Insects form part of the diet of at least two billion people around the world. While 1,900 species have reportedly been used as food, not many are being consumed by average Canadians — yet.
Here are five things to know about edible insects:
1. WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMONLY EATEN INSECTS?
The FAO says they include beetles, caterpillars, bees, wasps, ants, grasshoppers, locusts, crickets, cicadas, leaf and planthoppers, scale insects and true bugs, termites, dragonflies and flies.
READ MORE: Tarantula tempura and cricket skewers: Insects could be coming to a menu near you
2. THEY’RE NUTRITIOUS
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations says insects are healthy, nutritious alternatives to mainstream staples such as chicken, pork, beef and even fish. Many insects are rich in protein, good fats and high in calcium, iron and zinc. They’re also low in calories.
3. HOW DOES THE AMOUNT OF PROTEIN STACK UP?
One hundred grams of cricket flour contains 65 grams of protein, while 100 grams of steak contains less than 30 grams of protein.
4. HOW DO YOU EAT THEM?
Grinding or milling is a common method for processing insects. Cricket powder (cricket flour), which is just ground roasted crickets, adds a subtle nutty or earthy flavour to whatever you bake or cook, including cake, cookies, muffins, protein shakes, soup and chili. If you only add a small amount, you won’t even taste it.
- Several baby products have been recalled by Health Canada. Here’s the list
- ‘Super lice’ are becoming more resistant to chemical shampoos. What to use instead
- Is home ownership only for the rich now? 80% say yes in new poll
- Invasive strep: ‘Don’t wait’ to seek care, N.S. woman warns on long road to recovery
Flavoured whole crickets and mealworms taste and feel a lot like a potato chip. Whole crickets can be coated in chocolate, while crickets and mealworms can also be used as a garnish like croutons in salads or soups.
5. ARE THERE ANY DANGERS?
People with seafood allergies should be cautious as there are distant relations between some insects and shellfish. If you have an allergy to insect bites or stings you should also proceed with caution. Insects like crickets are gluten-free, but the grain they are typically raised on is not, so some companies have designed a special feed to accommodate individuals with celiac disease. Insects should always be cooked.
READ MORE: One way to lower your grocery bills? Forage for your food
Though they may be tempting, don’t eat those brightly coloured raw insects you find in your backyard.
Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Entomo Farms
Comments