Red Weaver ants, scientifically called Oecophylla smaragdina.

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Hemanta Kumar Behera is in Keonjhargarh.

Red Weaver ants, scientifically called Oecophylla smaragdina.

In the Kendujhar and Mayurbhanj districts  in Odisha, the red ants are consumed in the form of a Chutney  which is known as ‘Kurkuti, Kai Chutney’ (କୁତ୍କୁଟି, କାଇ ଚଟନି) and scientists have sought a Geographical Indications (GI) tag for the dish.
The red ant chutney created by the indigenous communities of Odisha.
The red ant chutney among the indigenous communities has been known to serve medicinal purposes apart from being a delicacy. The red ants in a dish has the potential to remedy myriad of illness.
The weaver ants or red ants have been included in their food, elevating it to the level of superfood, for medicinal purposes. The dishes are given to people suffering from jaundice, common cold, joint pain, cough and poor eyesight.






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