Bugs… A new source of protein

Recently there has been a lot of hype of bugs being an ultimate source of food, in a recent Sydney Morning Herald article, Jim O’Rourke points out that insects are “low in fat, low in cholesterol and high in minerals, with twice the protein of meat and fish.” But would you try them?

Image courtesy of Paul Esson

Are Bugs safe to eat?

The eating of bugs is called Entomophagy, and has been practiced in less developed countries such as Central and South America, Africa and Asia for many centenaries. In Asia the eating of insects is nothing new, with many hawkers having these critters on skewers deep-fried and coated in a soya marinade. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, humans consume over 1,400 species of insects. The UN also states that insects are “highly nutritious” with some dried varieties having twice the protein of “fresh raw meat and fish”.

The most common types of bugs consumed are: Crickets, grasshoppers, snails, tarantulas, termites, ants, scorpions, worms, cicadas, dragonflies, beetle grubs (such as mealworms), cockroaches, silkworms, wasps and bees. With butterflies and moths also being consumed, however it is recommended that you just don’t go into your garden and start munching on these critters, instead you should purchase them from reliable and trusted sources.

Commercial Advantages

Insects are a sustainable resource and have a high commercial value, the farming insects for food requires little space and is also more eco-friendly than farming traditional live stock such as cows and sheep, on top of this insect reproduce faster and the cost to start up a farm is considerably less. The added bonus of farming these insects is that it can provide income and job opportunities for rural and remote farmers.

Where can I get me some critters?

The only restaurant I know of in Sydney that serves bugs is Best Friend Chung Jin Dong Korean Restaurant, located 377 Pitt Street Sydney.

If you are still looking to get your bug fix then I would recommend ordering some crawly treats form  The Green Scorpion.

As for me, I will try anything once so I have added Best Friend Chung Jin Dong Korean Restaurant to the list of must try Restaurants, stay tuned for the review.