Cooking Cicadas: One South Carolina Man’s Bold Culinary Adventure
Cicada season is upon us, and for one man in Upstate, the buzzing insects aren’t just a nuisance—they’re a culinary delight. Josh Wicker, a wildlife enthusiast with a background in biology, has turned his passion for nature into a unique dining experience.
Growing up immersed in the outdoors, Wicker’s fascination with wildlife led him to explore the world of cicadas and their lifecycles. Inspired by a suggestion from a viewer on his YouTube channel, he decided to experiment with cooking and eating cicadas.
As a stay-at-home dad involves a lot of time in the kitchen. With his culinary skills and curiosity in full swing, Wicker invited friends over for a Southern-inspired dinner party featuring a menu of cicada delicacies.
The guests were treated to a variety of dishes, including “cicadas in a blanket,” bacon-wrapped cicadas, fish-fried cicadas, and praline-coated cicadas. Surprisingly, the reactions were overwhelmingly positive, with many guests giving the unusual fare high marks.
For those intrigued by the idea of trying cicadas, Wicker offers a word of caution: individuals with shellfish allergies should steer clear, as cicadas contain a protein that can trigger allergic reactions.
So, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not give cicadas a try?