It might be a while before they appear on the shelf at Tesco. But scientists claim adding insects to our diet would be good for us and the environment. Crunching into crickets or snacking on grilled caterpillar is apparently a means to a nutrient-rich diet that also helps reduce pests and puts less strain on the planet than eating conventional meat. Some insects in their dried form are said to have twice the protein of raw meat and fish, while others are rich in unsaturated fat and contain important vitamins and minerals. Experts believe they could one day be marketed as a healthy alternative to fatty snacks. In most of Europe, bug-eating is largely restricted to the belated realisation that there has been an unwelcome addition to the salad. Earlier this year the Food and Agriculture Organisation held a conference to discuss how entomophagy – eating insects as food – could contribute to sustainable development.
Bug-farming preserves forests – which are needed to attract insects – and is encouraged in some countries. As for pesticides, some experts have pointed out the irony of using chemicals to get rid of bugs that are more nutritious than the crops they prey on. In Thailand when pesticides failed to control locusts, the government urged locals to eat them and distributed recipes.
I know, I know, its a delicacy in other countries. Just the same, I’ll hold off till the shelves at the Piggly Wiggly become bare.
Will it blend? Why yes, much tastier than a blended Big Mac w/fries.
The problem with bugs is that most have small legs that get stuck in your teeth. Even in those Asian countries where it is common to buy bugs and small rodents at shop stand markets they are often fried when prepared for a meal. A handful of fried beetles dipped in a sweet chocolate sauce are still healthier than a large sized fast food fries. Though, I would opt for the Burger King fries, which are the most tasty of fries in a paper cup. I don’t think bugs qualify as being an item on a vegetarian menu.
NOT KOSHER!! Sorry, can’t eat bugs, they’re not kosher. (thank g-d)…LOL!!!
#3 – historically, some of the critters should be kosher. Many paleo-anthropologists agree that “manna from heaven” – probably was tree roaches.
And if you’re eating crawfish, you’re already close. Suckin’ the brains is half the fun.
This is the next step of the slippery slope. Remember this down the road when they tell you that “Nothing is greener than Soylent Green”.
Yesterday a have some fried grasshoppers with garlic and lemon tacos with a avocado and salsa. They where good.
My meal was complete with 4 tacos.
Insects aren´t part of my normal diet, but they last a year in they dried form, and are cholesterol free.
If you think about it, shrimps and lobsters are insects.
#3: They are kosher if they have large jumping legs. (Crickets, grasshoppers, locusts) Otherwise they are not kosher.
John the Baptist lived on honey and locusts. He kept kosher.
How about we feed the bugs to livestock then eat the livestock instead of having people eat the bugs.
Blend it with Tofu – see if the vegans like it.
We have all eaten bugs and larvae. Get over it.
@edwinrogers
Its easier when they are to small to see. Also, you forgot to mention all of the bug and rodent shit (literally) we eat.
Two things:
– If the bugs we meant to eat look like bugs (instead of processed), it’d be hard to tell if unwanted bugs got into your bugs. This is my guess as to why they’re not widely eaten.
– We already eat meat (and meat alternatives) formed into nuggets (or turkey bacon) and while they don’t taste or have the texture of cuts of meats, they are quite tasty. I would be more comfortable eating insect meat than textured soy protein.
Somehow it still is more palatable when they’re ground up and stuffed into hot dogs.
Seriously though, good idea. But, we better start with the next generation. Speaking for myself, I don’t think I could get past the ick factor even with all the good intentions in the world.
Can you put them on pizza ?
Most college kids will try them, when they’re drunk.
hhmmm cockroach clusters!
how about some crunchy frog???
lambs’ bladder ripple???
spring suprise???
Thanks but no thanks.
They should make this mandatory.
Well It’s just a habbit! In Greece, France and Italy we are eating snails, in Italy and Greek Epirus we are eating froglegs, in Mexico they are eating ants, as for insects and larvae is a delicate dish in China, Vietnam, Cambodia and a staple fountain of food for Austalian Aborigines and Amazonian Indigenoys tribes! These people are really healthy. In Middle East some Bedouins hate to eat the locusts because of the shape of the food, so they dry them, ground and mixed them with flour to bake a type of bread, which is nutty and tastes like bitter almond, but generally good! So if you make bliah when you face a dish with roasted insects, dry and ground them to a powder and mix them with any flour to make nice pittas!