Introduction:A café in Shunde, Guangzhou recently launched an iced Americano special drink featuring deep-fried cicadas, sparking heated discussions among netizens. This creative beverage, which combines traditional game food with modern coffee culture, not only delivers a visual shock but also raises concerns about food safety and allergy risks. This article delves into the story behind this summer-limited drink and provides important precautions to consider before trying it.
Recently, a café in Shunde, Guangzhou introduced a stunning and surprising special Americano that places deep-fried cicadas atop an iced coffee, successfully drawing a lot of attention. As soon as the drink was unveiled, it sparked widespread discussion on social media platforms, with many netizens expressing disbelief at its appearance, even jokingly saying, “I thought it was a fried cockroach.”
Cicadas, commonly referred to as golden cicadas by the public, have long been a seasonal delicacy in certain parts of China during the summer. Every early summer, it’s the time when they emerge from underground, climb tree trunks, and molt — making it the best period for catching them. Locals usually go into the woods at night with flashlights to find live cicadas that have just emerged, bring them home to clean, and then deep-fry them at high temperatures to make a traditional snack that is high in protein and low in fat.
According to the shop owner, the cicadas used in this special drink are carefully deep-fried to achieve a crispy texture and can also be enjoyed on their own as a snack. Customers can savor the rich aroma of coffee while tasting this regionally distinctive fried insect, experiencing a summer flavor similar to barbecue paired with beer. However, since cicadas are fresh ingredients that require high-temperature frying to reach the desired crispiness, the drink must be pre-ordered one day in advance, and currently only a small number of customers have dared to try it.
Although this creative special drink offers a novel experience, many netizens have reacted strongly to its appearance, stating that the visual impact is too intense, with some even describing it as “really disgusting” or “thought it was a cockroach.” In addition, many people remain cautious about eating fried insects due to hygiene and food safety concerns.
Experts warn that cicadas are a source of heterologous protein, which may trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. Common symptoms include skin itching, rashes, fever, dizziness, and in severe cases, it could even induce bronchial asthma, leading to breathing difficulties. Without prompt medical attention, there is also a risk of shock. Past media reports have documented cases where diners who consumed just six deep-fried cicadas experienced serious allergic reactions and had to be hospitalized before recovering.
Beyond allergy risks, the limbs, wings, and heads of cicadas can easily accumulate bacteria, parasites, and may even absorb harmful substances such as heavy metals from the environment. If not thoroughly cooked, they could cause gastrointestinal discomfort or food poisoning. Therefore, even if you’re tempted to try this unique drink, it is advised that the public first fully understand the risks and choose reputable establishments.
Overall, this iced Americano featuring deep-fried cicadas is undoubtedly a bold attempt to merge summer wild game with coffee culture. However, it also serves as a reminder for consumers to consider whether their personal constitution is suited for such novelties, and to pay attention to the origin and preparation methods of the ingredients to ensure safety.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
