Mojojoy

Mojojoy or Chontacuro^[1] is the name of larvae of different palm weevils found in the Oriente (Ecuador) and the Amazon region of Colombia, eaten as food and known as a pest for various palm species.^[2] In Peru, it is known as suri or cocotero.^[3] The flavor has had different descriptions including resembling the taste of hazelnut or butter.^[3] It is also considered a sustainable food source.^[3]

Mojojoy

Rhynchophorus ferrugineus larvae
Place of origin	Ecuador,Colombia, Peru
Region or state	Amazon
Main ingredients	beetle larvae
Media: Mojojoy

Characteristics

They are the larvae of Ancognatha scarabaeoides^[4] and Rhynchophorus palmarum^[5] which are considered pests that can attack crops, destroying them partially or totally, or affecting them from the root.^[2] The weevils burrow into the aguaje tree, lay eggs, and after hatching, the grubs feed on the oily bark.^[3] It is speculated that the fatty flavor comes from this.^[3]

Consumption

Suri served in Iquitos

It can be eaten alive or prepared by different methods of cooking; most commonly they are roasted or fried, grilled on a skewer, or stuffed with beef, chicken or fish.^[2][5][6] To eat raw, the head, pincers, and intestines are removed and the contents are sucked out.^[3] It can be prepared in the anticucho style, which is grilling after marination. Chicharrón de suri is a dish where the grubs are seasoned with salt and garlic, then fried with green plantains.^[3]

Nutrition

The larvae are a good source of protein, vitamins A and E, and beta-carotene.^[3]