What are Coconut Grubs? Where to Buy and How to Prepare Them.

Coconut grubs live and absorb nutrients from coconut trees, and as such, they are highly nutritious. Join Bach Hoa XANH as we explore what coconut grubs are, where to buy them, how much they cost, and how to prepare them.

1 What are Coconut Grubs?

Coconut grubs are the larvae of rhinoceros beetles (scarab beetles), a type of insect.

Coconut grubs are the larvae of rhinoceros beetles, which are a type of scarab beetle, also known as red palm weevils, sago palm beetles, or sago palm worm. They are commonly found in tropical regions of Asia, typically inhabiting coconut, areca, or palm trees, especially the stems and tops of these trees. Coconut grubs are used in many dishes in Vietnamese cuisine, particularly in the Southwest and South-Central regions.

Coconut grubs resemble soft, milky-white caterpillars. As they mature, they can grow to the size of an adult finger or even larger. They range in length from 3 to 5 centimeters, and their entire body is white or pale yellow. At this stage, the coconut grubs are plump and filled with milk.

Annually, during the breeding season, these beetles mate and gradually develop. When the eggs hatch into larvae, they feed on the soft and tasty pith of the coconut, causing the tree to weaken and eventually die. This is why people often cut open the coconut tree to catch the grubs.

2 Where to Buy and Price?

Coconut grubs are expensive and not easily available.

Coconut grubs are considered a delicacy in the watery regions of Vietnam, and they can be used to prepare various delicious dishes. As a result, they are quite pricey and not commonly sold in the market, depending on the season.

You can buy live coconut grubs directly from shops in the Mekong Delta region. If you live in an urban area, you can purchase them from shops that ship directly from the Mekong Delta.

The price of coconut grubs typically depends on the number of grubs you buy:

• Frozen coconut grubs cost around 10,000 – 15,000 VND each.
• Larger coconut grubs, the size of a thumb, cost about 22,000-25,000 VND each.
• For purchases of more than 200 grubs, the price ranges from 10,000-12,000 VND per grub.

3 How to Prepare Coconut Grubs

A simple way to prepare coconut grubs.

Here are some simple steps to prepare coconut grubs:

Step 1 When harvesting coconut grubs, it is best to catch them one at a time to avoid being gently bitten or causing their death. Place all the grubs in a basket or container.

Step 2 Next, clean the coconut grubs by soaking them in a bucket of clean water for about 2-3 minutes, then remove them from the water. Soaking helps remove any remaining residue on their bodies.

Step 3 Now, it’s time to clean the inside of the grubs. Dilute a cup of vinegar or salt water and place the grubs in the solution for 4-5 minutes. You will notice the grubs swimming around, and this process helps to clean their insides effectively.

Step 4 Once the grubs are thoroughly cleaned, you can start cooking them in various delicious dishes.