Edible Insects You Should Try

21 Nov,2023

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There are about 2000 edible species of insects, but grasshoppers and crickets are among the ones most commonly eaten. They may be eaten fried, roasted, boiled, or sauteed.

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Grasshoppers and Crickets

Mopane Caterpillar

Pretty much any species of cricket or grasshopper is edible, but the same cannot be said of caterpillars. Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies (order Lepidoptera).

The palm grub or sago grub is the larval form of the palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus). This tasty treat is especially popular fried in its own fat. The grubs are especially popular in Central America, Malaysia, and Indonesia. 

Palm Grubs

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Western countries already feed mealworms to birds and other pets, plus they are gaining acceptance as a human food source. Mealworms are easy to grow in temperate climates, as opposed to many edible insects that prefer the tropics. 

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Mealworms

Several species of ants (order Hymenoptera) are highly prized delicacies. The lemon ant of the Amazon jungle is said to have a lemony flavor. Leafcutter ants are usually roasted and said to taste like bacon or pistachio nuts.

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Ants

Other edible insects include dragonflies, cicadas, bee larvae, cockroaches, and fly pupae and maggots.

Other Edible Insects and Arthopods