#14 Slimy

DDW January Challenge #14 Slimy

This earthworm was meandering along the sidewalk by the parking lot in front of the main building on campus. He's about the only truly slimy thing I spied all day. Or should I say s/he since earthworms (Oligocheata) are hermaphrodites, carrying both male and female sex organs. This invertebrate has what is called a hydrostatic skeleton, comprised of fluid filled chambers.

When some species are stressed out, they can squirt what is called coelomic fluid from the pores in their backs. In fact, there is one kind in Australia that can eject this fluid 12 inches in the air! I was certainly that close when I took the picture; fortunately this one was calm. Earthworms do not have respiratory organs as we think of them; instead, they breathe through their skin. And while regeneration of lost segments has been documented, it depends on the species and the injuries as to whether or not this will occur.

Earthworms turn organic matter into humus, deposit waste that is super rich in nitrogen, phosphates, and potassium, and help through their underground travels to aerate and drain the soil.

Other names for the earthworm include night crawler, angleworm, rainworm, and dew worm.

Here is a recipe for an earthworm meal. Since they are abundant here, this would be a cheap, locally procured, protein rich meal for me. I have heard they taste fine if cooked correctly. Has anyone ever eaten earthworms?

EARTHWORM CHOW

1 c. earthworms
1/2 lg. onion, chopped
1/2 c. water
1 bouillon cube
1 c. yogurt or sour cream
3 tbsp. butter
1/2 c. mushrooms
Whole wheat flour


UTENSILS:


Saucepan


Wash earthworms thoroughly and place in boiling water for three minutes. Pour off water and repeat the boiling process twice. Bake on cookie sheet at 350 degrees F. for 15 minutes. Roll the worms in flour, brown in butter, add salt to taste. Add bouillon and simmer for 30 minutes. Saute onions and mushrooms in butter. Add onions and mushrooms to the worms. Stir in sour cream or yogurt. Serve over rice or noodles.

Most people shudder at the mention of earthworms for food, but they are 97 percent protein and one of the most available and healthful foods outside your door.