Papadahandi: A delicacy that is little known in other parts of the state but is a rage in tribal areas of Nabarangpur district is the egg of the red ant.
Known for their sharp, sour taste, red ant eggs are in great demand across Nabarangpur district these days, say villagers.
The eggs are considered to be a rich source of protein and are believed to have a cooling effect on the body besides improving liver function. The eggs are also a source of livelihood for tribals who sell them at markets.
A bowlful of eggs are sold for Rs10 in the markets. The eggs are known to lend themselves to a range of recipes, say tribals.
Red ants set up colonies atop sal, mango and blackberry trees just before the onset of summer. The ants use their saliva to glue leaves together between which they lay the eggs. The eggs are carefully separated from the ants after which they are sold in the market.
However, it is observed that people torch the trees to avoid ant bite during collection of eggs, resulting in forest fires which spread across large swathes of jungles which should be avoided, said locals. PNN
