Most people can hardly look at a spider - let alone eat one! Cambodians love them though…

The small town called Skyon is famous for its arachnid specialities. The chef will kill a spider (which can reach up to 15cm across) by twisting its fangs, rendering it poison-less and then squeezing its thorax to kill it. After being washed, the spiders are dipped in MSG and red food colouring and a sachet Knorr ready-mix is added. The spiders are then showered in sugar and deep-fried in oil for extra crispiness.

Why eat them? They’re a vital source of protein (especially the pregnant females). The spiders are also believed to have a range of medicinal properties. To treat coughs and bad chests a live spider is grilled and left outside in the dew before eaten.

Aren’t you glad we’ve got antibiotics and steaks to fix those problems?

Source: The Independent

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