Could grasshoppers really replace beef? (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

By Pascal Kwesiga
20th July 2022

The air in my family home in Uganda was filled with a distinct aroma, not dissimilar to the smell of beef being grilled. It was December 2000 and my sister, Maggie, was frying grasshoppers. The more she stirred the green, crispy locust-like insects, the stronger and richer the aroma became. As they sizzled and steam rose from the pan, my taste buds tingled – I couldn't wait to eat this delicious snack.

This wasn't my first experience of eating grasshoppers – I used to eat them regularly during my childhood. In Uganda, grasshoppers are a nutritious delicacy and a much sought-after snack.
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Grasshoppers are a protein-rich and sustainable snack. They play an important role in improving nutrition, food security and employment in east Africa, says Leonard Alfonce, a researcher in entomology at Sokoine University of Tanzania, who believes the insects should be cultivated as a sustainable food source throughout the year.

"The edible grasshoppers are highly valued and their trading is a source of income in Uganda," Alfonce says. "Optimising mass rearing protocols for edible grasshoppers would ensure their year-round supply to enhance nutrition, food security, and livelihoods in East Africa."

In terms of nutritional content, the long-horned grasshoppers, known as Nsenene in Uganda, constitute 34-45% protein, 42-54% fat and 4-6% fibre. Insects generally are packed with vitamins and amino acids.

Then there are the sustainability benefits. Insect cultivation uses a fraction of the land, energy and water required for traditional farming, and has a significantly lower carbon footprint. (Watch our video on how insects are the missing link in our food chain on BBC Reel.)
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much, much more: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20220720-why-insects-are-the-sustainable-superfood-of-the-future

[Demovictory9]

1. Ugh

[BlueJac]

2. Yikes!

[3catwoman3]

3. I could see my way to trying cricket or grasshopper...

…flour, but the whole insect is a bridge too far.

[hunter]

4. My dad was excited about insects as food in the 'seventies.

Guess he was way ahead of his time.

One of the many things I respect about my dad is that he always embraces the local diet when we travel.

Me and my siblings had a lot of exposure to different foods, including grasshoppers.

I didn't like all the organ meats is Scotland. Yes, of course we had to try haggis.

[Blue Owl]

5. Grass-fed grasshoppers

[Donkees]

6. Purina launches pet food with plant and insect proteins

NOV 05, 2020


Nestlé Purina is launching pet food that builds on alternative proteins to make better use of the planet's resources. The new line includes insects as well as plant protein from fava beans and millet.

Purina Beyond Nature's Protein will first be sold in Switzerland from November. Veterinarians and nutritionists at Purina have put together two recipes: one based on chicken, pig's liver and millet; the second using insect protein, chicken and fava beans. Both recipes are available for dogs and cats.

The insect protein comes from black soldier fly larvae, which are already in use in animal feed in Europe. The millet and fava beans provide protein, energy, and fibre to aid digestion. All the ingredients are steamed to maintain nutrient quality.

The new pet food was developed taking into consideration the different nutritional requirements of cats and dogs, as well as their different taste profiles. The protein sources were blended to deliver all essential amino acids dogs and cats need, with different levels of insect proteins for each.

https://www.nestle.com/media/news/purina-launches-pet-food-plant-insect-proteins

[eppur_se_muova]

7. Interesting, thanks ! nt