Why not try a Mopane Worm?

Mopane worms are called phane in Botswana, mashonja in Zimbabwe and parts of South Africa, and omangungu in Namibia. Nutritionally they rich in protein along with good percentages of iron and calcium. Since they require little input when it comes to growing and harvesting , it has become a valuable and profitable source of food and income. Mopane worms get their English name from hanging out on Mopane trees which are prevalent in Southern Africa. They are also not worms, but caterpillars, the larvae of the Emperor Moth. The best time to harvest them is when they are at maximum plumpness, late in their larval stage and before they bury themselves in order to re-appear as an Emperor moth. The Mopane worms like the Mopane tree, but they also feed off mango trees and other bushes. Big Business Dried mopane worms have become a multimillion-dollar industry. They’re even exported from Zimbabwe to countries like South Africa and Botswana. They can be found in African restaurants in Paris. How to Cook Mopane Worms A common way to eat Mopane worms is to fry them with tomatoes, peanuts, chillies and onions, like my delicious specimen. They can also be added to a stew, boiled to soften them up, or simply eaten raw and fresh off a tree. When they're fresh, they are obviously less chewy. Recipe for Mopane Worm Stew: INGREDIENTS For 4 people • 1.5 tablespoon(s)peanut butter (optional) • 130 grams Mopane worms • 1 x 330ml can BLACK LABEL beer • 4 ripe, medium tomatoes, chopped • 2 cup(s) water • 1 medium onion, chopped • 1 teaspoon(s) hot chilli sauce • 1 pinch(es)salt and pepper • 1 tablespoon(s)oil DIRECTIONS 1. In a bowl mix together the beer and water 2. Place Mopani worms into the bowl & soak for a minimum of 4 hours 3. When worms are re-hydrated they are ready, drain, reserving 1 cup of the liquid 4. Heat the oil in a pot, add the onions & cook for 3 mins until soft 5. Add the worms, tomatoes & chilli sauce, together with half of the reserved liquid. Bring to the boil & cook for 5 minutes. Turn down heat to simmer for a further 10 minutes, stirring from time to time. Add more liquid if required 6. Season with salt & pepper. Add more chilli if required 7. Serve with pap or rice. http://www.afriqueescapades.co.za

Africa - Excitement awaits you

Africa - to visit Africa is the same than starting a life long passionate romance. Africa seduces you like no other. And yes, we have the wildlife. The lions, the majestic elephants, the elusive leopard, the pre-historic looking rhino and crocodile etc. And yes, we have the most beautiful sunsets in the world. Nowhere else will you find the moon as beautiful as in Africa on a dark night. A cinnamon moon. "There is a queer witchery about the moon when it is full - Oom Schalk Lourens remarked - especially the moon that hangs over the valley of the Dwarsberge in the summer time. It does strange things to the mind, the Marico Moon, and in your heart are wild and fragrant fancies, and your thoughts go far away. HC Bosman But besides the beauty of our landscapes and the wild game still roaming, Africa offers the visitor our hospitality. The warmth of the smile of the Fulani people from Cameroon. To me the most beautiful of our Indigenous people. The exciting Masai people, tall and regal, the friendly smiles of the people from Malawi, as warm as the waters around Malawi, the wonderful people from Botswana with their great sense of humour. And then of course we have our own playground for the adventure seekers. The Victoria Falls on the mighty Zambezi River is not dubbed one of the natural seven wonders of the world for nothing. The 108 metre drop creates a spectacle like no other and is known as Mosi-oi-Tunya or The Smoke that Thunders. Located on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, the Victoria Falls has a host of activities to keep young and old entertained. The African landscape has long been known for its beauty and mistery and the area around Victoria Falls offers the best value for money experience on the continent, with a Natural Wonder, a National Park, Game Drives and adventures all in a radius of 50km. Come visit us in Africa. We are waiting. Come,explore and fall in love. http://www.afriqueescapades.co.za