Ever wondered how this... would fit your tummy?

Meet the 'Mangrove Woodworm' or what is called as "Tamilok" here in the Philippines.

---

The Tamilok is actually not a worm, though it looks and feels as such, it is part of the Terinidae Family, as a Marine Bivalve Mollusc (A Saltwater Clam). What is considered as a Shipworm in other parts of the world, the Tamilok has a small shell that has 2 valves in the anterior end that is specialized in boring through wood. Considered as a Sea Termite, it feeds on wood by drilling holes into them and sometimes be the cause of damage and destruction to sub-marine timber structures and even hulls of wooden boats.

---

Not the most Appetizing, but definitely Interesting

Though we have established that the Tamilok is actually a classification of a Saltwater Clam, the looks of it just does not belong in a Seafood Platter (I am sure many would agree).

The Tamilok that are considered as a delicacy are the type that eats Mangrove Trees. Made known in the magnificent Island of Palawan, the Tamilok is harvested from old(Maybe even decaying) Mangrove Trees. Chopped in half or in however many pieces you want in the hopes to find the Tamilok, sitting and waiting for it's Spicy Coconut Vinegar Bath.

Eaten raw, and as much as possible, straight from the freshly chopped Mangrove Tree, the Tamilok is dipped in the Vinegar bath in a way we call Kinilaw (The Process of Eating Raw, what others may call Ceviche or Sashimi). Surprisingly, though our expectation is that of an "eekie, yucky" taste and texture, it reminds us that of the regular Saltwater Clam with a bit of an earthy taste that might have come from their diet of wood. The Tamilok meat is sweet, refreshing, googly and wiggly at the same time.

What do you think? Did my Hubby, @shote.said have the courage to devour this?

Finish Line!

If you ever have the chance to drop by the Philippines and head over to visit one of the 7 wonders of Nature, the Underground River in Puerto Princessa, be sure to check out the Tamilok. And make sure you gather the courage to see for yourself and maybe get to devour one. It is not as bad as you think it is, to be honest.. I even had one myself.

What he can do, I can too!

---

I had a blast making this post, I still remember the love at first bite. I have to be honest though, I was scared as hell trying to put one in the mouth, but after the first one, not long after I asked for seconds. This is definitely something anyone should try at least once in their lives.

I hope you learned plenty about the Tamilok today, it is definitely not your average worm.

If you enjoyed, and learned from this awesome adventure, please FOLLOW me, as I am planning to do more good to know stuff from the Philippines.
Support me by hitting that UPVOTE button and RESTEEM this post as well!

See you guys on the next GOOD to KNOW(G2K)...

---

@newkidintown

Source 1 2 3 4 5