What month do cicada nymphs emerge, and is eating them deep-fried the same as eating arsenic?

The cicada nymph is a common insect in rural areas, also known as the golden cicada, called climbing grasshopper, black cicada, or cicada turtle in some places. Besides being an insect, the cicada nymph is also a precious seasonal delicacy. So what month do cicada nymphs emerge? Is eating deep-fried cicada nymphs the same as eating arsenic?

I. Introduction to the cicada nymph

The cicada nymph is actually the nymph of the cicada. It usually emerges from underground each summer, then after molting and eclosion it becomes a cicada. Before molting, its color is yellowish-brown, similar to the fur color of a monkey.

Many regions of our country have the habit of eating cicada nymphs, especially prevalent in provinces and cities such as Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Shanghai, Beijing, Shandong and Guangdong. The most common way to eat them is “deep-fried cicada nymphs,” a rare wild-game delicacy that is high in protein and low in fat.

II. What month do cicada nymphs emerge?

In different places, the time when cicada nymphs emerge may differ. They usually emerge from underground in June-July each year. When the weather is hot, the cicada nymphs drill out of the soil, climb onto trees or grass, and transform into cicadas. People catch them before they transform into cicadas and make them into a delicious dish.

III. Is eating deep-fried cicada nymphs the same as eating arsenic?

Eating deep-fried cicada nymphs is not the same as eating arsenic. The reported cases of poisoning from eating cicada nymphs are actually caused by the patient being allergic to protein, because cicada nymphs are a high-protein food. People who are allergic to protein or have an allergic constitution may, after eating too many cicada nymphs, immediately experience itchy skin, hives, or fever, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, which can trigger bronchial asthma, cause breathing difficulty, and even lead to anaphylactic shock.

The cicada nymph itself does not contain toxins or harmful components such as heavy metals. For people who are not allergic to protein and do not have an allergic constitution, eating a moderate amount of thoroughly washed and thoroughly fried cicada nymphs is relatively safe.

Note:

1. When eating cicada nymphs, be sure to fry them thoroughly, or remove the head, wings and legs of the cicada nymph, because cicada nymphs live in the soil and these parts easily carry bacteria and parasitic pathogens; removing them or frying them completely makes them safer to eat.

2. People with an allergic constitution had better not eat them. In addition, patients with high blood lipids should not eat them because their bodies already have high protein levels, and pregnant women and children should also eat less.

3. Although deep-fried cicada nymphs are highly nutritious, they should not be eaten in large amounts, because fried food is high in calories and very “heaty”; eating too many deep-fried cicada nymphs easily causes weight gain and internal heat. Eating 5-10 cicada nymphs a day is about right.

It is exactly the season for eating cicada nymphs now. Although cicada nymphs are rich in nutrients, we should also remind everyone here not to eat too many, and to seek medical attention immediately if any uncomfortable symptoms appear after eating.