Model answer by Lifestyle Training Centre

One of the most unusual foods I’ve ever tried was fried grasshopper. I had the opportunity to taste this unconventional delicacy during a visit to Nagaland, my wife’s hometown in Northeast India. It was an experience that left me with a mix of initial disgust and later intrigue.

Grasshoppers are typically consumed by the local community only during the rice harvesting season. They are considered a seasonal treat, as consuming them at other times can be potentially dangerous due to their susceptibility to pesticides and other toxins. The villagers have a unique method of catching these creatures. They venture out into the fields at night with torches, which attract the grasshoppers, and then they skilfully catch them.

The grasshoppers are cleaned and prepared for cooking by removing their legs and wings. They are then seasoned and marinated before being fried to a crispy texture. The thought of eating insects was initially off-putting, and I was quite disgusted at the sight of these creatures. However, my curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to give it a try.

Upon my first bite, I was surprised by the intriguing taste. The fried grasshoppers had a delightful crunchiness and a unique blend of flavours from the seasonings. It was unlike anything I had ever tried before, and I found myself wanting to have more. The locals in Nagaland enjoyed these snacks, and their enthusiasm was infectious.

While I may not have been entirely comfortable with the idea of eating insects, the experience broadened my culinary horizons and gave me a deeper appreciation for the diversity of food cultures around the world. It taught me that what may seem unusual or even unappealing at first glance can turn out to be a surprisingly delightful gastronomic adventure.

If the opportunity arises in the future, I would certainly be open to trying fried grasshoppers again. It’s a unique and memorable food experience from Nagaland, my wife’s place, that I wouldn’t mind revisiting.

List of vocabulary used:

1. Unusual – Not typical or common; out of the ordinary.
2. Delicacy – A rare or special food, often considered a treat.
3. Disgust – A strong feeling of dislike or revulsion.
4. Intrigue – A strong curiosity or fascination.
5. Consuming – The act of eating or drinking something.
6. Susceptibility – The likelihood of being affected by something, especially negatively.
7. Pesticides – Chemicals used to kill pests, often harmful to other organisms.
8. Toxins – Poisonous substances produced by living organisms.
9. Venture – To take a risk or go somewhere, often with an element of uncertainty.
10. Skilfully – Done with proficiency or expertise.
11. Seasoned – Flavoured or spiced, often to enhance taste.
12. Marinated – Soaked in a seasoned liquid to enhance flavour.
13. Crispy – Having a firm, crunchy texture, often from frying.
14. Off-putting – Unappealing or unpleasant.
15. Curiosity – A strong desire to learn or know more about something.
16. Blend – A mixture or combination of different elements.
17. Enthusiasm – Intense enjoyment, eagerness, or interest.
18. Infectious – Spreading easily, often referring to enthusiasm or emotions.
19. Broadened – Expanded or widened, often in terms of experience or knowledge.
20. Gastronomic – Related to the art and science of good eating.

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