Insects have been a source of food for humans in many parts of the world for centuries, and they are a sustainable and nutritious alternative to traditional protein sources such as meat.
There are over 1,900 edible insect species, and they can be prepared in a variety of ways including roasting, boiling, and frying. Insects can be consumed whole or ground into a flour, which can be used to make breads, pasta, and other dishes.
Insects are a good source of protein, fat, and other essential nutrients. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and B vitamins. In addition, insects are considered to be more environmentally friendly to produce than traditional protein sources such as beef, pork, and chicken, as they require less land, water, and feed to produce the same amount of protein.
Despite the potential benefits of eating insects, the practice is not yet widely accepted in many parts of the world, and there are some concerns about the safety and sanitation of insect farming. However, as people become more aware of the environmental and nutritional benefits of entomophagy, it is possible that insects will become more widely accepted as a food source in the future.
Why would anyone want to eat insects?
Insects are nutritious, sustainable, versatile, economical, diverse, abundant, and some would even say delicious.
- Insects are a good source of protein, fat, and other essential nutrients. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
- Insects are more environmentally friendly to produce than traditional protein sources such as beef, pork, and chicken. They require less land, water, and feed to produce the same amount of protein.
- There are over 1,900 edible insect species, and they can be prepared in a variety of ways. Insects can be eaten whole or ground into a flour, which can be used to make breads, pasta, and other dishes.
- Insects are often cheaper to produce and purchase than traditional protein sources, making them a more affordable option for many people.
- Insects can be found in many different parts of the world, making them a diverse and readily available food source.
- Insects have been a traditional food source in many parts of the world for centuries, and they may be an important part of some cultural cuisines.
Is it safe to eat insects?
In general, it is safe to eat insects as a source of food, however, there are some considerations to keep in mind when it comes to the safety of eating insects. For example:
- Allergies: Some people may be allergic to insects, just as they can be allergic to other types of food. If you have a history of allergies, you may want to be cautious when trying insects for the first time.
- Contaminants: Insects can potentially carry contaminants such as pesticides, depending on how and where they are raised. It is important to ensure that insects are raised in a clean and hygienic environment to minimize the risk of contamination.
- Preparation: It is important to properly prepare and cook insects to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. This includes washing insects thoroughly and cooking them to a safe temperature.
Aren’t insects dirty and unsanitary?
Insects can be considered dirty or unsanitary if they are raised in dirty or unsanitary conditions, or if they are found in environments where they may be exposed to contaminants such as garbage or sewage. However, if insects are raised in a clean and hygienic environment, they can be considered clean and safe to eat.
Insect farming operations should follow proper food safety practices to ensure that the insects being produced are clean and safe for consumption. This includes maintaining clean and hygienic facilities, providing insects with clean and nutritious feed, and properly processing and storing insects to minimize the risk of contamination.
It is important to ensure that the insects you are consuming are safe, clean, and free of contaminants. This can be achieved by purchasing insects from reputable sources that follow proper food safety practices, or by raising insects yourself in a clean and hygienic environment.
How does insect protein compare to traditional protein sources like meat?
Insects are generally higher in protein, fat and other nutrients than beef and chicken. Beef and chicken are generally lower in fat and carbohydrates than insects. It’s important to note that the nutritional content of insects can vary depending on the species and how they are prepared.
In terms of taste and texture, insects can be prepared in a variety of ways, and they can be used to add flavor and texture to dishes. Some people find insects to be crunchy and nutty, while others describe them as having a mild or slightly earthy flavor.
While insect protein may not be suitable for everyone, it can be a good alternative to traditional protein sources for those who are interested in incorporating a more sustainable and nutritious option into their diet.
Nutritional content of insects compared to beef, chicken and pork
| Food | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Carbohydrates (g) | Fiber (g) | Iron (mg) | Zinc (mg) | Vitamin B12 (mcg) | Calcium (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insects | 20-60 | 5-35 | 5-35 | 2-4 | 4-20 | 2-10 | 0.5-5 | 40-200 |
| Chicken | 31 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0.9 | 1.3 | 0.4 | 10 |
| Beef | 26 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 2.6 | 4 | 1.3 | 13 |
| Pork | 29 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 1.1 | 2.7 | 0.9 | 10 |
Environmental impact of insect protein and traditional protein
Insects are generally considered to be more environmentally friendly to produce than traditional protein sources such as beef, pork, and chicken. Insects require less land, water, and feed to produce the same amount of protein, and the production of insects generates fewer greenhouse gases than the production of traditional protein sources.
- Land use: Insects require less land to produce the same amount of protein as traditional protein sources. It takes about 1.7 acres of land to produce 1 ton of insect protein, compared to 2.3 acres for beef and 2.6 acres for pork.
- Water use: Insects require less water to produce the same amount of protein as traditional protein sources. It takes about 1 gallon of water to produce 1 pound of insect protein, compared to about 2,500 gallons for 1 pound of beef.
- Greenhouse gas emissions: Insects generate fewer greenhouse gases during their production than traditional protein sources. The production of insect protein generates about 1/1000th of the greenhouse gases as the production of beef.
Which insects do people eat?
There are over 1,900 edible insect species, and they can be found in many parts of the world. Some of the most common insects that are eaten include:
- Beetles: Many species of beetles are edible, including rhinoceros beetles, stag beetles, and weevils. They are often roasted or fried and have a nutty flavor.
- Ants: Many species of ants are edible, including red ants, black ants, and leafcutter ants. They are often roasted and have a citrusy or tangy flavor.
- Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers are a common food in many parts of the world, particularly in Latin America and Africa. They are often roasted or fried and have a crunchy texture.
- Cicadas: Cicadas are insects that emerge from the ground every few years in large numbers. They are often roasted and have a nutty flavor.
- Termites: Many species of termites are edible, and they are often eaten in Africa and Asia. They are often roasted and have a nutty or slightly sweet flavor.
- Caterpillars: Many species of caterpillars are edible, including mopane worms, which are a common food in southern Africa. They are often dried and have a chewy texture.
Which insects are not safe to eat?
While many insects are safe to eat, there are some insects that should not be consumed due to their potential toxicity or other risks. Here are a few examples of insects that should not be eaten:
- Poisonous insects: Some insects, such as certain species of beetles and caterpillars, produce toxins that can be harmful to humans if ingested. It is important to avoid consuming these insects.
- Insects that carry diseases: Some insects, such as ticks and mosquitoes, can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans through their bites or through the consumption of their bodies. It is important to avoid consuming these insects.
- Insects that have been treated with pesticides: Insects that have been exposed to pesticides should not be consumed, as the pesticides can be harmful to humans.
- Insects that live in dirty or unsanitary environments: Insects that live in dirty or unsanitary environments, such as in garbage or sewage, can potentially carry contaminants that can be harmful to humans.
How to get started eating bugs
Some restaurants serve dishes featuring insects, such as grasshopper tacos or cricket-flour cookies. In addition, there are a number of insect-based snack products, such as energy bars and chips, that are available on the market.
Bizarre Food
bizarrefood.com
Manufacturing edible insects since 2003 and pride ourselves in providing the highest quality insects from carefully selected from GAP certified farms. All insects are manufactured to strict GMP and HACCP standards, and tested regularly to ensure they meet international food safety standards.
Learn more
The Conversation
Eating insects can be good for the planet