African Caterpillars

Bugs fallen form heaven

The bugs commonly called "African caterpillars" belong to the Sapelli species (Imbrasia oyemensis) encountered in Central and West Africa. Their name comes from the fact that they slide down from the Sapelli trees during the rainy season because their tiny legs no longer adhere to the wet leaves. Once they "have fallen from heaven", they are picked up and cooked right away. Many local people, including Pygmies, have caterpillars in their traditional diet. In the province of Low-Congo of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sapelli caterpillars represent about 40% of the protein intake of the population, and even 75% for some isolated populations.

A chance for local populations

At the end of the last century, over-consumption and the increase of bush fires threaten the existence of the Sapelli caterpillars. Fortunately, thanks to well-organized rural development projects, the number of Sapelli returned to acceptable levels. This dramatic improvement allowed the Congolese to implement a small export sector, especially to Europe. Sold dried, African caterpillars must first be plunged into water for two hours before being cooked. Their unique taste reminds the undergrowth, like some mushrooms do.

Congo caterpillars have great nutrition values

The nutritional qualities of Congo caterpillars are exceptional. Several studies have shown that 100 g of this food provides more than 100 % of the daily requirements of minerals and vitamins. Thus in some regions, flour caterpillars is used to make a mixture that is given to children. The highly nutrional paste is used in the fight against malnutrition.