Edible Insects Growing More Common

Entomophagy, or the human use of insects as food, has become more and more commonplace in recent years. Many comparisons have been drawn to the rise of eating raw fish in sushi, which has become incredibly popular, to the current state of eating insects. While very few Americans currently practice entomophagy, there are many reasons why it could be the next big culinary trend.

Sustainability

Insect-farms require significantly less land and water than their warm-blooded counterparts making them less impactful on the environment. Insects are also capable of reproducing at a much faster rate than most farm-based animals used for consumption. This means that replenishment of the species is much faster and can be consumed more readily.

Health Benefits

Insects are chock full of fat, protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Most often the health benefits of insects are compared to that of fish, while also containing omega-3s, making them very beneficial for a potentially healthy diet.  Insects are also noted for their high protein content that is comparable per gram to beef.

Humans Unknowingly Eat Bugs Already

In 1906, Upton Sinclair wrote the novel The Jungle to portray the harsh conditions and unsanitary practices that go in in the meat packing industry. The FDA also has released their documentation that shows how many bugs or bug fragments are allowed in the foods you already eat. If you think of it this way you are already eating bugs unknowingly.

Though still in its infancy, entomophagy has the ability to become a very pivotal part of American cuisine. In other countries, insects are already being consumed and have been for many years. If we as American’s can accept the idea of eating insects for food, or even enjoyment, we may be more satisfied than we ever had before.

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