In The Community
Eating Insects: An Ancient Practice
Insect consumption, or entomophagy, is not a recent fad but rather a practice dating back thousands of years. In pre-Columbian times, indigenous communities across Latin America, from Mexico to Brazil, regularly incorporated insects into their diet. Insects were a reliable food source, easy to find, and rich in essential nutrients.
The use of insects in Latino cuisine varies across the region, and it's closely tied to cultural identity. For example, in Mexico, insects like grasshoppers (chapulines), maguey worms (gusanos de maguey), and ant eggs (escamoles) are regional delicacies with deep cultural roots. In Brazil, Queen ants (Içá or Tanajura) are collected, fried, and eaten as a seasonal snack. The custom of insect consumption is also part of religious and festive events.
Some of the most common types of insects consumed include:
Chapulines (Grasshoppers)
Photo by latusavf on Instagram
Frequently found in Mexican markets, chapulines are rich in protein, fiber, good fats, and are a source of vitamins and minerals. Mix sautéed chapulines with onions, chili peppers, and tomatoes, then spoon this filling into a soft tortilla for some delicious tacos, or add a handful of toasted chapulines to your traditional guacamole recipe to provide a crunchy texture and an extra dose of protein!
Escamoles (Ant eggs)
Known as 'Mexican caviar,' these ant larvae are a good source of protein and low in fat. For a delicious dish, you can sauté escamoles with onions, garlic, and epazote, then serve with warm tortillas as a taco or use escamoles as the main protein in a clear soup along with vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and peas.
Gusanos de Maguey (Maguey worms)
Photo by bichoscomestiblesbyazcamolli on Instagram
These caterpillars are found in the Agave plant and are high in protein and vitamins. Add fried gusanos de maguey to your guacamole for a unique twist and extra protein, or add sautéed maguey worms to melted cheese and serve with tortillas for a delicious queso fundido.
Içá or Tanajura (Queen ants)
Photo by sylviamacedo.photograf on Instagram
Consumed in Brazil, these insects are high in protein and low in saturated fats. Fry the ants with garlic, onions, peppers, and soy sauce, then serve over steamed rice for a protein-packed meal, or add fried queen ants to a clear vegetable soup for an extra boost of protein and unique flavor.
Are insects the future of sustainable and nutritious protein?
Insects provide a substantial nutritional punch, with high levels of protein, fiber, and micronutrients like iron, zinc, and essential vitamins. Their nutritional profile makes them an excellent alternative to traditional sources of protein like beef, chicken, or pork.
From an environmental perspective, insect farming has a significantly smaller carbon footprint than livestock farming. Insects require less land, water, and food and produce fewer greenhouse gases. They can be farmed sustainably and could help address food security issues as global populations continue to rise.
Incorporating insects into the diet is not merely about novelty or shock value. For many Latinos, it's about preserving a historical tradition, a connection to their pre-Hispanic ancestors, and a sustainable way of eating. As the world seeks more environmentally friendly protein sources, we could learn a lot from the Latino tradition of entomophagy.
Yet many Latinos still struggle with race and identity because while Latino is debated as a race, Latinos of various races present as they are, thus confusing non-Latinos whose only familiarity with the community is through stereotypes. Any internet search of what a Latino person “looks like” will confirm the utter and total inaccuracy of what Latinos actually look like.
Google search of “latino person” shows mostly brown-skinned people.
Black Latinos and Afro-Latinos are probably misunderstood the most because mainstream media has done an abysmal job of accurately including them in media narratives. Thus, most people don’t know that Latinos come in all shapes, sizes, and skin colors, which includes Black skin. According to the Pew Research Center, one in four Latinos in the U.S. identifies as Afro-Latino or Black.
The topic of Latino identity and what Latinidad means, particularly in America, is multi-dimensional and ever-evolving. The community as a collective can’t even decide what they want to be called - and maybe that’s a good thing, because if non-Latinos want a single label, they won’t ever do the work of learning the cultural and racial diversity that makes the concept of Latinidad so unique. Being Latino in the U.S. means more than just an outward appearance; it means culture, language, ancestry, geographical roots, and so much more.
The Erasure of Black and Afro-Latinos in Media
For decades, the media has portrayed a specific image of what a Latino “looks” like. Unsurprisingly, that image is lighter-skinned Latinos like Sofia Vergara, Salma Hayek, and Jennifer Lopez.
Researcher Keara K. Goin noted in her research paper in the “Afrolatinidad” subsection, “Popularly imagined as a homogenous “brown” race with a mixed Indigenous and Spanish ethnoracial heritage, the extreme diversity within the Latinx population is systematically flattened, ignored, and erased.”
In his Times article, Andrew R Chow looked at how Afro-Latino actors continue to struggle against Latino stereotypes and discrimination. He points out that “Afro-Latino actors are consistently shut out of roles because they don’t match that image—and when they are cast, it’s even rarer that they get to play Afro-Latino characters, instead playing characters who are Black or mixed race but not Latino.”
The lack of Afro-Latino acknowledgment has its cultural and literal roots in Latin America, where being Afro-Latino comes with displacement and exclusion. It’s painfully apparent in Spanish-language entertainment where non-white actors are rarely cast, much less Afro-Latino actors, opting instead to uphold harmful western beauty standards and colorism by exclusively hiring actors that are either white or very white-passing.
Changing this narrative is far from easy, but it takes creating consciousness first. Starting with learning and accepting that Latinos aren’t just one race, Latinos are different races, and Afro-Latinos are a significant and crucial part of the community. Therefore we must continue to advocate for Afro-Latino inclusion and representation. Hollywood has made some progress in the representation of Afro-Latinos, but not nearly enough.
Afro-Latinos are still too often cast aside or told they should be playing Black characters instead, not Latino ones, because they don’t “fit” into that role. We must take power from our narratives and find support in each other regardless of race. We need Afro-Latino representation so that this harmful cycle is broken, which will result in future generations who celebrate culture, empower all Latinos, and understand how uniquely beautiful and how uniquely Latino the darker shades of our people truly are.
- Many Latinos are Black. Learn it and Accept It. ›
- Why Hoops are More Than Just an Accessory for Latinas ›
- These Latinas are Bringing Afro-Latina Representation to the Forefront - Luz Media ›
The aloe vera plant is one of the most well-known Latin American plants used in natural skincare. Aloe vera is a succulent plant native to the Caribbean and parts of Latin America. It’s known for its soothing and healing properties and is often used to treat sunburns, cuts, and other skin irritations. Aloe vera is also rich in antioxidants and vitamins, which can help to nourish and rejuvenate the skin.
Another popular plant used in Latin American natural skincare is the chia seed. Chia seeds are native to Mexico and are packed with nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and antioxidants. They are often used in facial masks and other skincare products to help moisturize and nourish the skin.
In addition to plants, traditional remedies and techniques are also a big part of Latin American natural skincare. For example, many people in Latin America use natural ingredients like honey, avocado, and coconut oil as a part of their skincare routine. These ingredients are believed to help soothe and nourish the skin and are often used in home remedies for various skin conditions such as eczema and acne.
One traditional skincare technique that has gained popularity in recent years is clay masks. Clay masks, made from natural clays found in Latin America, are believed to help remove impurities from the skin and improve its overall appearance. They are often used to treat acne, reduce inflammation, and tighten and tone the skin.
Try these DIY natural skincare treatments that can be made at home using Latin American ingredients:
Aloe Vera Moisturizer
Man holding up two Aloe vera plants in a white potPhoto by feey on Unsplash- Mix 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel, 1/4 cup of coconut oil, and a few drops of essential oils (such as lavender or tea tree).
- Transfer the mixture to a small jar or container and use as a moisturizer.
Honey and Avocado Face Mask
Avocado & HoneyPhoto by Slashio Photography on Unsplash- Mash together 1/2 an avocado and one tablespoon of honey.
- Spread the mixture over your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse the mask off with warm water and pat your face dry.
Coconut Oil and Sugar Scrub
sliced bread on brown wooden round plate beside clear glass mugPhoto by Nisha Ramesh on Unsplash- Mix together 1/2 cup of coconut oil and 1/2 cup of sugar.
- Use the scrub to gently exfoliate your skin, paying special attention to rough or flaky areas.
- Rinse the scrub off with warm water and pat your face dry.
Clay Face Mask
brown rockPhoto by Josh Boaz on Unsplash- Mix 1/4 cup of natural clay (such as bentonite or kaolin clay), two tablespoons of aloe vera gel, one teaspoon of honey, and one teaspoon of coconut oil.
- Apply the mask to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse the mask off with warm water and pat your face dry.
Chia Seed Facial Oil
votive candlePhoto by Chelsea shapouri on Unsplash- Mix 1/4 cup of chia seeds and 1/2 cup of carrier oil (such as jojoba or avocado oil).
- Let the mixture sit for at least an hour or overnight.
- Strain the mixture to remove the chia seeds and transfer the oil to a small jar or container.
- Use the oil as a facial moisturizer, or add a few drops to your favorite skincare products.
Overall, Latin American plants and traditions offer a wealth of natural skincare options. From aloe vera and chia seeds to traditional remedies and techniques, these resources can help nourish, soothe, and rejuvenate the skin. Our ancestors knew what they were doing.
