Durango

The north-western state of Durango is Mexico’s wild west, and known for its scorpions. The brave can force live ones (minus the sting) down their throats, then drown it in shots of mezcal. Four years ago, ‘Scorpion King’ Sergio Ávila started making tacos with scorpions – a good, sustainable source of protein. Their poison is neutralised when they’re cooked. He says insects are the future: pork and beef are ‘toxic to human life, but insects, they do nothing bad’. His restaurant, Raices Comida Mexicana & Dolores Mezcal Bar , in Durango City, is part eatery, part museum.