PHOENIX — They are crunchy. They taste like limón. They are toasted grasshoppers -- chapulines! The Phoenix Suns are the first NBA team and first team in Arizona to sell this Oaxacan delicacy. The limón-flavored chapulines will be available only tonight as a specialty item for Dos Equis Latin Night. Don't forget to pick up a bag of the cricket chips!
The chapulines are an accent on tonight's special concession item, the chorizo chapulines pambazo. When you hear pambazo, think torta. The sandwich is topped with chorizo, queso fresco, crema, potato, lettuce, and CHAPULINES on a chile telera roll. This mini feast is served with a bag of Chirps CRICKET CHIPS. Yes, you read that correctly.
Chapulines are a southern Mexican specialty. The toasted grasshoppers are consumed most notably in Oaxaca and were a staple before the Spanish arrived. The people of Oaxaca have been catching and eating grasshoppers since at least the 16th century. The insects are readily available and very nutritious. Chapulines are found in milpas or corn mazes. Farmers in Oaxaca have harvested wild grasshoppers for centuries. Find out for yourself if they are crunchy or squishy!
