With so many decent food options at ballparks, I can’t imagine why anyone would want to voluntarily order up a batch of toasted grasshoppers to chow down. Unless of course, they’re being triple dog dared, in which case they have to eat it. But other than that, are hot dogs and tacos not enough?
Apparently, they aren’t for Seattle Mariners fans because those Goosebumps monsters are chowing down all the toasted grasshoppers they can eat. So much so that the Mariners are limiting the amount they sell to prevent a devastating shortage. Imagine that: A toasted grasshopper shortage.
ESPN reports the Mariners have ordered an “emergency supply” after selling a whopping 18,000 grasshoppers during the first three home games of the season. That’s 901 orders of those tiny nopes. “That’s more than the restaurant [that runs the stand, Poquitos, sells in a year,” Mariners spokeswoman Rebecca Hale said.
The crunchy critters go for $4 and come toasted in a chili lime salt, all served in four-ounce cups. Hale added that the hoppers were originally added to Poquitos as a novelty appetizer but the dish has gotten very popular due to national attention. Fun fact: Toasted grasshoppers are called Chapulines in Mexico where they’re popular in some areas. And there’s good reason for that popularity; according to Time, Grasshoppers are easy to prepare and, like many other insects, are an excellent source of protein, especially as a crunch snack between meals.
But with so many people losing their minds over the toasted insects, the Mariners are now limiting orders to 312 per game. That’s in honor of Mariners’ legend Edgar Martinez’s .312 career batting average.
“They are a one-of-a-kind snack that the fans will really love — either on a taco or on their own,” said Steve Dominguez, Centerplate general manager at Safeco Field. “It’s a testament to our relationship with the Mariners to be bold and creative with bringing in new local partners that really embody the Seattle culinary scene.”
Currently, there aren’t any plans to expand the menu by adding more bugs, but you never know. Look out for more unusual sources of “protein” to hatch soon.
