wo4 cung4禾蟲禾虫

Jyutpingwo4 cung4
Yalewòh chùhng

Definition

Tylorrhynchus heterochaeta, a type of edible polychaete worm found in rice paddies.

colloquialfoodanimals

How it's used

Considered a seasonal delicacy in the Pearl River Delta, these worms are traditionally harvested from rice paddies during specific times of the year. They are often prepared by steaming with egg, creating a rich and creamy texture that surprises many first-time diners. Due to their unique appearance and habitat, they are a polarizing food item that many people either love or avoid entirely.

Measure word

tiu4tìuh

Examples

Do you dare to eat rice paddy worms?
This plate of rice paddy worms is cooked very fragrantly.

Related words

Common phrases

steamed egg with rice paddy worms
rice paddy worms served in a small clay pot

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with common garden pests or earthworms, as it is a specific marine worm species that lives in brackish water environments. It is strictly a culinary term rather than a general biological classification for worms found in soil.

Grammar color guide

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