Ants

Flavour 

Tyrant ants have a zing something between citrus and blackcurrant, with the flavour coming from an acid inside the ants body. As the acid is what ants use to communicate with each other, different species of ants will have completely different flavour profiles. 

Native Green-Tree Ants (or Weaver Ants) from the woodlands of tropical northern Australia have a very strong citrus flavour and are often used fresh or frozen to complement desserts or white meats. Due to their small size they are used as a complement to dishes rather than the main feature.

Have you tried Green Ant Gin from Something Wild in the Adelaide Central Market?

Nutrition

Ants are high in protein, vitamins and minerals. Research shows that the Green Ant is high in protein, Vitamin C and Iron, plus contains zinc and magnesium and has outstanding levels of vitamin B12.

Green Ants were traditionally used within the Indigenous diet & medicines. As a remedy for cough, Green Ants would be caught and added to water and left to ferment to create a lemon flavoured drink.

Other varieties of ants have been used in Chinese Medicine for over 200 years, and health practitioners claim health benefits for your skin, liver and general vitality.

Edible ants around the world

Species of Weaver Ants are commonly eaten throughout Asia, and in Thailand are sold in cans and in subtropical China have been officially approved by the State Food and Drug Administration in over 30 health products. Ants are also commonly consumed and increasingly commercialised in Central America.