Humans love food. We enjoy trying new flavours, textures, and dishes. From street snacks to festival foods, people around the world have different food traditions. But in some cultures, insects are also part of the menu.
Eating insects is called entomophagy. People have eaten insects for centuries, especially in parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. But why do people eat insects, and are they actually healthy?
What Are Edible Insects?
Edible insects are insects that people can eat safely. People may roast, fry, or grind them into powder before eating them.
According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), more than 1,900 insect species are known to be edible around the world. Beetles make up about 31% of these species, followed by caterpillars at 18%. Bees, wasps, and ants make up about 14%.
Edible Insects in India
India also has a long tradition of eating insects. Some communities in Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and other northeastern states eat insects as food.
They eat foods such as red ant chutney, silkworm pupae, and water bugs. This is not just a food choice when other food is unavailable. It is part of their culture and has been passed down through generations.
Where Else Do People Eat Insects?
More than 300 insect species are consumed by different communities in India, especially in the northeastern states.
Mexico has many edible insect species. It has been reported to have approximately 549 species. Chapulines, or grasshoppers, are popular.
In China there are about 180 edible insect species recorded. The Mekong region in Southeast Asia has about 160.
In Zimbabwe and South Africa, people commonly eat mopane worms.
Why Do People Eat Insects?
People eat insects for different reasons. One of the reasons is nutrition, but culture also plays an important role.
Insects can provide important nutrients. FAO data indicates that locusts have 8 to 20 mg of iron per 100 grams. Beef has approximately 6 mg per 100g. Insects can also provide protein and other nutrients.
Insects need less feed than cattle. To produce 1 kg of insect meat it takes 2 kg of feed, Beef can need about 8 kilograms of feed for the same amount of meat. This makes insects an efficient source of protein.
Culture is another reason. In some communities, eating insects is a tradition passed down through generations. Families are taught which insects are edible and how to cook them.
Taste also matters. Some people enjoy the flavour and texture of roasted or fried insects. In places where insects are common, they may be a familiar part of local food.
The seasonal availability of food can also affect food selections. Some communities eat insects only when they are found easy in certain seasons. Insects are not an unusual food for them. They are used regularly in cooking and are a part of local culture.
Is it Good for the Environment
Yes. Less land, less water and much less greenhouse gases are needed for insect farming than for cattle or pigs. That efficiency counts, for a planet in short supply of farmland.
FAQs
What is the most eaten insect?
Beetles are the first, followed by caterpillars, then the bees, wasps and ants.
Can insects be eaten by humans?
Yes. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) says more than 1,900 species of insects are safely eaten by humans worldwide today.
What are some places to purchase edible insects?
Insect snacks, insect powder and insect products are sold online in various regions of the UK, USA and Europe. Purchase from a trusted, food-safe retailer.
Conclusion
Edible insects are nothing new and not an unusual sight. They are an established nutritious food that is part of the diet of one third of the world's population, and in this tradition the northeast region of India has the longest history.
