Hello, I’m Amanda McNulty with Clemson Extension and Making It Grow. In reading about the Asian ladybug beetle, I learned that this insect will eat damaged apples, grapes, or other fruits. If this ladybug is in an orchard eating a bruised grape and gets caught up in the collection of the fruits, it can result in a ladybug wine taint. You hear about notes of cherry, apricot, or oak, but there is an apparently very unpleasant note from these insects. Apparently, the not-appreciated flavors you might taste are asparagus, peanuts, and green pepper. I’m not a picky eater and am very fond of all those supposedly unpleasant notes and probably wouldn’t have to pour the rest of the bottle down the sink. Guess I’m a gourmand and not a gourmet.
Asian ladybug beetles
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