THE RAMBLER

For travelers who value people, place, and purpose.

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Hi Reader!

Chontacuro.

If you’ve followed our work, you’ve likely encountered this Amazonian delicacy — the palm weevil larva that has nourished Indigenous communities for generations. Rich in protein and deeply tied to ancestral food traditions, chontacuro is more than a curiosity. It represents identity, resilience, and the complex relationship between food and forest.

Recently, Jacquie’s article “El Chontacuro, el Manjar Exótico de la Palma de la Chonta” was honored at the 11th International Pasaporte Abierto Awards in Panama. The recognition celebrated her writing for elevating ancestral knowledge and highlighting the delicate balance between cuisine, conservation, and culture in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

We are incredibly proud of Jacquie for telling this story with depth and respect.

And since that article was first published, something important has happened.

The conversation in Ecuador is moving from awareness to action. Traditionally, harvesting these larvae requires cutting down chonta palms.

Ken Galeano — whom some of you may remember from our Sounds of Ecuador tour — is now developing a sustainable cultivation model for chontacuro as part of his senior thesis research. Ken’s goal is to test whether controlled production can reduce palm deforestation while preserving this important source of protein. To give you an idea, nine of these grubs would provide the recommended daily allowance of fat and protein for a young child.

It’s a practical, locally rooted solution — not replacing tradition, but protecting it.

We are currently raising $2,000 by April to help Ken launch the first phase of his research. The funds will support a small-scale pilot system, feed development, and field validation.

If this story resonates with you — if you believe forests and food systems deserve thoughtful solutions — we invite you to support Ken’s work.

>> Support Ken's Senior Thesis <<

Preserving trees. Raising grubs. Growing the Amazon’s future. Please be a part of the solution.

With Gratitude,

Angie & Scott

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