"CATERPILLARS ARE ON THE MENU TONIGHT"
Our host from the Democratic Republic of Congo said the above words. At first, I found the thought of eating caterpillars was unpalatable to me.
You may feel the same way. However, it is not as bad as you may think. The practice of eating bugs has an unusual name: entomophagy (pronounced En-toe-MAH-fa-gee). Entomophagy is widespread, beneficial and growing fast.
Based on Wikipedia 80% of the world’s nations eat insects in one form or another. Insect species found on menus around the world include 39 termites, crickets, 235 butterflies and moths, 313 ants, bees, 239 grasshoppers, wasps, cicadas, 344 beetles, and cockroaches.
Other edible insects include stinkbugs and mealworms. Researchers recommend insects as a cheap source of proteins, vitamins, minerals, good fats, fiber and long chained essential fatty acids like omegas e, 6, and 9.
Compared to protein from pigs, cows, and other domestic animals, insect proteins can be raised and harvested at a relatively lower cost. The Food Agricultural Organization (FAO) stated in 2013 that ‘edible insects could ease food shortages.' An estimated five million children suffer from malnutrition every year.
FAO estimates that humanity eats at least 527 different types of insects of which Thailand consumes 200. There are 36 countries across Africa, 23 the in Americas and 29 in Asia where people enjoy the many-legged critters.
Insect consumption is taboo in some parts of the U.S. and some European countries. However, insects are a delicacy in Africa, Central and South America, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and some countries in Europe.
- Thailand—you can find heaps of nicely salted deep-fried grasshoppers, crickets, bamboo worms, and giant water bugs to eat as a snack.
- Uganda —a large section of the population, enjoys grasshoppers, white ants, crickets. People use bright lights at night to attract and catch grasshoppers, especially in May, June, November, and December, when swarms of grasshoppers fly to mate.
- China—some local minorities may serve special guests Chinese caterpillar fungus, bamboo insects, ants, locusts, bees, termites, silkworm pupae and wasp larvae.
- Zambia, Central African Republic—you can enjoy dried caterpillars as a crunchy snack or fried with tomato and onion.
You can try some of the above insects. One way to overcome the negative feelings is by imagining that you are eating something familiar such as shrimp or another type of seafood. It may not be easy at first. I was reluctant to try caterpillars, but in the end, I liked the unique taste.
Try a small portion at first. Like any other food, you can be allergic to some bugs.
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