Cicada monkey , also known as golden cicada , cicada turtle, climbing fork, Jie Laogui, etc., is very common in rural areas and is also a fond memory of many friends’ childhood. In the past, electronic products were not yet popular. Every summer, after dinner, one of the most important activities for people was to catch cicada monkeys. This was also the most important snack money for children.
Every year, starting from mid-to-late June and lasting until September, it is the season for catching cicada monkeys, especially between July and August. According to the area in eastern Henan where the author is located, monkeys that were caught in the past were mainly used to sell them for money. Nowadays, the cicada monkeys are mainly used for food.
Cicada monkeys are not cheap, especially when they first come out in mid-to-late June. One can be sold for one yuan, and dozens of them caught in a night can be sold for dozens of yuan. From July to August, as the number of cicada monkeys increases, the price drops from 1 yuan to 8 cents each, and at the cheapest time, it drops to 5 cents each.
Why are there fewer and fewer cicada monkeys?
In recent years, the number of cicada monkeys has been decreasing. Many friends will feel this way. In the past, we could catch dozens or even hundreds of them in a few hours, but now, we can catch them in just a few hours. You can't catch dozens of them in a trap, but it's good to find a few.
We can also find from the people who have caught cicadas that almost every household used to catch them. Now, only a few friends still go to catch them. For today’s children, playing with mobile phones and watching TV after eating is more important than catching cicadas. The monkey is important. I still remember last year, I took the cicada monkey and asked the children in the village. They didn’t know what it was, let alone catch it.
As for the reason why there are fewer and fewer cicada monkeys, there are different opinions.
First, there are fewer trees today. In the past, there were many open spaces in the village, and trees were planted on the open spaces. Now, the open spaces have been covered with houses. With fewer trees, there are fewer cicada monkeys.
Second, the ground is much harder. In the past, there were mostly dirt roads in the village. Nowadays, the main roads in the village are basically asphalt roads and cement roads. Cicadas can't get out even if they want to, so the number has gradually decreased.
Thirdly, the number of cicada monkeys has decreased, both due to environmental factors and human factors. For example, if a cicada monkey is caught now, a circle of tape will be wrapped around one meter high in a tree so that the cicada monkey cannot climb. If they go up, they will not be able to lay eggs and reproduce. Over time, the number of cicada monkeys will become less and less.
Can cicada monkeys eat?
Cicada monkey has now become a delicacy that can be fried or grilled. A serving of cicada monkey can sell for hundreds of yuan at night market stalls in summer. In the past, cicada monkeys were caught to sell them for money, but now they are caught to eat them.
Cicada monkeys contain a lot of protein, so they are loved by many friends. However, there are also different voices saying that cicada monkeys cannot eat them because they contain heavy metals in their bodies. Eating too much will cause diseases. So can cicada monkeys eat it?
Judging from so many years of eating experience, cicada monkeys can eat it. It is also rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. At the same time, there are also certain records of medicinal value. As for the theory that heavy metals are contained in the body of cicada monkeys, it basically does not exist, unless the environment where cicada monkeys grow is a seriously polluted place. In fact, it is difficult to see cicada monkeys in this kind of growing environment, so don't worry too much, cicada monkeys are edible.
However, there are two points to note. First, monkeys should not eat too much. Because the body contains a lot of protein, eating too much will increase the burden on the kidneys. Some people may be fine if they eat a small amount. However, eating a large amount will cause gastrointestinal discomfort, especially in the elderly.
Secondly, cicada monkeys contain a large amount of heterosexual protein molecules. Some people will have allergic reactions to this. After eating cicada monkeys, it may cause redness, swelling and itching. Therefore, for people who are allergic to cicada monkeys, it is not recommended. Recommended for consumption.
Are there cicada monkeys abroad?
Cicada monkeys are not only found in our country, but also abroad, and their numbers are no less than those in our country. In some countries, they are even overpopulated.According to reports, last year, there were about 30 billion cicada monkeys in the United States, leaving local residents with nothing to do. According to local experts, if no measures are taken, the number may increase after the 30 billion cicada monkeys breed. to one trillion.
So many cicada monkeys will occupy yards, trees and other places on the one hand. On the other hand, when the cicada monkeys turn into cicadas, their cicada calls will be pollution. If tens of billions of cicada monkeys are required to make cicada calls at the same time, It can be imagined how serious noise pollution is, affecting people's normal life. It is understood that in the United States, basically no one eats cicada monkeys. Therefore, cicada monkeys leave Americans helpless.
The number of artificially bred cicada monkeys is increasing
The number of cicada monkeys is overrun in foreign countries, while domestic cicada monkeys are in short supply. The main way is to eat them. In addition, cicada monkeys are expensive, and the situation of artificially bred cicada monkeys is getting worse. Come more and more. For example, some farmers who plant orchards will breed cicada monkeys in the orchards. After 2-3 years, they will not only get the benefits of the fruits, but also the benefits of the cicada monkeys. Even the benefits of cicada monkeys exceed those of fruit trees.
With the increase in artificially bred cicada monkeys, some friends have also solved the problem, that is, will cicada monkeys be eaten by people? The answer is obvious. As long as there is market demand, there is no need to worry too much about supply.
It’s the time of year to catch and eat cicada monkeys again. It is recommended that everyone pay attention to safety when going out to catch cicada monkeys. In addition, do not eat too much cicada monkeys. Health is the most important thing.
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