Locusts, grasshoppers, crickets, cockroaches etc. And what if we were to put some of them on our plate? Disgusting, no? And yet, they are presented as “the food of tomorrow”. Entomophagy, or eating insects, is already practiced by more than 2.5 billion people worldwide. So why not you ? These little beasts have a lot to offer.
WHY SHOULD WE PUT INSECTS IN OUR DISHES?
A cockroach may seem less appetising than a rib of prime beef, but at the end of the day, isn’t it just a question of habits? So why not put it on the plate?
Firstly, if the European Parliament is examining the rules and regulations of the supplying of edible insects, it is doing so to ensure a safe and satisfactory supply. By 2050, the world’s population is expected to reach 9 billion, at the same time, global agricultural land will have declined. Insects reproduce quickly and consume little matter (6 times less than a cow), they therefore seem to be an obvious alternative to meet the meat-eating needs of the world’s population.
Secondly, eating insects is good for the environment! Insect farms pollute 10 to 100 times less than current animal farms.
Thirdly, there are more than 1900 edible species listed, leaving us more choices than those of meat and fish.
But above all! As small as they are, they are mines of nutrients.
THE NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF INSECTS:
As you can clearly see, insects are an excellent source of protein. Smaller but more concentrated, insects can contain up to 9 times more protein than a steak. Much richer than our traditional sources …
Their benefits are numerous, being rich in good fats (Omega 3 and especially 6), less fatty than lean meat, full of fibre, rich in B vitamins, iron, selenium and other trace elements.
Knowing insects are so good for our health, what are their peculiarities? It’s suffice to change their environment, their food and their exposure to light for their nutritional values to completely change! We can therefore customise a natural food according to our needs by simply varying its environment.
Finally, insects are cold-blooded animals so are less likely be contaminated and transmit diseases. They are therefore naturally healthier.
THEY’RE ALREADY ON THE MARKET!
Insect bars, cricket steak … brands are exploding to offer insect-based products. Overseas, the Americans are getting more and more of them, you can already find burgers made of cricket steak.
Some brands? Jimini’s® offers insects for snacking as an aperitif, My cricket®: spreads, powders and pancakes based on crickets, insectscomestibles®: flours, beverages … If you decide to delve around you are sure to find a product that will tempt you. Dare yourself, we guarantee you will not be disappointed!
CONCLUSION
The conclusion is clear: insects score a lot of points. More ecological, more nutritious, easier to raise. It remains for us to succeed in eating them! Pick up your fork.
