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11/05/2006: "Long, Thin, Round Ones; Short, Fat, Juicey Ones...."

On a recent trip down to the farm, Kurt’s older daughter was intrigued with the worms she found about the property. Inspired by her current reading, How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell, she began a campaign to fry up some worms. I would have none of it, Nate wasn’t sympathetic, and her dad was occupied with bigger plans, but Rebecca thought it would be a great adventure. She whipped out her copy of Loren Nancarrow and Janet Hogan Taylor’s The Worm Book, which included fried worm recipes. Fortified with the consent of an adult, off the girl trekked to collect worms.

When the promised half-cup of worms was at hand, an elaborate process of “de-pooping” the worms had to be done. I tried to pay as little attention as possible to the worm preparations, particularly when my tea strainer was employed. It’s better sometimes not to know, right?


Boy did they wiggle when the salt was added...


Anyways, after the de-pooping, the worms were left to ingest some cornmeal, nicely coating themselves. Rebecca then proceeded to fry up the worms, with garlic and olive oil, in my egg pan. Finally, the worms were done. Nate and I were the only people sufficiently grossed out to not partake of the breaded Oligochaeta. Both of Kurt’s girls tried a few and found them chewy, and in need of more salt. Rebecca thought they were a little bitter, and might improve with further time in cornmeal (which apparently they ingest and eat rather than dirt…Cornmeal stuffed earthworms anyone?)

Worm cookery, the next girlscout merit badge.


Yes, that's my egg pan with the worms in it.


Nate's reaction to being asked if he wanted to try a worm.


The girls took a small baggie of worms home to their mother and we wonder if they’ll ever be allowed to visit the farm again.