They are everywhere! Grasshoppers have invaded the Las Vegas Valley. After an unseasonably wet winter and spring, pallid-winged grasshoppers have infested the Las Vegas valley as they migrate as far north as central Nevada from Laughlin, Nevada and northern Arizona, the Nevada Department of Agriculture confirmed at a news conference Thursday.
The Las Vegas Valley has recorded 4.63 inches of rain this year. The annual average is 4.19 inches, and this year nearly 4 inches had fallen before the end of May.
Grasshoppers do not bite, sting or carry diseases. The bugs are attracted to lights, specifically ultraviolet lights. Bright white lights are their common hangout place. If residents are worried or want to deter the bugs, they can install amber or low-UV lights.
They should hop out of town in a few weeks.
How to cook grasshoppers:
Grasshoppers are a crunchy, delicious treat enjoyed around the world in countries like Mexico and Uganda. Just one grasshopper contains 6 grams (0.21 oz) of protein and many people think the world should harvest more insects to help people in need of healthy, nourishing meals. As long as you cook your grasshoppers, whether boiling or frying them, they will be safe to eat and ready in minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound grasshoppers
- 3 cloves garlic (peeled and chopped)
- 1 serrano chile (seeded and diced)
- 1/2 onion (chopped)
- 1/2 cup oil (for frying)
- Dash salt (or to taste)
- 1 lime (cut into wedges)
Steps to Make It
1. Gather the ingredients.
2. You will need to pull the wings and legs off of each grasshopper.
3. Heat the oil in a shallow pan and sauté the garlic, chile, and the onions until the onions are translucent.
4. With a slotted spoon, remove and discard the onions, chile and the garlic from the oil, leaving the oil in the pan.
5. Sauté the chapulines in the oil until they are brown and crispy.
6. Remove the chapulines and drain them well on paper towels.
7. Sprinkle salt over the top, and then squeeze some lime over them.
8. You can enjoy them as a snack or use as a filling for tacos.
You can also make dry roasted grasshoppers, garlic butter fried grasshoppers, sauteed grasshoppers, grasshopper skewers, grasshopper fritters and more. YUM!
Grasshopper (Cocktail)
Ingredients
- Ice
- 1 ounce green crème de menthe
- 1 ounce crème de cacao
- 1 ounce heavy cream
Directions
In an ice-filled cocktail shaker, combine all of the ingredients and shake vigorously until well chilled. Strain into a martini glass and serve.
https://vegaschanges.com/2018/01/01/essentials-in-las-vegas/