Indian state Orissa Red Bunker ants and their babies are used to make a spicy and sour chutney that has been used by local tribal communities for generations.

According to the report of Indian media, these ants make nests by connecting the leaves of trees, local people collect their nests from trees early in the morning, but the ants bite when the nest is disturbed.

After collecting the ants and nests, they are washed and dried, some people even sell them, which provides additional income to local families.

To make the sauce, cleaned ants are ground with salt, garlic, ginger, and pepper, while some recipes also include mint, usually prepared on a stone sieve.

This red ant chutney has a sharp and sour taste and is eaten with local dishes, dishes made from rice and millets.

Orissa’s ‘Smilipal Kai Chutney’ is also registered as a Geographical Identity whose registration certificate was issued on January 2, 2024.

Chutney made from red ants is not limited to Orissa but is also used in other parts of India including Chhattisgarh, however it is prepared in a different way.