The forest stores, in abundance, many nutritious and delicious things for the consumption of the tribal people, who are intimately connected to the woods. The tribal communities often exhibit a pantheistic approach to nature and strive to protect and preserve the environment.
Ant eggs is a special delicacy of the tribal community called the Mavilar. The eggs laid by the red fire ants which are locally called chonan, neeru or puli urumbu are mostly preferred by them.
The eggs and the pupa of the ants are collected by disturbing their colonies, usually made over dry leaves. The Mavilar call these houses kottila and the eggs are called urukkita ari. They don't mind the severe ant bites as they love to enjoy the incredible flavour and texture of the ant eggs which look similar to the white rice.
The ant eggs are spread on sheets of dried palm leaves and are cleaned well before cooking it. They are then boiled with some crushed bird eye chillies as well. This special dish is considered an excellent remedy for high fever.
The tribal culture is galore with unique cultures and traditions. However, the modern lifestyle and habits are greatly influencing the tribal communities including the Mavilar. Instead of sticking to their unique food habits and special dishes, they too have become accustomed to cooking with tomatoes and onions which do not originally belong to their cuisine.
