Quck answer

Insects are edible and have been consumed by various cultures around the world for centuries. They are a sustainable and nutritious food source, rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Insects have a low environmental impact compared to traditional livestock and require less water, land, and feed to produce. They can be cooked and prepared in different ways, such as roasting, frying, or grinding into flour. While not yet widely accepted in Western societies, the consumption of insects is gaining popularity as a more sustainable and alternative protein source to help address food security and environmental concerns.

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When you arrive home from school, what is the first thing you do? Maybe you start studying and doing your homework. Or perhaps you decide to have a snack. Many children go straight to the refrigerator after school!

Does that sound like you? What kind of snack do you enjoy after school? Do you look for fresh fruits and vegetables? Or do you prefer a sugar rush from candies? How about a big, juicy insect?

If you find the idea disgusting, you probably live in an area where eating insects is not common. In fact, you might not even be aware that insects can be eaten. After all, there are not many pizza places in the United States that serve pizza with dragonflies and grasshoppers.

Eating insects is known as entomophagy. And in many places, it is very common. Research indicates that over two billion people worldwide include insects in their diet. And the variety of edible insects is extensive. In fact, there are over 1,900 species of edible insects on Earth.

With such a wide range of food options available, why would people turn to insects for a meal? The human population on Earth is constantly growing. Experts predict that there could be 9 billion humans on Earth by 2050! Global food production is not keeping up with this growth. Therefore, alternative food sources are becoming more and more necessary each year.

Increasing crop production and animal farming is not always feasible. There is only a limited amount of land that can be used for farming or raising animals for food. On the other hand, insects can be easily and inexpensively raised compared to other types of food.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has also reported numerous health benefits of entomophagy. It turns out that insects are a good source of protein and healthy fats. For instance, mealworms contain protein, vitamins, and minerals in similar amounts to fish and meat. Similarly, grasshoppers can provide as much protein as lean ground beef with lower levels of fat.

Today, more and more people around the world are becoming open to the idea of eating insects. However, can every insect be eaten? Not exactly! Experts advise against simply going to the backyard for a bug buffet. Make sure you know what you are eating and that it is safe.

How can you determine if a bug is safe to eat? There is no foolproof method just by looking at it. However, there are some guidelines you can follow to avoid potentially dangerous bugs. For example, experts recommend staying away from brightly-colored, smelly, or hairy insects. It is also wise to avoid insects that bite or sting. Insects that carry diseases, like flies, ticks, and mosquitoes, should also be avoided.

So, which bugs are suitable for consumption? Some of the most popular edible insects around the world include beetles, caterpillars, ants, cicadas, locusts, crickets, grasshoppers, and dragonflies. Which of these would you choose for your next after-school snack?

Give It a Try

Feeling hungry already? Make sure to find a friend or family member to join you in exploring the following activities:

Exploring the Possibility of Eating Insects

• What are your thoughts on consuming insects? Take a moment to consider your favorite foods. If needed, create a list. In what ways are insects similar to the foods you enjoy? How are they different? Would it be easier for you to eat insects if they were incorporated into dishes without your knowledge? Share your newfound knowledge with a friend or family member and inquire about their perspective.
• Do you envision insects becoming a significant part of your diet in the future? The future holds endless possibilities. If you’re curious about which insects may find their way onto your plate someday, explore the article “7 Insects You’ll Be Eating in the Future” to gain insight into the insects that exhibit the most potential as future food sources.
• Now that you are aware of the possibility of consuming insects, is there a way to make them appetizing? Perhaps! Take the plunge and browse through the recipes provided by “Insects Are Food” for some bug-based meal ideas that you could attempt to prepare at home. Are you daring and inquisitive enough to give one of these recipes a try?

References

• http://www.nature.com/scitable/blog/labcoat-life/why_should_we_eat_insects (accessed 06 Feb. 2020)
• http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/13/130514-edible-insects-entomophagy-science-food-bugs-beetles/ (accessed 06 Feb. 2020)
• http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/survival/wilderness/edible-bug.htm (accessed 06 Feb. 2020)
• https://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/entomophagy-feeding-the-9-billion/ (accessed 06 Feb. 2020)