A N I M A L
by Gilda Davidian
My 8-year-old nephew Paul and I drove to Hollywood last weekend to participate in the Bug Fest hosted by Daniella Martin of Girl Meets Bug at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. Daniella shared information on the benefits of eating bugs (also known as entomophagy) and served a variety for tasting – including scorpions, tarantula, beetles, grasshoppers, dragonflies, crickets, mealworms, and stinkbugs. Daniella explained how insects are the most environmentally-efficient animal protein source on the planet. I tried a dragonfly per my nephew’s request. It was deep fried and crunchy and a little disturbing. The experience was fun and informational and one that I won’t be forgetting for a while.
Interesting facts:
– 80% of the world’s cultures eat insects.
– Most edible insect species are highly nutritious.
– It is up to 20 times more efficient to raise insect protein than beef.
– The FDA allows a certain amount of insect matter to be present in most commercial foods.
im very proud of you!
Thanks, sweetums!
Where’s the “like” button? 🙂
I’m so pleased you enjoyed yourselves!
We had such a great time, Daniella! Thank you for the experience + the education!
I am so proud of you too. My first taste of an insect were some crickets at Guelaguetza, a really super Oaxacan restaurant here in Los Angeles. Try them with a beer! http://guelaguetzarestaurante.com/
Sounds like you two had a lot of fun! Wish I had been there with you x
You have to come with us next time, Stef! Thanks for the recommendation.
Good girl. I find it so interesting that we turn up our noses at what is common “grub” for others. I have had fried grasshoppers and chocolate covered ants…..at one time served at all the best cocktail parties. My daughter has always loved bugs although not necessarily for their nutritional value.