Cambodia News (Preah Vihear): On January 23, 2021, at 5 pm, 4 people became ill with food poisoning after eating deep-fried palm worms, and one of them died, in Sen Kong village, Sangkat Thmie district, Preah Vihear. The victims were identified as Mao Lean, a 28-year-old man who is deceased; Poy Vin, a 28-year-old man; Dem Sophea, a 15-year-old; and Prach Pisey, a 9-year-old boy.

Before the incident, the four victims caught about a kilo of palm worms from inside a palm tree. Then, they took those worms to deep fry them and they ate them all. About 2 to 4 hours after eating, the victims were all suffering from food poisoning.
As a cure, three of them, Poy Vin, Prach Pisey, and Lim Sopheap, drank hot lime juice to stop the poisoning. The fourth victim, Mao Lean, didn't drink the lime juice, and he remained very ill. At 2 am, on January 24, he was sent to the hospital, but he died on the way to the hospital.

After the incident, the police examined the body and determined that the victim died of food poisoning after eating palm worms. The body was taken to prepare for the funeral.

Not sure that this is the best place for this, but I've never eaten palm worms, so had to look it up. And what did I find ? A delicious recipe, so they are in fact edible. (Maybe the ones in the OP were sprayed with pesticide or something.)


This is from https://www.next-food.net/product/palm- ... rrugineus/

Edible Palm worms (Rhynchophorus Ferrugineus)

Also known as sago worms, edible palm worms take their name from the tree in which they live. These are the larvae of the red weevil Rhynchophorus Ferrugineus.

An ecological and high protein food

Very voracious, they measure on average 50 mm long and 20 mm wide. We note that its consumption is ecological, because they cause real damage on many varieties of palm.

For those who are not yet convinced, his taste approaching the cheese will eventually persuade them to try a first experience. In any case, the entomophagi choose them for their flavor, but also for its nutritional value. Indeed, they are among the richest insects in proteins, magnesium, calcium, iron and phosphorus.

Edible worms to eat raw or cooked

For tasting, they are eaten raw or cooked. For the first option, a chili sauce can be useful, especially for those who dread the taste. For neophytes, grilled or skewered edible palm worms are recommended. This is the best option to start smoothly. After the first butcher, the rest follows easily.

For gourmets, ginger palm worms are a real treat. For the preparation, we start by moisturizing them. Once ready, put them in a saucepan with a few drops of oil and leave on a low heat. Meanwhile, basil, garlic, onion and ginger are added immediately.

Continue cooking over low heat until all that remains is oil and serve with rice.