Particle.news

Download on the App Store

New Orleans Cafe Introduces Cicada-Based Dishes Amidst National Emergence

As trillions of periodical cicadas prepare to surface, a New Orleans insectarium capitalizes on the event by adding cicada dishes to its menu.

Zach Lemann, curator of animal collections for the Audubon Insectarium, prepares cicadas for eating at the insectarium in New Orleans, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. The insectarium plans to demonstrate ways to cook cicadas at the little in-house snack bar where it already serves other insect dishes. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Image

Overview

  • The Audubon Insectarium in New Orleans has introduced cicada-based dishes, including a salad with roasted cicadas, as part of its 'Bug Appetit' cafe offerings.
  • Zack Lemann, the curator of animal collections, showcased the new dishes as the nation anticipates the emergence of two large broods of cicadas.
  • The cicada dishes are part of a broader effort to promote insect eating, highlighting their nutritional value and environmental benefits.
  • The emergence of cicadas, accelerated by climate change, is expected to cover parts of 16 states, affecting millions of acres.
  • Lemann aims to serve the cicada dishes multiple times, anticipating high interest from both locals and visitors.