Common Edible insects Around the world

Introduction

In today's article, we are discussing about some of the most common edible insects around the world. Insects are a great source of protein and are consumed by over 2 billion people on a daily basis. More than 2,000 insect species are considered edible globally, though far fewer are discussed for industrialized mass production and regionally authorized for use in food.

Fig.1: Global Edible Insect Chat

Insects contain high quality protein, vitamins and amino acids for humans. They have a high food conversion rate, e.g. crickets need six times less feed than cattle, four times less than sheep, and twice less than pigs and broiler chickens to produce the same amount of protein1. Besides, they emit less greenhouse gases and ammonia than conventional livestock. Insects can be grown on organic waste. Therefore, insects are a potential source for conventional production (mini-livestock) of protein, either for direct human consumption, or indirectly in recomposed foods (with extracted protein from insects). and as a protein source into feedstock mixtures.

List of Edible insects you should tryout as Food

There are many insects that are edible for human consumption, and they offer various nutritional and environmental benefits. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, edible insects contain high quality protein, vitamins and amino acids for humans. Insects also have a high food conversion rate, meaning they require less feed than conventional livestock to produce the same amount of protein.

Some of the most commonly consumed insects in the world are grasshoppers, crickets, ants, bees, larvae, earthworms, termites, and silkworms. These insects can be found in different regions and habitats, and can be prepared in various ways, such as roasting, boiling, frying, or grinding into flour234. Some insects are also considered delicacies in certain cultures, such as the maguey worm, the bamboo worm, the mopane worm, and the water bug.

If you are interested in trying some edible insects, you can find a list of edible insects by country on Wikipedia. You can also find some recipes and tips on how to cook and eat insects on Greenbelly Meals

Fig. 3: Edible Bugs

There are many types of bugs that are edible for human consumption, and they offer various nutritional and environmental benefits. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, edible bugs contain high quality protein, vitamins and amino acids for humans1. Insects also have a high food conversion rate, meaning they require less feed than conventional livestock to produce the same amount of protein.

Some of the most commonly consumed bugs in the world are beetles, crickets, ants, bees, larvae, earthworms, termites, and silkworms. These bugs can be found in different regions and habitats, and can be prepared in various ways, such as roasting, boiling, frying, or grinding into flour. Some bugs are also considered delicacies in certain cultures, such as the maguey worm, the bamboo worm, the mopane worm, and the water bug.

Edible Bugs Bucket List: 25 Insects People Eat Around the World (bucketlistjourney.net)

Fig. 4: Edible Insect Cuisine

A. Edible Insects in Asian Countries

According to the web search results, some of the Asian countries that eat insects for food are:

Thailand: This country seems to eat the widest variety of bugs, such as crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, worms, water bugs, scorpions, tarantulas, and more. These insects are often deep-fried and seasoned with salt, pepper, soy sauce, or fish sauce. They are eaten as snacks, appetizers, or even main courses. Some of the most popular insect dishes in Thailand are hon mhai (fried silk worms), malang tod (mixed fried insects), and rod duan (fried bamboo caterpillars).

China: This country also has a rich diversity of edible insects, such as larvae, cicadas, dragonflies, ants, bees, and more. These insects are usually cooked in various ways, such as frying, steaming, roasting, or boiling. They are often served with spices, sauces, or rice. Some of the most common insect dishes in China are tanghulu (candied insects on a stick), zhangcha (tea-smoked insects), and xiaochong (stir-fried insects).

Japan: This country is known for its refined and sophisticated cuisine, but it also has a tradition of eating insects, especially in the mountainous regions such as Nagano and Fukushima. Some of the insects that are consumed in Japan are wasps, hornets, grasshoppers, silkworms, and more. These insects are usually prepared with soy sauce, sugar, sake, or mirin, and cooked in a pot or a pan. They are often eaten as a delicacy or a special treat. Some of the most famous insect dishes in Japan are hachinoko (wasp larvae), inago no tsukudani (grasshoppers in sweet soy sauce), and zazamushi (aquatic insect larvae).

B. Edible insects in African Countries

According to the web search results, there are many African countries where insects are a staple food. Some of the most common edible insects include caterpillars, termites, crickets and palm weevils. Here are some examples of how insects are eaten in different African countries:

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Congo, the Central African Republic and Cameroon, insects are grilled and often served with hot pepper, lemon and onions. They are also considered as bar food or special delicacies. The average household in Kinshasa consumes about 300 grams of caterpillar per week.

In Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe, insects are boiled, sun-dried or fried. They are usually eaten as snacks or added to soups and stews. Some of the most popular insects are mopane worms, which are caterpillars of the emperor moth. They are rich in protein, iron and calcium.

In Nigeria and South Africa, insects are roasted, smoked or ground into flour. They are also used as ingredients for sauces, breads and cakes. Some of the most preferred insects are palm weevils, which are larvae of the palm weevil beetle. They are high in fat, vitamin E and zinc.

Eating insects has long been a part of the African culture and cuisine. It is also a sustainable and nutritious way of feeding the growing population. The world must catch up and appreciate the benefits of entomophagy.

C. Edible insects in Europe Countries

According to the web search results, the practice of eating insects is least common in Europe, compared to other regions of the world. However, some European countries do consume insects as part of their cuisine or culture. For example:

In the Netherlands and Belgium, some edible insects that are approved by the European Union are yellow mealworms, buffalo worms, waxworm larvae, locusts, and black soldier flies. These insects can be eaten as snacks, added to salads, burgers, pasta, or baked goods.

In France, some people enjoy eating escargots (snails), which are technically mollusks, not insects. However, some insect species, such as grasshoppers, crickets, mealworms, and palm weevils, are also available in specialty shops or online.

In Spain, some traditional dishes include gusanos de maguey (agave worms), which are fried or roasted and served with salsa or guacamole. Other insects, such as crickets, ants, and beetles, are also eaten by some adventurous eaters.

In Italy, some regions have a history of eating insects, such as Sardinia, where casu marzu (rotten cheese) is made with live cheese fly larvae. Other insects, such as grasshoppers, cicadas, and silkworms, are also consumed by some people.

Eating insects is considered by some as a sustainable and nutritious alternative to conventional animal protein sources, as insects have a high protein content, low environmental impact, and diverse flavors123. However, eating insects is also subject to cultural, legal, and ethical issues, as some people may find it unappealing, unsafe, or unethical. Therefore, the acceptance and consumption of insects vary widely across different countries and regions.

D. Edible Insects in Antartica countries

There is no known list of edible insects eaten by Antarctica countries. Antarctica is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent on Earth, and it has very few native land animals. The only insect that lives there is the Antarctic midge, a tiny, flightless insect that survives by freezing itself for most of the year. It is not known to be eaten by any human or animal. Most of the other insects that are regularly eaten around the world, such as ants, crickets, and beetles, are found in warmer and more humid climates.

E. Edible Insects in South American countries

According to the web search results, there are many kinds of insects that are eaten by people in South America. Some of the most common ones are:

Beetles (Coleoptera): These are the largest order of edible insects, with over 300 species reported as food. They are usually eaten as larvae or pupae, and can be roasted, fried, or boiled. Some examples of edible beetles are palm weevils, rhinoceros beetles, and longhorn beetles.

Bees, wasps, and ants (Hymenoptera): These are the second largest order of edible insects, with over 200 species reported as food. They are usually eaten as larvae, pupae, or adults, and can be raw, roasted, or fried. Some examples of edible bees, wasps, and ants are stingless bees, honey ants, and leafcutter ants13.

Butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera): These are the third largest order of edible insects, with over 100 species reported as food. They are usually eaten as larvae or pupae, and can be roasted, fried, or boiled. Some examples of edible butterflies and moths are silkworms, witchetty grubs, and mopane worms12.

Termites (Isoptera): These are the fourth largest order of edible insects, with over 50 species reported as food. They are usually eaten as larvae, nymphs, or adults, and can be roasted, fried, or boiled. Some examples of edible termites are Macrotermes, Nasutitermes, and Syntermes12.

Grasshoppers and crickets (Orthoptera): These are the fifth largest order of edible insects, with over 40 species reported as food. They are usually eaten as nymphs or adults, and can be roasted, fried, or boiled. Some examples of edible grasshoppers and crickets are chapulines, locusts, and katydids14.

These are just some of the insect-eating practices in South America. There are many more species and ways of preparing them that vary by region and culture. Eating insects is not only a traditional and cultural practice, but also a sustainable and nutritious alternative to conventional animal protein sources.

F. Edible Insects in North American countries

According to the web search results, some of the insects that are eaten by Northern American countries are:

Grasshoppers: These are consumed in Mexico, where they are fried and seasoned with salt, lime, and chili peppers. They are known as chapulines and are a popular snack or taco filling.

Ants: These are eaten by many Native American groups, such as the Chipewyan and the Inuit. They have a sour or nutty flavor, depending on the species. Some ants are boiled, roasted, or fried, while others are used as toppings or ingredients for other dishes.

Cicadas: These are also eaten by some Native American tribes, as well as by people in the southern United States. They are harvested when they emerge from the ground after 13 or 17 years. They are cooked in various ways, such as boiling, baking, frying, or roasting. They have a nutty or shrimp-like taste.

Beetles: These include the June beetle, the witchetty grub, and the palm weevil. They are eaten by some Aboriginal Australians, as well as by people in Mexico, Indonesia, and China. They are usually roasted, fried, or boiled, and have a crunchy or creamy texture.

Moths: These include the bogong moth, the yeperenye caterpillar, and the landibe. They are eaten by some Aboriginal Australians and by people in Madagascar. They are roasted, fried, or boiled, and have a nutty or buttery flavor.

Flies: These include the caribou warble fly, the botfly, and the water fly. They are eaten by some Native American groups, such as the Chipewyan, the Inuit, and the Aztec. They are collected from the skin or the airways of caribou, or from the water surface. They are fried, roasted, or made into patties.

G. Edible Insects in Australia

According to the CSIRO, there are at least 60 native insect species traditionally consumed by First Nations peoples in Australia. Some of the well-known Australian edible species include witjuti (also known as witchetty) grubs, bogong moths, ‘honeypot’ ants and green tree ants. Globally, beetles are the most commonly eaten insects, followed by ants, bees, wasps, crickets, grasshoppers, moths, butterflies and termites. The edible insect industry in Australia is working to increase demand for their products. The main insects being farmed for food in Australia include crickets and mealworms. And in recent years, some producers have turned them into protein bars and powders to make them more palatable. You can also find cricket nut butter, cricket falafels and taco toppings, as well as specially made insect crackers on the market.

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