The biggest problem in introducing insects into Western diets is absolutely cultural.

Since many people have no problem eating shrimp or lobster, the idea of eating insects is disgusting, even "animal" or "primitive".


However, it was not until the end of the nineteenth century that lobsters were considered the poorest marine food, eaten only by the poorest people, who could not afford anything. In some cases, they are used as food for prisoners or fertilizer for Native Americans.


Some researchers estimate that about 20% of people in Western countries try insect food at least once.


Not much, but not as short as it was at first.


Many people are wondering why they eat them.


The following are five main reasons:


1. Insects are sustainable


Insects need less water and are more efficient at handling the food they assume in proteins than conventional breeding animals.


Insects need less space to reproduce, and they produce far less greenhouse gas emissions than other animals (you know that an important component of greenhouse gases comes from farm animals, right? Yes, that kind of emissions....



Cricket powder



2. Insects are nutritious


Insects are powerful drivers of nutrients, especially proteins. Protein is one of the most needed nutrients, especially in countries where diets are mainly based on carbohydrates (wheat and cereals). Even in Western countries, this demand will increase costs.


In addition to protein, insects are also rich in fat and minerals, such as iron and zinc.


Insects can reproduce anywhere.


Breeding insects is effective, cheap and simple. They can grow fast and replicate easily. They can also be safely preserved in cities without large areas of space.


4. Insects can cook in many ways


Although insects are naturally cooked, fried, baked, boiled or baked in many countries, they are not eaten in this way in the West.


Insects can also be used as a basis for other dishes: reduce flour, and they can be the main ingredient in biscuits, crackers, bread, cakes or pasta.


They can be mixed with other meats to make mixed meat dishes, some traditional meats, some insect meals (would you like hamburgers or fried balls? I...


As for other protein sources, those contained in insects can be extracted in powder form and used as any other form of protein (e.g. as a supplement for bodybuilders...).



Cricket flour



Insects are delicious.


All food insects have their own flavors, distinctive flavors, sometimes very light, sometimes "marked". Of course, they can be seasoned.


Chewing Caramel crickets in front of the TV is not much different from eating popcorn. Curry larvae are very similar to some kind of chip...



Of course, it's not easy to start eating insects, but making them part of a delicious chocolate cookie will certainly make it easier.