As an arachnid enthusiast, I often find myself surrounded by creatures that would make most people squeamish. Scorpions, tarantulas, whip spiders – they’re all part of my daily life. They’re beautiful, intricate creatures, each with their unique behaviors and survival strategies. Recently, I’ve been intrigued by a rather unexpected question: Can you eat a scorpion?
Believe it or not, scorpions – like many other arachnids and insects – are part of the diet in several cultures worldwide. This is a deep dive into the culinary world of scorpions.
Scorpion: An Unusual Delicacy
Scorpions, though spine-chilling creatures to many people, are consumed as delicacies and even day-to-day snacks in some parts of the world. In countries like China, Thailand, and Vietnam, you’ll find them skewered and fried, served on a stick. They’re also used in traditional medicine due to their perceived health benefits.
They’re usually cooked alive, much like lobsters, to maintain the integrity of their flavor and texture. The cooking process eliminates the venom, making them safe to eat. However, the tail and stinger are sometimes removed as an extra precaution.
Can You Die from Eating a Scorpion?
The answer is generally no, you cannot die from eating a properly prepared scorpion. Cooking deactivates the venom, rendering it harmless. Additionally, most scorpion venoms are protein-based and are broken down in the stomach and gut. However, eating a raw or improperly prepared scorpion may potentially pose health risks.
Can You Die from Eating a Black Scorpion?
The “Black Scorpion” refers to a variety of species, some of which have highly potent venom. But the rules still apply. If properly cooked, the venom becomes inactive, and the scorpion is safe to eat. In the unlikely event you eat an uncooked black scorpion with strong venom, adverse reactions could occur – but death is very rare, especially for healthy adults.
Eating Scorpion Benefits
Why would anyone want to chomp down on a scorpion, you might ask? Apart from the thrill factor, there are several potential benefits of eating scorpions.
Nutritional Benefits
Scorpions, like many arthropods, are high in protein and low in fat. They also contain essential vitamins and minerals. Here’s a quick comparison table:
| Food | Protein (g per 100g) | Fat (g per 100g) |
| Scorpion1 | 52.91 | 10.83 |
| Beef (Lean)2 | 26.1 | 11.8 |
| Chicken (Skinless)3 | 31.0 | 6.2 |
Environmental Benefits
Invertebrates are a more sustainable food source than traditional livestock. They require less water, produce fewer greenhouse gases, and can be farmed in small spaces. They could be a viable solution to future food security issues.
Potential Health Benefits
In traditional Chinese medicine, scorpions are believed to have health benefits, such as boosting the immune system, promoting cell regeneration, and treating heart disease.
What Happens If You Eat a Dead Black Scorpion?
If you come across a dead black scorpion and decide to take a bite, please reconsider. You don’t know how or when it died, which could lead to potential health risks. Its venom could still be active if it hasn’t been cooked properly, and there’s also a risk of bacterial contamination.
Can You Eat Scorpion in Tequila?
Scorpion-infused tequila is a popular novelty item, often found in Mexico. The alcohol denatures the venom, making it safe to consume. It’s more of a marketing gimmick than a culinary practice, but yes, you can eat the tequila-soaked scorpion if you dare.
What Do Scorpions Taste Like?
People who have tried scorpions often describe the taste as a mix between shrimp and chicken, with a slight crunchy texture. They’re usually seasoned heavily, which can influence the flavor profile significantly.
How Many Grams of Protein in a Scorpion?
Scorpions pack a protein punch. As mentioned in the table above, they contain around 53 grams of protein per 100 grams, making them a fantastic protein source. But remember, while the protein content is high, eating scorpions is not the most conventional or readily accessible way to increase protein intake.
Is Eating Scorpions Haram?
In Islam, all creatures that have venom and are potentially harmful are generally considered haram (forbidden). According to the Hanafi school of thought, scorpions fall under this category and are therefore haram to consume. However, there may be differing views based on different interpretations, cultures, and contexts.
*Note: this is my understanding as a non-Muslim – please get in touch if the above information is incorrect!
Can You Eat a Scorpion? Final Thoughts…
It’s been quite a journey exploring this less-trodden culinary path. So, can you eat a scorpion? The answer is yes, but it comes with qualifications. They must be cooked properly to neutralize the venom and should come from reliable sources to avoid health risks.
The position of this website is that eating live Scorpions is both cruel, and unsafe due to the uncooked nature of the meat. Nonetheless, I don’t comdemn people for eating safely prepared scorpions. After all, I eat shrimp and shellfish on a regular basis. It really isn’t that different.
If you ever get the opportunity (and the courage) to try, remember, they’re high in protein, low in fat, and could just be the most exciting story you bring back from your travels.
For me, as an arachnid lover, I think I’ll stick to observing my eight-legged friends in their tanks rather than on my dinner plate. But never say never, right?
What does scorpion meat taste like?
According to most diners, scorpion meat tastes a lot like shrimp, chicken, or crab. Others also mention a bizarre resemblance to beef jerky. This obviously depends how it’s cooked, though. You can barbecue, roast, or fry scorpion and marinade too if you’re trying to obtain a certain flavour.
What to do if you eat a scorpion?
If you accidentally ate a scorpion – then my hat’s off to you, because that’s one of the most unusual accidents I’ve ever heard of! In all seriousness, though, it is unlikely to do you any harm. So long as you aren’t stung in the process of swallowing it, your digestive system will deal with a scorpion like it does any other meat.
Is scorpion meat safe?
Scorpion meat is safe if it is processed with the same due care and attention you would cook any other meat with. Attention should be paid to hygiene, but also to the provenance of the scorpion. For example, you would not want to eat a scorpion that had been poisoned, as you would end up ingesting the poison too. When it comes to the scorpion’s venom, this will be denatured and inactivated during digestion.
