TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Seeing crickets as bird food is a common sight. But what about crickets chips for human? The experience of eating rempeyek jangkrik (cricket chips) is offered by Farmer Group Elok Mekarsari RW 8 of Semolowaru Village, Surabaya, East Java.
“The taste is undoubtedly crunchy and savory,” said the Chief of the group, Ary Widiastuti.
The cricket chips are sold for Rp7,000 per package. Each package contains six toseven chips. According to Rini, a member of the group, she produces 25 packages a day. Her customers come from surrounding regions and other cities.
“I make it everyday,” said Rini.
The production of the cricket rempeyek is left to Rini and Bu Subur. Rini is tasked to ‘kill’ the crickets. It is an easy yet challenging task.
First, the crickets are put into a pan filled with boiled water. Agility is needed so that the crickets don’t jump out before they enter the boiling water.
“I was afraid at first, but I get used to it now,” Rini admitted.
The crickets which are selected for food are the younger ones, i.e. a month old after hatched. Young crickets are rich of protein.
The ‘dead’ crickets are moved into the frying pan to be sauted to dry. Once they are dried, they are chopped. The heads and legs are thrown away. The body parts are chopped into smaller parts and poured into the liquid dough to be made into chips.
Next processes are the specialty of Bu Subur. The lady is experienced in catering business and she is good at making rempeyek. In her hands, the dough is fried into crunchy and savory rempeyek.
For those who have never tried this snack will think twice before trying. But one bite will be enough to make anyone crave for its crispy sensation.
AGITA SUKMA LISTYANTI
