Where To Buy Mopane Worms in Botswana
What are Mopane Worms?
Gonimbrasia belina is a species of emperor moth which is native to the warmer parts of southern Africa. Its large edible caterpillar, known as the mopane worm, madora, amacimbi or masontja, feeds primarily but not exclusively on mopane tree leaves.
Where To Buy Mopane Worms in Botswana
Gamazine Suppliers
Masonja Online
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get mopane worms from Botswana?
Mopane worms are hand-picked in the wild, often by women and children. When the caterpillar has been picked, it is pinched at the tail end to rupture the innards. The picker then squeezes it like a tube of toothpaste or lengthwise like a concertina, and whips it to expel the slimy, green contents of the gut.
Where are mopane worms found in Botswana?
When the summer rains arrive in eastern Botswana, people travel for hours to the region and head into the mopane woodlands in search of the “diamonds of Bobirwa” — mopane worms, although technically they are caterpillars.
Where can I buy mopane worms?
The mopane worm is distributed throughout Mozambique, Malawi, southern Zimbabwe, northern South Africa and north, east and central Botswana, closely following, but not entirely restricted to, the distribution of the mopane trees (Colophospermum mopane).
What worms are eaten in Botswana?
mopane worms
Packed with protein and calcium, mopane worms are a delicacy in Botswana, where they are stirred into chunky tomato and peanut stews. In the north and centre of the country, the spiky black and green caterpillars are harvested to make relish and sold at markets.
What are Mopani worms in Botswana?
In Botswana, they make the Mopane worms in a stew with tomato or peanut sauce. They call it Mashonza and although it is a delicacy, it is enjoyed by many. The Mopane worm is packed with about 60% protein and is crammed with calcium so it’s good for you too.
What is mopane worms in English?
Gonimbrasia belina is a species of emperor moth which is native to the warmer parts of southern Africa. Its large edible caterpillar, known as the mopane worm, madora, amacimbi or masontja, feeds primarily but not exclusively on mopane tree leaves. Mopane worms are an important source of protein for many in the region.
Are Mopani worms healthy?
The mopane worm is a healthful and cheap source of nutrition. A Zimbabwean nutritionist, Marlon Chidemo, says the worms are high in healthy nutrients and contain three times the amount of protein as beef.
What are the benefits of eating mopane worms?
Mopane worms contain high “amounts of iron, calcium and phosphorus. Iron is required for the haemoglobin component contained within the red blood cells. These red blood cells are responsible for, among other things, the transportation of nutrients and oxygen to tissues around the body.
What do Mopani worms taste like?
If you travel around rural southern Africa, you’re likely to come across mopane worms, either canned or at a market. We’ve found the taste described as “burned steak”, “crunchy and salty” (as anything will taste if you fry it, surely) and, of course, “butter and peanuts”.
Is Mopani worms good for diabetics?
The fiber from chitin functions as r similar to the fiber found in some fruits and vegetables and helps increase fullness after a meal, improve blood sugar levels, control weight. It also plays a role in the prevention of chronic disease such as diabetes, high blood pressure and even some types of cancer.
Which culture eats mopane worms in South Africa?
Matomani, masonja, mashonzha, amasonja or mopane worms – a staple source of protein and nutrients for many rural communities in Southern Africa, a delicacy in Limpopo, and a scary thought for my European taste buds.
Why do people cut down Mopani trees?
They say that the charcoal vendors have brisk business in cities, where there is poor supply of electricity resulting in the use of charcoal for cooking. “Some people go to the forests and cut down big mopane trees to process them into charcoal.