Edible scorpions

1 packet contains three small yellow scorpions.

Who would have thought that these mythical creatures known for their poisoned darts could be edible? Of all the edible insects and arachnids, the most unlikely of them all is definitely the scorpion. Before going further, we must clarify one thing though: the scorpion is not an insect! In fact, the scorpion is a predatory arthropod animal, and it belongs to the Arachnida class, like spiders actually.

The scorpions we are selling are called “Mesobuthus martensii”, commonly known as Manchurian scorpion or Chinese golden scorpion. In order to make them edible for humans, our scorpions  first of all need be fried. This is a process that neutralizes their poison. Ironically, their tails are the most nutritious part of these animals.

In China, fried scorpions are a traditional dish and they are eaten like a snack ! On the many markets located in Beijing or Shanghai, they are often sold on a skewer, ready to be chewed upon. Edible scorpions even have an amazing flavor, something like popcorn actually, a little bit spicy with an after taste of bacon.

The golden Manchurian scorpion

The Mesobuthus martensii (or the golden Manchurian scorpion) is a species of scorpion found in the Buthidae family, which we usually find in dry areas in China, Mongolia and Korea. This species has also been involuntarily introduced by humans in Japan. The Mesobuthus martensii scorpion features a yellow color that can be light or dark. Males of the species can grow up to 5.3 cm long and the females up to 6 cm long. Their life expectancy is about 4 to 6 years.

Golden Manchurian scorpions mainly consume other insects. They are great predators and they hunt their prey while hidden in the ground, under the rocks and under bits and pieces of various plants. Their poison neutralizes the irprey quiclky, but it is not fatal to humans.

Traditional Chinese medicine

Scorpions are famous for their amazing resistance against low or high temperatures, lack of water or food and even against radioactivity. In the event of a nuclear Apocalypse, scorpions would be one of the rare species that would survive (and we could prey upon).

Their incredible strength proved to be an essential characteristic which made them famous in chinese traditional medicine. In a book dating from the sixteenth century called “Bencao Gangmu”, an important reference book in the field of Chinese medicine, scorpions are considered to help improve blood circulation”

In fact, scorpion have been an important ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine for over a thousand years.

Inside this packet you will find three small yellow scorpions.

The scorpions are cooked, all you have to do is open the packet and enjoy them!