Jungle Mahal's 'Superfood' Kurkut: Red Ant Eggs Draw Crowds, Offer Cheap Nutrition

• Red ant eggs, known as Kurkut, are gaining popularity in Jungle Mahal markets, sold cheaply with coriander leaves.
• Once a famine staple, Kurkut is now a sought-after traditional food, especially in winter, collected from Sal trees.
• It provides livelihood for many forest-fringe families, offering alternative income through collection and sale.
• Nutritionist Srabanti Pain highlights Kurkut's rich Vitamin C and calcium content, beneficial for colds, coughs, weakness, lung issues, and asthma.
• Kurkut acts as a natural medicine during seasonal changes, boosting immunity and preventing cold-related illnesses.