Red Ant Chutney receives GI tag: What’s special about this superfood?

In Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, the red weaver ants are consumed in the form of a chutney known as ‘Kai Chutney’.

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Red weaver ants’ scientific name is Oecophylla smaragdina

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Its sting is very painful and it leaves a visible red bump on the skin

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However, the Kai chutney made from these red weaver ants in Mayurbhanj was recently awarded the GI tag

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Red weaver ants are found in abundance in the jungles of Mayurbhanj, including in Similipal

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Red ants have been eaten by tribes since generations for health benefits

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The tribals use them to make chutneys and soups

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Red ants are rich in nutrients like protein, calcium, zinc, vitamin B-12, iron, magnesium, and potassium

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After being removed from their nests, the ants and their eggs are cleaned

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Grind red ants with ginger, garlic, chiles, and salt to make the chutney

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