Nightcrawlers are a type of worm that can be found in many different environments. They are often found on the ground, and sometimes people will find them in their gardens or compost piles!

However, people wonder if nightcrawler worms are edible; what do they taste like? Do they need to be cooked first? What are the health benefits of eating nightcrawlers? Our experts here at Simple Grow will answer these questions and more!

What are nightcrawlers?

Nightcrawlers are worms that live in the dark and moist parts of the earth. They feed on organic matter, including decaying leaves, fruits from plants such as apples or strawberries, vegetables like corn cobs, and even other nightcrawlers! Nightcrawlers are often found in compost piles because they help break down a lot of the organic matter that might otherwise take a long time to decompose. Nightcrawlers are also found in many different environments, including gardens, fields, forests, and deserts!

What are the health benefits of eating nightcrawlers?

Nightcrawler worms are rich in proteins and minerals like iron. So they're a high-quality protein source for people. They can also help to provide vitamin B12, which is vital for good health and often lacking in most people's diets in today's world.

Are nightcrawlers edible?

Yes! In some parts of the world, nightcrawlers are considered a delicacy. They are edible raw, or cooked.

Health benefits for eating nightcrawlers raw:

Nightcrawlers are high in protein and contain vitamin B12. They may also improve your gut health, leading to great digestive benefits like reduced stomach pain!

Health benefits for eating nightcrawlers cooked:

Cooking them will destroy any bacteria that might be present on the outside of the worm. In addition, you'll get a good dose of iron and protein from the worm.

How to cook nightcrawlers:

You can cook them by boiling or frying. If you're going to fry the worms, it's best to dredge them in flour first.

Are nightcrawlers poisonous:

No! Nightcrawlers are not poisonous, but they do have a mild form of tetrodotoxin that may cause numbness and tingling if eaten.

What is tetrodotoxin:

Tetrodotoxin is a poison that can be found in the glands of some animals like frogs, certain fish, and shellfish.

What are the symptoms of tetrodotoxin:

The most common sign is numbness or tingling fingers, but it may also lead to respiratory problems, seizures, and difficulty swallowing.

How long does it take to develop tetrodotoxin poisoning:

Within a few hours of eating an animal with the toxin.

What are the treatment options for tetrodotoxin poisoning:

Do not eat or drink anything; call 911 for medical assistance and have someone drive you to the hospital if necessary. Drink lots of water and seek immediate attention from a medical professional.

Consuming Nightcrawlers:

The nightcrawler worm is not typically eaten in the United States, but it may be consumed as a delicacy in some regions of Europe and Asia.

If they are cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit for at least four minutes or placed into boiling water for three minutes, they can be considered edible. Some people will eat nightcrawlers raw, but this is never advised.

Nightcrawler worms are highly nutritious and do provide many health benefits to eaters. They are typically high in protein and have a low-calorie count.

The recommended cooking time for nightcrawlers ensures that the worm will be safe to eat, but it also means that the worms are often cooked to a point where they lose their flavor.

The nightcrawler worm can help with joint pain and muscle soreness when eaten raw and is not believed to be poisonous to humans in small doses.

However, its high iron content may make them difficult for some people who have anemia.

Nightcrawlers are not usually eaten independently, but they can be blended into a protein shake or mixed with eggs and avocado in the morning for breakfast.

Eating nightcrawlers has many health benefits that cannot be found in any other food source. They have been shown to combat fatigue and are pretty satisfying if one finds themselves craving something crunchy!

7 Recipes for cooking with nightcrawlers:

1. Protein Shake with Nightcrawlers and Eggs: Blend one ripe avocado, two eggs (or egg whites), a tablespoon of coconut oil or almond butter, and about four to six nightcrawlers.
2.  Avocado Toast with Crawler Crumble: Slice an avocado in half on some whole-wheat toast; sprinkle the toast with salt, pepper, and lime juice. In a bowl, smash some nightcrawlers with your fingers until they are crumbled; sprinkle the crawler crumble over the avocado on toast.
3.  NightCrawler Scramble: Add two tablespoons of olive oil to the pan and then cook one diced onion in it for about five minutes or until it starts to brown. Add six eggs and some salt; cook the eggs until they are mostly done, stirring them often with a spatula for about three minutes or so. Then add in two cups of chopped nightcrawlers and continue cooking for another minute or two.
4.  Nightcrawler Avocado Salad: Combine one diced avocado, two tablespoons of chopped cilantro, and one diced nightcrawler in a bowl. Add the juice from half an orange or lime to the mixture; top it with salt and pepper.
5.  Grilled Crawlers: Prepare your grill over medium heat; add some butter to coat the grates before adding about six whole large nightcrawlers for five minutes on each side.
6. Nightcrawler Fried Rice: Cook one cup of rice according to the package instructions; add salt, pepper, and two tablespoons of soy sauce when you are about halfway done cooking it (or more or less depending on your preference). Add in a thinly sliced onion that has been sautéed until soft with some garlic. Add in your cooked rice and your nightcrawlers that have been fried until crispy brown. Top the dish with some finely chopped green onions for garnish.
7.  Nightcrawler Breakfast Burrito: Fry an egg in a pan; add shredded cheddar cheese to melt over it, then top with salsa or diced tomato if desired. Add salt and pepper. Put two tortillas in a pan and cook them for about 30 seconds on each side, or until they are lightly browned. Top one of the tortillas with your egg mixture, then put some chopped spinach if you prefer green nightcrawlers to red ones; top this with another warmed tortilla. Wrap it up tight like an envelope and enjoy.

In Conclusion:

Nightcrawlers are edible, but they need to be cooked before eating them raw because of the risk that they might contain parasites or bacteria like salmonella. In addition, it is recommended that you wash your hands well after handling nightcrawlers to prevent any potential bacterial infection from happening; also, make sure not to touch your face or eyes after handling them.