background preloader

Insects as Food, by Gene DeFoliart; Home Page

Insect Europe MiniLivestock Information Expository Speech As citizens of the United States, we have grown up with a biased view of what can be considered edible and what can't. For example, we consider cafeteria food edible, but pass off fried mealworms and moths as inedible. This is a conditioned view of reality, and it really makes no sense to me. I believe that in the United States of America, eating insects should be socially acceptable. The eating of insects is called Entomophagy, and it commonly receives negative reactions in the United States. People have been eating insects since the beginning of time. Many countries are following their ancestors examples today. Actually, what you may not realize, is that you are consuming the same creepy, crawly cuisine as the rest of the world in your ''normal'' everyday foods. In fact, not only has it not harmed anyone, its really quite healthy for you. People of the past and many people of today realize the benefits of eating insects.

Why Not Eat Insects? - Vincent M. Holt (1885) In 1885 Vincent M. Holt published a small pamphlet, in which he explained his theory of "entomophagy" (the eating of insects as a food source). This little book is still in print and read mainly I feel for its eccentricities. Holt argued that the nutritional content of insects could help the dietary inadequacies of the "working man". Sadly for him the Victorian's didn't agree so "slug soup" and "wireworm sauce" have not made inroads into the national cuisine. As Holt himself writes ..." Mark Warner - 2007 In entering upon this work I am fully conscious of the difficulty of battling against a long-existing and deep-rooted public prejudice.

Gourmet Bugs About | Small Stock Foods SmallStock Food Strategies LLC began life in January 2009. The name highlights the new focus of my endeavors: to create a steady supply of foods derived from farmed insects. It’s time for LIVESTOCK that’s SMALL. The many logical underpinnings for this approach to animal husbandry don’t need to be explored here. Although over the past few years I was always happy to explain the name of my previous company, I decided in the end to invest that explanation energy elsewhere. Ultimately, entomophagy is more about robust critical thinking skills than it is about eating insects. We explore the myths and facts surrounding insects as food. Since most of humanity has eaten insects for most of our history on the planet, not eating insects is more unusual than eating them. And by the way, eating insects is a lot better for the planet, so there’s that to think of too. Entomophagy might seem really radical. Basically, the larger an animal is, the more wasteful it is with resources like water and grain.

Related: