Why do you eat the worm in tequila?
It’s because the larvae of the worms that live in the agave plant are said to have medicinal properties. It’s thought that eating these larvae can keep your skin healthy and beautiful, and that it can even clear up acne.
This very common practice is said to have originated with the ancient Aztecs and Mayans, who used to make tequila from agave nectar. A particular type of agave plant has a long, thin worm living inside of it called a tunic. The Aztecs and Mayans would burn the agave plant and let the tunic burn with it.
The agave’s juices would then be collected and fermented into tequila. The agave worm is not actually used in tequila production. However, tequila makers do add agave extract to their tequila to give it a silky texture and to add a slightly sweet flavor.
Why do you eat worms in your tequila?
Believe it or not, worms are the main ingredient in many tequila brands. These worms are called gusanos, and they are added to agave to help clarify the tequila. The worms also add a “funky” flavor to the tequila.
While many people are squeamish about eating gusanos, the tequila drinker knows that the worms are actually an important part of the flavored beverage. Worms don’t grow on tequila plants, but they do love tequila’s distinct flavor. So when making tequila, agave farmers often add handfuls of earthworms to the fermenting agave mash (the fermented liquid made from agave).
These earthworms add a salty, slightly earthy flavor to tequila and can even help increase the amount of alcohol. The red worms are known as gusanos de la tierra—literally earthworms. These earthworms are an important part of the fermentation process in making tequila.
When tequila is made from agave, the agave is first mashed and then fermented in a large vat. The gusanos de la tierra are added to the liquid to help clarify it. These earthworms also add a salty, earthy flavor to the tequila.
Why do you eat the worm in your mezcal?
While most people might be squeamish about the idea of eating worms in tequila, the truth is, the worm is an important part of the agave tequila process. The agave plant is an integral part of tequila production as the agave produces the sweet nectar used to ferment tequila.
As the agave is only able to grow in certain climates, tequila producers need to use tequila worms to promote and hasten agave plant growth. The tequila worm also Other than the fact that they’re tasty, earthworms are an important part of the mezcal fermentation process. The proteins they contain help to break down the agave roots and create more flavor.
Plus, they’re full of vitamins and minerals! So, the more worms you add to the agave, the more delicious your mezcal will be. There is no need to worry about the worm in your tequila. Worms are not added to supplement the agave, they are naturally present in the plant.
The tequila worm is simply an agave plant’s digestive system. While it may sound gross, it really doesn’t taste that bad in the tequila. The tequila worm is thought to add a smooth earthy flavor and that distinctive worm aroma to your tequila.
Will eating a worm in your tequila hurt you?
Eating tequila worms is a long-standing practice around the world. However, according to experts, this is not advisable, as the worms contain a potent cocktail of toxins, including anticoagulants. Anticoagulants are chemicals that can slow down or stop the blood from clotting.
If you consume tequila worms, you may be exposing yourself to these substances. Eating a worm in your tequila won’t hurt you. In fact, it may even benefit you. The idea of eating a worm in tequila is an old one, and the practice is said to aid in the digestion of other foods. Eating tequila worms is not dangerous.
In fact, the worm can actually help your digestive system. It works as an appetite suppressant, making you feel full faster. The worm is also thought to stimulate the production of bile in the digestive tract, so you will have less burping and discomfort.
Why you should eat the worm in tequila?
While most people know that worms are added to the agave plant to help make tequila, what do you not know about the worms? First, experts point out that these worms are put into the fermenting agave to break down the tough fibrous plant material.
This allows for better extraction of the agave’s natural sugar, which is the main source of tequila’s sweetness. The worm is the key part of the distillation process that makes tequila. Its presence in the agave plant is what gives the drink its distinctive flavor and mild bitterness. This Mexican native is packed with protein and is an essential source of vitamin B12 and other nutrients.
It’s also loaded with 20 other essential nutrients like copper, iron, potassium, and manganese. Plus, this little worm has a whopping 65 percent of your daily value of calcium. While some people are squeamish about eating a worm, tequila is one of the few foods that can be enjoyed with a worm in it.
This odd food combination is said to be one of the reasons tequila is so good—the worm’s nutrients make the tequila itself more flavorful. Other than that, the worm’s nutrients are good for your health. It’s high in protein, vitamins, and minerals, such as iron, calcium, and potassium.