“Why are there ‘worms’ on top of kimchi… Attention from the US as the largest ever appearance is anticipated.”

“Rich in nutrients like protein… similar to lobster and shrimp”, ‘As a historically large brood of cicadas is expected to emerge in the United States in 221 years, various dishes using cicadas are gaining attention locally.’,
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, ‘On the 8th (local time), Yonhap News quoted an article from The New York Times (NYT) reporting on chefs developing dishes and recipes using cicadas.’,
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Joseph Yoon, a Korean American chef, created cicada kimchi. [Photo credit=The New York Times (NYT) capture],
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, “First, ‘cicada kimchi’ was created by Korean American chef Joseph Yoon. It is made by marinating whole cicadas with seasoning and allowing the fermentation liquid to slowly penetrate the hard shell of the cicadas. This chef serves well-ripened cicada kimchi with soft tofu or warm rice.”,
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, “For a few years now, he has been steadily introducing dishes using insects through his Instagram account ‘Brooklyn Bugs.’ His dishes include Spanish-style tortilla with sautéed cicadas mixed with onions and potatoes, as well as a pasta casserole filled with cicadas.”,
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, ‘He said, “Cicadas are like lobster or shrimp,” and added, “I simply like to consider cicadas as another ingredient.” Joseph Yoon also presented dishes like kimchi with cicada larvae mixed in and noodles with cicadas placed on top like garnish.’,
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, ‘In the United States, it may not be easy to encounter insect cuisine, but in Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and China, various insect dishes can be found.’,
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A restaurant in Washington, USA showcasing dishes with fried cicadas in rolls. [Photo credit=AFP Yonhap News],
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, ‘Chef Andrew Jack in Chicago, who creates dishes with insects such as grasshoppers and ants, also saw cicadas as an interesting ingredient. Andrew Jack stated, “Cicadas not only contain protein but also a variety of other nutrients such as fat and carbohydrates.” He mentioned plans to take advantage of the upcoming cicada emergence to try dishes made by grinding cicadas, adding salt, and fermenting them.’,
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, ‘Insects are considered excellent sources of protein that can replace meat. Not only are they rich in protein content, but they also contain a variety of essential amino acids. While processed beef contains about 55% useful protein, grasshoppers contain 80%, dried cicada larvae at least 50%. Considering soybeans are around 40%, these are high numbers.’,
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, ‘Insects have high levels of unsaturated fatty acids, and their chitinous exoskeletons are rich in dietary fiber and minerals such as iron and calcium, as well as vitamins. However, scientists believe that cicadas can be safely consumed only when they have not grown in soil contaminated with pesticides or other chemicals. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised people with crustacean allergies to avoid eating cicadas, as reported by the NYT.’,
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‘Brood X’ cicadas appearing every 17 years in the United States. [Photo credit=AFP, Yonhap News],
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, ‘On the other hand, entomologists predict that approximately 1 trillion cicadas will cover 16 states in the central and southeastern United States after 221 years. It is expected that two types of periodical cicadas will emerge and act on the ground together until this summer.’,
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, ‘Most cicadas in the United States have long life cycles of 13 and 17 years. 17-year cicadas inhabit the central regions, while 13-year cicadas reside in the southeastern regions, strictly following their cycles to emerge as adults above ground. That’s why these cicadas are called periodical cicadas. A total of 7 species of cicadas are expected to emerge this time.’,
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, ‘First, the 13-year periodical cicadas appear in the southeast region, followed by the 17-year periodical cicadas in the central region. It is anticipated that cicadas, with an average of 1 million per acre (approximately 4047 square meters), will cover 16 states including Wisconsin, Georgia, and Illinois. In some areas of Illinois, there is a high possibility that cicadas from two cycles will emerge together.’,
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