Big-bottomed ants “are rich in protein” and “prevent diseases,” say insiders. In Santander they are part of one of the typical dishes, but according to experts, “at risk of disappearing”.
Colombian News.
The culona ant in Santander, is part of the typical dishes of that region, a tradition that comes from the indigenous people (Guanes), who lived in that area.
For them it was considered something related to marriage, also since then this ant has been famous as an aphrodisiac food.
Likewise, the ones that are usually eaten are the princesses, which come out at least once a year, weeks after the first rainy season, although due to climate change, they have modified their behavior.
Therefore, when these ants leave their nests, it is the first and only time they fly, to become queens and create new nests.
It is there that when these insects come out in large numbers, some fall and people call it “a rain of ants”, moments that the community takes advantage of to catch them or pick them up from the ground.
Rain of big-assed ants this Tuesday in Floridablanca
This is how it happened this Tuesday, April 18, when the community of Floridablanca noticed the proliferation of these ants and began to collect them, considered one of the delicacies in Santander.
The ants have their wings and legs removed, then they are prepared in clay pans, as they are rich in protein and fat, they are roasted in their own juices.
This Tuesday, when Floridians left their homes, they noticed a proliferation of typical Santander insects. The ‘rain’ of big-assed ants surprised and delighted them to such an extent that collecting them became an activity between neighbors.https://t.co/jQ9Rn3pbZ1 pic.twitter.com/acM4SZksCI
— Q’hubo Bucaramanga (@qhubobga) April 18, 2023
According to a study by the University of Santander, these insects are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, a food that prevents diseases such as high blood cholesterol levels.
Regarding what happened in the last hours, they detail that the rains of March and April would be the ones that caused the ants to leave their nests.
For some years now, the number of these insects has decreased, since they are princesses that come out to become queens and form anthills. Therefore, experts assure that this species could be at risk of disappearing.
Likewise, the sale of these ants in the streets in season becomes very common, and finding them is very easy, and their price ranges between 50,000 and 60,000 pesos per pound.
