Mezcal worm

Larvae found in some bottles of mezcal

The mezcal worm is a larva that is sometimes found in bottles of mezcal, a distilled alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant, primarily in Mexico. The presence of the worm in mezcal is a marketing gimmick that has become a cultural icon associated with the drink.

Description

Gusanos, or worms, used in mezcal

The mezcal worm is typically one of two types of larvae: the red worm, known as the gusano rojo, which is the larva of the Comadia redtenbacheri moth, or the white worm, known as the gusano de maguey, which is the larva of the Aegiale hesperiaris moth. These larvae are found on the agave plant, which is the primary ingredient in mezcal production.

History

The tradition of adding a worm to mezcal bottles began in the 1940s or 1950s. It is often attributed to a marketing strategy by a mezcal producer who claimed that the worm enhanced the flavor of the drink. This practice was not traditional and was not originally part of mezcal production.

Cultural Significance

The inclusion of the worm in mezcal has become a symbol of authenticity and exoticism. It is often used to differentiate mezcal from tequila, another agave-based spirit that does not contain a worm. The worm is sometimes consumed as part of a ritual or dare, and it is believed by some to have aphrodisiac properties, although this is not scientifically supported.

Production

The worms are harvested from the agave plants during the rainy season. They are then cleaned and sometimes roasted or fried before being added to the bottles of mezcal. The presence of the worm is said to indicate the quality of the mezcal, as the alcohol content should be high enough to preserve the worm.

Controversy

There is some debate over the practice of adding worms to mezcal. Traditional mezcal producers argue that it detracts from the authenticity and quality of the spirit. However, the practice persists due to its popularity and the novelty it adds to the product.

Related pages

• Mezcal
• Tequila
• Agave