In certain areas, which grub is valued higher: the gusano blanco feeding on the piña or the gusano rojo found in the leaves?
Answer
The gusano blanco that feeds on the piña.
A price hierarchy exists among the edible agave worms, reflecting localized perceptions of quality and the difficulty associated with extraction. In specific regions, the gusano blanco, which feeds within the piña—the heart of the agave also destined for distillation—is generally accorded a higher market valuation than the gusano rojo. This distinction in value is likely attributable to two main factors: the perceived superior flavor profile of the larva fed by the sweet core of the plant, and potentially the increased difficulty or risk involved in accessing and harvesting the central piña compared to extracting worms from the outer leaves.
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