A Fascinating Look at Entomophagy: The Custom of Eating Insects

Did you know that eating insects are a common practice around the world? Insects are a great source of protein and other nutrients and can be cooked or fried in many different ways. In this blog post, we will explore entomophagy – the custom of eating insects. We will take a look at some of the cultures where insect-eating is commonplace, as well as the nutritional benefits of consuming insects. If you’re curious to learn more about this interesting topic, keep reading!

Insects are a great source of protein and other nutrients, which is one of the reasons why they are commonly eaten around the world. Insects can be cooked or fried in many different ways, so there is sure to be an insect dish that will appeal to everyone. In addition to being a tasty snack, eating insects also has some impressive nutritional benefits. For example, insects are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

There are many cultures around the world where entomophagy is commonplace. Insect eating is so popular in some places that it has become a tradition or cultural staple. For example, in China and Thailand, dragonflies are often eaten as a snack. And in Africa, caterpillars are a popular food choice. Many different insects are eaten in Mexico, including grasshoppers, crickets, and ants.

So why do so many cultures around the world embrace entomophagy? One reason is that insects are a great source of protein and other nutrients. Some insects contain more protein than traditional sources of meat, such as beef or chicken. Insects are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, which can help to boost your overall health.

What common Florida insects are edible?

Many different Florida insects are edible, including crickets, grasshoppers, ants, and caterpillars. These insects can be found in your backyard or the wild, and they make a tasty and nutritious snack.

Crickets

Crickets are a great source of protein, and they are also high in calcium and B vitamins. They can be eaten raw or cooked, and many people enjoy them fried or barbecued. How to find crickets : Look for cricket habitats near water sources, such as ponds, streams, and rivers. You can also find crickets in meadows, gardens, and woodlands.

If you’re interested in trying some recipe’s with crickets, check out Eat Grub UK for a wide variety of recipe’s. Here are some that peaked our interest:

• Cricket & Bean Taco 
• Cricket & Mushroom Stroganoff
• Coconut & Cricket Rice Cakes with Red Chili Sauce

Grasshoppers

Grasshoppers are another great source of protein, and they are also high in minerals like zinc and magnesium. They can be eaten raw or cooked, and many people enjoy them fried or barbecued. How to find grasshoppers: Look for grasshopper habitats near water sources, such as ponds, streams, and rivers. You can also find grasshoppers in meadows, gardens, and woodlands.

Did you know that grasshoppers are actually pretty popular snack? Even the Seattle Mariners sell it at their concession stands! Check out this recipe from Men’s Journal that’s a copy cat for you to try yourself.

Roasted Grasshoppers Flavored With Chili Lime Salt

Ingredients

• 10-20 grasshoppers
• 1/2 cup of oil
• 3-5 Tbsp of chili powder
• Sea salt (use as much as preferred)
• 3-5 Tbsp Lime zest/powder (or as much as preferred)
• 1-2 Lime wedges (for juice/extra flavor)
• 1/2 an onion, chopped (for flavor)

Directions

1. Thoroughly clean the grasshoppers, then boil them until they turn a reddish color. Make sure you cook them well to ensure you kill any parasites. Then remove the wings and legs.
2. Heat some oil with a mix of garlic, pepper, chilis, lime powder/lime juice, onions, or whatever seasoning you prefer for the grasshoppers.
3. To create your own chili lime salt, take salt, lime flavoring/wedges/or zest, and chili powder/spice, and mix it together to create your own seasoning.
4. Using a saucepan, put the grasshoppers over medium heat in the oil.
5. Cook the grasshoppers for 30-60 minutes, waiting until they are golden brown and crispy.
6. Take the grasshoppers off the heat, then drain and dry them on a paper towel or tray.
7. Once dry, sprinkle the chili lime salt or other seasoning on the grasshoppers for extra flavor.
8. Eat the grasshoppers on their own, or use them in a taco.

Ants

Ants are a great source of protein and minerals like zinc and magnesium. They can be eaten raw or cooked, and many people enjoy them fried or barbecued. How to find ants : Look for ant hills near water sources, such as ponds, streams, and rivers. You can also find ants in meadows, gardens, and woodlands.

If you’re curious to try insect-eating for yourself, there are plenty of recipes online that will show you how to cook insects in a variety of ways. So why not give it a try? You may be surprised at how delicious insects can be!

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