An insect expert has revealed the real reason why ‘worms’ are put in bottles of tequila – and the truth may surprise you.
Texas-based Cassie Krejci, who is also a licensed entomologist and pest control specialist, took to TikTok to explain how the story of the tequila worm is one of her “favorite insect facts” to share with people.
In her video she reveals that the worm itself is actually a moth caterpillar called the gusano de maguey that feeds on the maguey plant – a member of the agave family used to produce the drink.
The insect expert then explains the meaning of the caterpillar, stating that if it ends up in a bottle of tequila or mezcal, it’s actually a “higher quality” product.
Cassie Krejci from Texas, who is also a qualified entomologist, took to TikTok to explain how the story of the tequila worm is one of her “favorite insect facts” to share with people
In her video, she reveals that the worm itself is actually a moth caterpillar called the gusano de maguey that feeds on the maguey plant – a member of the agave family used to produce the drink
On how the tradition came about, Cassie continues, “In the 1940s and 1950s, as tequila was pouring into the United States, mezcal needed a way to differentiate its product and so the worm was introduced as a sign of purity to increase sales. to assist. of mezcal.’
While Cassie says the “worm” is a bit of a gimmick, it’s a good indication of spicy booze.
She puts on her science cap and says, “What does this mean from an entomological perspective?
“Anytime we’re storing soft-bodied insects like moth larvae, we want to put them in 70 percent alcohol or higher, or they’ll disintegrate over time and won’t last very long in our vials.”
“So any time you get a bottle of tequila or a bottle of mezcal that might have a worm in it — it’s another marketing ploy — but the idea is that the mezcal is at least 70 percent alcohol or 140 proof and it can be a way to to prove that you have really quality material.’
Cassie confirmed to DailyMail.com that the worms are safe to eat and “based on food safety regulations in the US, the manufacturers of such products would be required to lab grow the worms to ensure they are free of bacteria, fungi and other pathogens. before they are incorporated into their products.’
She added, “No wild-caught caterpillars would be included in US-manufactured tequila.”
New York-based liquor expert Tom Higbee also told DailyMail.com that worms are “virtually gone out of use” in the tequila business.
Cassie confirmed to DailyMail.com that the worms are safe to eat and “based on US food safety regulations”
But commenting on the taste, he said, “Well, they taste like tequila or mezcal, but the texture is pretty off-putting to me.” No wonder they’ve become less popular.’
Cassie’s other TikTok videos cover a range of other pest-related topics, from termite invasions to bed bug infestations.
And while her tequila worm TikTok has been viewed more than 12,000 times, her second most popular video addresses checking for bed bugs in hotel rooms.
She says the first thing she does as soon as she checks into her room is to leave her luggage in the bathroom, and advises that it’s best to leave it on hardwood or tile surfaces, as it prevents the bedbugs from getting into your home from the start. suitcase crawl.
She continues, “So to find bed bugs, it’s important to know about the biology of bed bugs.
“First, they are mostly nocturnal, meaning they will only attempt to feed on humans at night.”
Cassie’s other TikTok videos cover a range of other pest-related topics, from termite invasions to bed bug infestations
She said the first thing she does as soon as she checks into a hotel room is to leave her luggage in the bathroom to reduce the risk of picking up bed bugs from the carpet.
And because people spend most of their night in bed, she said it’s important to start your inspection there.
She explained, “The first thing I do is take the covers off the bed and make sure they’re all clean. But then you take your bottom sheet and lift that too.’
Cassie demonstrated this when she told travelers that it’s important to pay attention to any stains on the sheets.
These brown spots are the most important to watch out for, as the expert explained they’re called fecal stains, which are left behind after bed bugs “digest blood.” The creatures leave “brown stool stains that look like blood.”
Other places she checks in hotel rooms are in the drawers next to the bed and under the chair cushions.