Kenya camping:How termites are eaten

The termites are edible insects that are mainly collected from the termite hill either once or twice a year depending on the climatic conditions. Before the termites starts to migrate or move out of the hill, soldiers are ready just at the exit waiting to protect the respected insects out of the hill.

For some communities in Kenya, the termites are a good source of proteins and fats. Communities that eat them include the Turkana, Pokot, Kalenjin, Luo, and a few others.

Collecting methods

First the termite hill is identified. They look for some distinct and unique characteristics such as the tip of chimney and the window parts to see if wet and guarded by the soldiers.

During the rainy season, the flying termites just fly out, usually at night. All you have to do is to collect them. Normally you will see many people by the roadsides, with cups and other containers collecting them.

In the dry periods, the termites are trapped at night by use of light which facilitates all the termites to be attracted at one point since they like it. As they come towards the source they are scooped to an empty bag or containers. After collection they are transferred into a heated Sufuria (cooking pot) to kill them. When this is done the following day they are spread in the sun to dry properly and also to facilitate easy removal of the wings.

The drying process is repeated till all the wings are off. At this stage the termites are ready to be eaten but in some cases some communities tend to crush them to make a mash like Matoke (mashed bananas). It is bit clamping due to fats.

After the termites are dry, they can be used in any way to go with any local foods, like Ugali, Matoke, Rice or even Potatoes.

Peter K. Philip

Adventure Kenya camping safaris,

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