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Bugs aren’t exactly the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a tasty snack or even a delicious meal. To most people, thinking about crunching into an insect is the last thing that they want to do. However there are almost 2000 different edible bugs in the world, and over two billion people already munching on them.
In fact, in areas such as Thailand, Brazil, Mexico, China, and many other places, you will find that eating bugs is a regular and common thing to do. So what keeps you from doing what they consider the “norm” too? It has been thought that it could be put down to culture. Bugs are associated as being pests instead of as food, however, given the number of insects thriving in the world, perhaps reconsidering your aversion to “bugs” and “food” in the same sentence might be a good idea.
Here is a great video on why we all should be incorporating more insects into our diet, it has so many great reasons to do so. Once we can get past the “yuk” factor, we all could be eating more nutritious and healthy foods, for free!
Top 10 Tastiest Bugs to Eat
If you’re interested in at least trying a bug (don’t shudder too hard) you might as well select one of the tastier choices. Listed below are ten of the best types of bugs (in no particular order) to try out and maybe even mix in with your usual diet.
Ants
Although these mostly irritating bugs are known as home and picnic raiders, they are one of the tastier selections when it comes to eating insects. Boiling and roasting are two options that deliver both nutrients and flavor. Although they do lack fat, they are among some of the highest quality in protein.
Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers are rather commonly found during the late afternoon and into dusk on leafy plants or in soil. Catching these and boiling, frying, sun-drying, or even adding them to a soup can be a tasty addition to any dish and will provide not only good flavor but also lots of nutrients.
Keep in mind, though, that some multi-colored grasshoppers can be toxic, so stick to your simple, solid-colored ones to be on the safe side.
Crickets
Crickets are, unknown to most, a great source of quality protein that provides a quick and tasty alternative to your everyday snacks. They can be fixed through frying, dry roasting, or even eating them without any preparation.
Mealworms
Although this doesn’t seem like the most appealing option, mealworms can be found worldwide and can be cooked in a multitude of different ways. With a variety of nutrients, mealworms can be prepared boiling, roasting, and sautéing and are tasty by themselves, or served with a dish.
Locusts
These insects have been being eaten for millenniums. They are a good source of both protein and nutrients and can be prepared through drying, boiling, and stir-frying.
Dragonflies
You may look at dragonflies and think that they are nothing more than a pretty bug that likes to hang out near the water, but more than that, they can be fried or boiled into a delicious snack.
Termites
Oftentimes looked at as wood-eating pests; termites offer delicious amounts of proteins, fats, and essential amino acids, as well as a unique, nutty flavor. Baking, boiling, or toasting them can make for a nice meal.
Sowbugs
More commonly known as “rollie pollies”, the small round bug can be toasted for a tasty crunch, or even eat raw if you can find them rolling around damp soil or fallen trees.
Cicadas
Cicadas can typically be found along the East Coast of the United States, and boast high vitamin and protein levels. Frying, boiling, and roasting are all three of many different ways to prepare a delicious cicada snack.
Waxworms
One of the more cringe-worthy bugs, waxworms are similar to termites in their nutty taste, and are commonly eaten roasted, sautéed, or fresh. If you’re near a nice lake, fish is also a fan of the tasty insects, and instead of having to eat a waxworm, you could simply use it as bait instead.
What Bugs Are Your Favorite?
Whether or not you are a big fan of bugs, they can be a tasty alternative to trying to see whether or not a certain berry is poisonous or not, should you be in a situation where store-bought food isn’t an option. Keep in mind to heed potentially poisonous bugs, keeping away from discolored or multi-colored insects, and never eating any that may have been near an area that was sprayed with pesticides.
So long as you open up your mind and give the thought of eating bugs a chance, you may find that creepy crawlies aren’t quite as “creepy” as you thought.
