Consumption of Atta mexicana (chicatanas) in two regions of Veracruz, Mexico – a multifactorial study of the consumption of chicatanas

Abstract

Atta mexicana (chicatanas) are ants consumed in some parts of Mexico. It has been reported that these ants are mainly consumed for their taste and through tradition. There is still scarce information for the main reasons that drive people to consume them. The objective of this work was to analyse the consumption patterns of chicatanas from surveys carried out in different localities near Huatusco and Puente Jula, Veracruz as well as the relationship of other surveyed factors (sensory properties, similar flavours, motivation for its consumption, among other surveyed consumption factors). To achieve this objective, we applied questionnaires to determine the consumption level, acceptance, capturing, and the purchase and sale of chicatanas. The taste, odour, colour and crunchiness of chicatanas were also evaluated using a 7-point hedonic scale. We observed different consumption patterns between regions mainly due to the location, age of respondents, longevity and motives for consumption and the values assigned for the sensory properties of the insect. Overall, the major motive for consumption was taste. Tradition was only mentioned as a motive for consumption by long-term consumers (43.8%). Respondents consuming through tradition, mainly form the Huatusco region, tended to give higher values to the sensory properties.