If you love Mexican food, you’ve probably already heard about worm salt or sal de gusano.
It’s a popular Mexican seasoning derived from worms on the agave plant and commonly consumed alongside Mezcal.
It’s also a very rich source of nutrition, specifically protein.
Sal de gusano is a staple in the Aztec and Mayan region but if you’re new to the culture, you might be a little surprised by the idea of eating insects. However, that only lasts until you actually try the flavor – because yes, it is that good!
So, if you’re curious about worm salt, here’s everything you should know.
How Did We Start Eating Worm Salt?
Yes, worm salt is delicious, and makes for a killer combination alongside Mezcal, but how did we even start eating it in the first place?
Well, these red worms are found on the agave plant and slowly consume the plant by eating it from the inside. So, farmers would remove these from the agave plant to save it. As for it eating it themselves, well bugs like ants, grasshoppers, and worms have been a big part of the Aztec and Mayan cuisines since forever. It only made sense to repurpose the worms for something a little more useful. So, yeah, now the Mexican seasoning is sprinkled over all sorts of things, including tacos, tequila, and mezcal.
It’s made by removing the red worms from the agave plant and drying them out in the sun. Then they’re mixed with sea salt and chilies, ground up, and dried again for two to three weeks – and voila!
There you have a spicy red seasoning that just makes everything taste better!
What Does Worm Salt Taste Like?
Sal de gusano has a unique flavor – the kind of spicy that leaves a lingering in your mouth. Different brands like Don Catrin have their own versions of the Mexican seasoning but it always pairs great with tequila and mezcal. It has a mild sort of spicy, earthy, smoky richness to it, and makes for a genuinely delicious seasoning. And it’s healthy too – like what more could you ask for? However, the only problem is that the insects only come out during the rainy season, so it’s hard to source them, especially in the USA.
How Can I Use Sal de Gusano?
Sal de gusano is one of the most popular Mexican seasonings out there, the reason being that it’s very versatile. It pairs well with almost anything, especially mezcal and tequila. The traditional way to enjoy mezcal is with worm salt, a slice of orange and mezcal served on a veladora, jicara or ceramic shot.
Also, you can sprinkle it over ceviche, guacamole, scrambled eggs, salsas, and even some fruits and vegetables like mangos, cucumbers, and pineapples. Not to mention, it’s also excellent in combination with cocktails, micheladas, jicama, fish tacos, corn, and of course, meat. Basically, it’s the perfect addition to just about any dish, and when we say you need to try it, we mean you really NEED to try it!
In fact, you should just head over to our website Don Catrin and treat yourself to some authentic worm salt because mezcal will never taste the same again! We promise you will love it, for sure!
So, don’t wait – order now while stock lasts!