Entomophagy is back in the news.
What's news? Insect-eating is common in many cultures in central & south America, Africa, Asia and Australia. Although, to modern Luos in Kenya it is considered soooo last Century; food scientist Francis Orech found that only people over 45 knew reliably where to find bugs, how to catch them and prepare them for eating. When they do, it is worthwhile - 3 crickets provide the daily recommended allowance of iron (how about that on the breakfast packets of the future?).
Ready to buy, fry and try? Try these recipies for inspiration. Hesitating? Ever eaten prawn, crab, or lobster? Why....they eat naught but trash, hoovering up detritus. Their arthropod cousins, however, often feast from nature's salad bars. Now there's a thought... I'm off to set up my new business - insect smoothies. Any suggestions for the brand name?
P.S. In case anyone is questioning the flippant use of "Bugs" here, yes "True Bugs" are a group of insects called Hemiptera but the term has been so widely hijacked to mean "creepy crawlies" that even the UK Natural History Museum uses it!
Sunday, 1 June 2008
Biting (on) bugs
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2 comments:
Great post. I think it's fascinating that many people have no problem eating crabs and shrimp, but think eating insects is gross. I've had fried crickets and they were quite tasty!
Thanks Paul - also for stimulating the new brand name for my insect smoothies business. Combining biological, sporting and musical interests, the name "Cricket, lovely Cricket" is the frontrunner.
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