Axayacatl (insect) facts for kids
Axayacatl (pronounced ah-shah-YAH-cat-l) is a special name. It refers to tiny water insects found in Mexico. These insects are part of the Corixidae family, often called "water boatmen."
But it's not just the insects that are special! Their eggs, called ahuauhtli (ah-WAH-oo-tlee), are also very important. People collect these eggs from lakes and ponds. They are often called "Mexican caviar" because they are a tasty food. This food has been part of Mexican cooking for a very long time, even since the time of the Aztecs.
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Eating Axayacatl and its Eggs
Both the adult axayacatl insects and their eggs, called ahuauhtli, can be eaten. They are a great source of protein. In fact, these foods are packed with protein, making them very nutritious.
How They Are Collected
To catch the adult insects, people use nets. Once caught, the insects are often roasted before being eaten.
Collecting the eggs is a bit different. The axayacatl insects lay their eggs on plants like rushes and flags near lakes. In the past, people used corn cob leaves. Today, they often use special reeds called "tules." These plants are placed on the lake shore. The insects lay their eggs on them. After the eggs are laid, they are collected, dried, and then roasted.
A Food with History
The axayacatl and its eggs have been eaten in Mexico for hundreds of years. Spanish explorers who came to Mexico long ago wrote about this food. They said that the axayacatl was offered to the Aztec god Xiuhtecutli.
The Aztec Emperor Montezuma also enjoyed them. People would bring fresh axayacatl to his court in Tenochtitlan (the Aztec capital, now Mexico City) every day for his breakfast. The ahuauhtli eggs were often eaten in small cakes called tortas or in taquitos (small tacos). The Spanish explorers even learned to like them, especially on Fridays when their religion meant they couldn't eat red meat.
Axayacatl Today
Today, adult axayacatl insects are still eaten toasted. The ahuauhtli eggs are often prepared in different ways. They can be made into cakes dipped in egg batter and fried. They are also used in traditional Mexican dishes like tamales or mixiotes. People often eat them during special times like Lent and Christmas Eve.
Protecting This Special Food
Even though it's fairly easy and cheap to raise these insects, they can be quite expensive in markets. This is because many people want to buy them. Sadly, the axayacatl insects are now in danger. The lakes where they live are drying up and becoming polluted. This makes it harder for them to survive and lay their eggs.
See also
In Spanish: Axayácatl (insecto) para niños
