When did they stop putting worms in tequila? This question has intrigued many tequila enthusiasts and curious minds alike. The practice of adding worms, known as “escargots,” to tequila originated in the 1930s in Mexico, but its popularity has waned over the years. Let’s delve into the history and reasons behind this change.
The tradition of adding worms to tequila began in the small town of Tequila, Mexico, where the spirit is produced. According to folklore, the worms were added to tequila to prove its potency and authenticity. The worms, known as “gusano al mezcal,” are the larvae of the moth called “jarocha,” which thrive in the agave plants used to make tequila. It was believed that the presence of the worms indicated that the tequila had been aged properly and had not been tampered with.
In the 1930s, the owner of the La Rojeña tequila distillery, who was also the president of the Tequila Regulatory Council, decided to promote the idea of adding worms to tequila as a marketing strategy. The practice became popular, and soon, it was common to find tequila bottles with live worms inside. However, as time went on, the tradition faced several challenges.
Firstly, the addition of worms to tequila raised health concerns among consumers. The worms were not always killed before being placed in the bottles, and some people were worried about the potential risks of ingesting them. Secondly, the practice became a point of contention among tequila producers. Some believed that the tradition detracted from the pure taste of the spirit, while others thought it was a necessary part of tequila’s cultural heritage.
In the late 1990s, the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT) issued a decree that banned the addition of worms to tequila. The council cited the health concerns and the need to maintain the integrity of the spirit as reasons for the ban. Since then, tequila producers have been strictly prohibited from adding worms to their products.
While the tradition of adding worms to tequila has come to an end, it has left a lasting impact on the world of tequila. The practice has helped to create a unique and memorable experience for tequila drinkers, and it has contributed to the spirit’s rich history and cultural significance. Today, many tequila enthusiasts still appreciate the tradition and continue to enjoy the taste and experience that comes with a bottle of tequila that once contained a worm.
