Do you know what entomophagy is?

Entomophagy is the technical term for eating insects. This practice is very common in many cultures in most parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, South America and in North America, too. But if you are completely shocked by it, you must be asking yourself: Why do people eat insects? Below are some reasons which might convince you.

Insects are more nutritious than other meats. While beef is composed of only 28% protein, the cockroaches get up to 44%. Insects are also rich in vitamins, especially B, and minerals such as iron and calcium. In many parts of the world there is no food and starvation is a hard reality, sometimes this kind of food is the unique option available. According to UN (the United Nations Organization) entomophagy is the future of alimentation as the prediction for the next ten years is that eating meat will became a luxury for most of us.

On the other hand, there is almost one million of insect species on the planet and about fifty hundred of them have been confirmed safe to eat. You can choose caterpillars, crickets, cicadas, grasshoppers, ants, bamboo worms, silkworms and  even scorpions and tarantulas!

Despite that, entomophagy is becoming a gastronomic trend and a lot of chefs are introducing this innovative cuisine in their countries. I did a gastronomic course in Brazil and I had the opportunity find out more about it. My professor was a chef expert in entomology and he was always creating amazing menus using insects.

Definitely eating bugs isn’t something conventional for most of us. Even though this theme is quite thought-provoking, maybe you could try gnocchi with larvae or an irresistible chocolate dessert sprinkled with crickets.

“Bon appétit!” 😉

Luana Ariely, Advanced Class

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