Apparently the insects as protein revolution is really starting to take flight {pun intended}. Remember when I asked you if you would be willing to eat deep fried crickets? Well, according to this article, the Denver County Fair featured several cleverly disguised insect treats this year. In fact, several companies are popping up in an attempt to breakdown the taboos we Americans have against consuming insects.
The “bugs as food industry” is trying to win over the public with bars, protein powders, and clever Harry Potter-esque names, like Sky Prawns and Hopper Bars. On the upside, insects are a pretty environmentally low-impact way to get protein {when compared to livestock}, and the downside, I’ve eaten several bugs while riding my bike, and not once do I remember saying, “Oh, that was actually quite tasty.”
I have seen bug suckers at the gas station before, but I have to be honest, I thought they were a gag gift, literally. I’m not sure if I would be willing to actually eat them–I think for now, I’ll stick to tootsie pops.
So, what do you think, would you scoop some cricket powder into your morning smoothie?
~Mavis
Dianna says
National Geographic magazine keeps telling me I should eat bugs. I’d like to think I’m pretty open-minded, but I don’t really want to eat them. Gross.
Jenny says
I suppose if people are already eating water bugs (lobster, crabs, crawfish, etc) they could learn to eat land bugs.
Serina C says
When i traveled to Cambodia street market vendors sold stir-fried crickets seasoned with garlic and peppers! Also saw tarantula! Wasn’t brave enough to try since i was already sick from something else i ate but wish i did. I’m pretty sure they started eating these things out of necessity for some protein in a poor country but now is an acquired taste for some.
Do I have a name? says
I have always being open minded when it comes to food. Many years ago I was offered to taste alligator meat, and I try it. I didn’t like the fact of eating an animal that feeds on other animals, nor I’d ever thought I would try snake meat. I tried both and didn’t like the taste; nor shark meat. Two years ago, a friend gifted me a peeled Iguana in Puerto Rico. I cooked it and I LOVED IT!. In 1996, I traveled to Mexico. I visited this fancy restaurant where their “gourmet dish” was Aunt’s eggs. I ordered them not too sure I’d liked them, but I did!
With all these chemicals, antibiotics & hormones we’re getting non labeled at “North America Supermarkets”, I think I wouldn’t hesitate to try crickets, worms or any insect other than roach (if they are edible). I just keep a very open mind to get the nutrients my body needs, vs. buying all this processed foods we are buying today.
-an organic farmer/permaculturist.
Irene
Catherine Foster says
I lived in Australia for two years and people kept wanting me to try Witchetty Grubs. I never did, but I think they were odd but acceptable food there. Here’s more info.
http://tasteaustralia.biz/bushfood/native-meats-seafood/witchetty-grub/
Personally, I think you could probably eat anything if it was sauteed in garlic. Which may be why snails are so big in France.