Oysters are very popular to eat these days. However, they can be very expensive. We have recently found a cheaper alternative if, that is, you are prepared to travel to the Philippines. We have discovered something called a Tamilok. They are also sometimes known as shipworms. Tamilok look disgusting, but if you are brave enough to put one in your mouth, you may be pleasantly surprised for they taste just like oysters.
You can only find Tamilok inside dead wood found in mangroves in certain parts of the Philippines. Split open a piece of rotting wood. If you are lucky, you will see inside what looks like a long white worm.
You may call them a worm, but actually they are a bi-valve mollusc, just like a clam, scallop or mussel. This is why they taste like oysters. They are also very nutritious. Tamilok is rich in iron, calcium, zinc and vitamin A. They do not contain many calories either, so will not make you fat.
Their appearance is slimy. Experts advise that you should not chew them. Swallow them whole, just like an oyster. Clean them thoroughly: remove the Tamilok’s very ugly little head first. Inside its head are two teeth that you will find are hard to swallow. Then, squeeze from its long body the wood it was eating before being caught. As you would imagine, wood does not taste very good.
Often after cleaning, chefs and cooks prepare a marinade of vinegar and sour fruit juice in which they soak the Tamilok for a few minutes. Once this has been done, it is over to you. Pick the little bivalve up with your fingers or a fork, tip back your head and open your mouth. You may want to close your eyes as you lower the Tamilok onto your tongue. Remember, don’t chew when you close your mouth.
Does this sound appetising to you? Would you like to try some Tamilok with your friends, or is it all just too disgusting? They do not really look that delicious – but many who have tried will say that it is well worth it. And they are cheap – unlike oysters.
QUESTION:
Take a closer look at Tamilok
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