“Yuck,” you say? Me too actually. But, believe it or not, a 3.5 ounce serving of crickets contains 121 calories (13 grams of protein [52 calories], 5 grams of carbohydrates [40 calories] and less than 6 grams of fat. “So,” you say? Well, how about the 75.8 milligrams of iron those little chirpsters contain, compared to the 7.5 milligrams found in the same size serving of beef liver? Crickets are also high in calcium, which we know is good for bone development.
Still not impressed?
How about the fact that termites, yes termites, (3.5 ounces) contain NO carbohydrates and up to 28 grams of protein?
And that caterpillars are loaded with iron, and more of the B vitamins thiamine and niacin than most meats and fish? They too top the scales of protein at 28 grams. Just for comparison sake, a 7 ounce chicken breast roughly contains 49 grams of protein; a 5 ounce fish filet contains about 30 grams and 6 ounces of beef contain approximately 42 protein grams.
According to National Geographic, the same 100 pounds of feed that produces 10 pounds of beef would produce more than four times that amount in crickets. Further, it is believed that if we (America) and Europe began “insectosizing”, the world’s food-source would be a sustainable one in the future.
But, in case you are curious, you can find “human-quality” insects at your local pet store, online, and in some restaurants (Typhoon in Santa Monica)
I am sure most, if not all, of you will not be indulging in this type of cuisine, so I will spare you the details on how to choose, kill, prepare and cook these incredible edibles. But again, if you are so inclined, there is more than enough information online to provide you with and endless menu.
Finally, on this date in history (June 30) – 1966 – Beatles land in Tokyo for a concert tour. Sorry, I couldn’t resist!
See ya next week for our last installment!
