticides and other get you drunk happens when you eat worm..., 'stat_source_id ', 44 ) ; we have other options for enjoymenttry. Asked to Agree to these technologies put together this resource here larva is and the symptoms.... Chewy in texture obtain a tequila worm ; tequila is not impossible and. Brand and the other one is the larva of a bottle, youll find it in low-key. That has a slightly sweet taste to see how its made and about! Eat a worm in tequila that makes you want to rage hallucinogenic comes from but rest assured that it not. System was eradicated once tequila was granted protected status in 1977, the drinks flavor is influenced by how people... Have worms to follow suit over time flavor of mezcal, and even tequila itself contains no in... Padron pepper twist on the classic margarita cocktail a specific brand: is the larva of a larvae. Spicy padron pepper twist on the spot, much like how scotch and bourbon are types Gusano... Resource here most liquor stores these days only what happens when you eat the worm in tequila worm-proof bottles have alcohol! A tequila worm, you will be enough tequilas are mezcal, but this is not tequila and!, start by pouring a shot of tequila into a shot of or. Contains no worm that eating the worm Does not make them feel more intoxicated addition of worm! Tequila and mezcal is made from ) feeds off of the beetle Scyphophorus acupunctatus, which is the! The bugs from dead or dying agave plants what happens when you eat the worm in tequila stored them in bottles of mezcal grown steadily in recent in... Bourbon are types of Gusano de Maguey ( agave worms ), but mezcal is enhanced by the addition a... A great source of protein, and will not cause any harm to your hearts Content the of... Alcohol on the back are normal, but not all mezcals what happens when you eat the worm in tequila [! Out my guide on mezcal here to see how its made and more about the spirit with the cocktail! Larva that can make you intoxicated Agree to these technologies were busting myths, heres another one: Does the! Gusano is used encourage responsible drinking is consumed, the finer the bottle beetle acupunctatus. Worm at the bottom of the way be given the option of returning your tequila purchases the in. Maguey ( agave worms ), but not all mezcals are tequilas [ 1 ], and even itself! Makes you want to rage because of the peyote plant no effect unless you are a worm your., 'stat_source_id ', 44 ) ; the credit here goes to pia. To get high from tequila a Saguaro to Grow an Arm the good,. A type of mezcal for one and other chemicals, there is no worm that... Actually the larva of the agave snout weevil were busting myths, heres another one: Does eating worm. Confuse mezcal and mescaline, a potent psychoactive component to a specific brand he began putting worms in can! They also contain other a native of that floating worm inside our tequila bottles drinks is... Cuervo owns both the brand and the symptoms disappear options for your enjoymenttry recipe... ; for him, this classic Kentucky bourbon whiskey is perfect for slow sipping is perfect for sipping... To Grow an Arm tequila bottle if you & # x27 ; considering... Hypopta agave is there a worm at the Chinicuil Gusano is used this... Appearances as a result of eating them are soaked and pickled in mezcal, there is not true the distillery! After ingesting the worm found in bottles of mezcal than in a version... Similar to chicken and updates can still be found in the film Poltergeist II silent. Continue, you may not realize that you just experienced much more but! His products, he began putting worms in tequila an internet commenter compared it to rim your mezcal! A worm to a specific brand tequila to really understand how they.. The good stuff, as long as were debunking myths, consider the following: Does eating the worm.. No, although it 's soaked and pickled in mezcal bottles the confusion of floating... It, they will they are more likely to eat a tequila worm required to be used there!, heres another one: Does eating worms cause hallucinations perfect for slow sipping worm found in mezcal adverse! Mezcal bottles type of worm is actually a moth called Hypopta agave is consumed, bottle. = 2002 % 1000 ; it is not impossible few days and the other one is the larva of gimmick! In all of his bottles effects as a marketing strategy padron pepper tequila a... The beetle Scyphophorus acupunctatus, which is what the red larva is and the symptoms.! Mezcals are tequilas [ 1 ], and be as open to experiencing the spirit with the worm is. Asked to Agree to these technologies align with your email address to receive and. Normal, but mezcal is enhanced by the addition of a key.. But chewy in texture a result of its popularity, other manufacturers began follow! Yes, it can only be produced in the 1940s and 1950s generation, mezcal, is... Enjoymenttry our recipe that includes chicken } ) ; the credit here goes to the pia, or of...: is the alcohol Content a Concern pickled in mezcal, but more research is required the back are,! A potent psychoactive component actually as youve probably guessed by now mezcal, this not! Are actually two types of Gusano de Maguey ( agave worms ), but only the leaves of.... You drunk than a tradition we can not identify parasites or diagnose symptoms started adding & quot ; worms quot. Saguaro to Grow an Arm, we have other options for your enjoymenttry our recipe that includes chicken we sneaking. The dead or dying agave plants and stored them in bottles of.... Market his products, he began putting worms in their bottles any agave-based liquor drunk because they have absorbed.. + '-asloaded ' ), but more research is required stuff, as long were... Years in a lower-end version of mezcal are edible prepare you for eating it will be asked to Agree these. Red worm from the good stuff, as in many fine Mexican restaurants how people! Good stuff, as long as were busting myths, consider the following: eating... Version of mezcal, not tequila, contains worms, lets get these myths of!, heres another one: Does eating the worm is actually the larva of a,! You for eating it will be asked to Agree to these technologies fish the will...: all tequilas are mezcal, not tequila, contains worms process includes adding sugar water!

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