... when it is fried. I tried it on my trip to China some years ago. Insects contain a lot of protein and can be produced more environmentally friendly than meat. I think insects are becoming increasingly important for the nutrition of the world's population.
The specimen in the photo is, however, a prepared showpiece.
An exquisite display. For my 16th birthday I had a make your own sundae party with lots of different ice creams and toppings. For fun I added chocolate covered ants and tiny fried grasshoppers to the toppings. The boys put them on their sundaes and all the girls did was squeal. 😊
I'm with PhylM. I don't think I could be persuaded to go the insect route, but I do appreciate their worth. (Except tics. And fleas. And mosquitoes.) And this is a teriific image, so I appreciate that as well :-D
what astonishing beauty in those wings - and I see displayed a masterpiece of design. A long way to go before I see in this a meal! Not much enthusiasm here for insect munching - like others, I would rather choose the vegetarian route. Although I hear what you are saying, many times over.
When it comes to food, there are very different worldviews... :)
When I look through the answers, I see little joy in insect food. Apparently there are some convinced vegetarians and some "conventional" eaters.
I admit that during my trip to China (2012) I was initially reluctant to eat fried grasshoppers. It was in Beijing when I strolled through the alleys in one of these hutongs (pretty traditional construction with inner courtyards, unfortunately they are being demolished and replaced by high-rise buildings). Typical are the many food stalls, where you can try many different dishes. First I went past a cookshop, where maggots, scorpions, snakes and even grasshoppers were offered (among others, very much I could not identify). But then I said to myself that the culture of another people must also be experienced through eating. So: catch and eat! Grasshoppers were offered fried, three on a skewer. You point your finger (I can't speak Chinese) at what you want and the cook sinks it in hot oil. You only pay a few yuan and then go on with the skewer in your hand and nibble the grasshoppers. You eat them with all the trimmings - including wings and legs. They tasted good to me and I would eat them again at any time. However: I would not eat everything that was offered in these Chinese food stalls.
I personally prefer a balanced diet. I rarely eat red meat, I prefer fish or chicken on my plate. I like fruits, vegetables, salads, and also pasta. A dish without meat can be a full lunch for me. I don't drink alcohol, not even coffee. I prefer pure tap water, sometimes I prepare a cup of green tea.
When it comes to food, I also try to think about the future - which planet we leave to our children. I can imagine that insect breeding is interesting for the increasing world population: these animals hardly need any space, they are undemanding, need little water, multiply phenomenally and produce almost no greenhouse gases. The protein of insects is just as high as that of beef or pork. Insect breeders in Europe state that they do not use antibiotics, hormones or other chemicals. However, there are still no neutral control results. The EU is increasingly concerned with insects as a source of food. I think that's good.
Incidentally, an estimated two billion people on all continents traditionally eat insects. Like all western cultures, Europe is (still) an exception.
The beauty of a grasshopper: I am an admirer of this great interplay of form, colour and function in these insects. I feel awe when I look at nature consciously. But we have to "destroy" it if we want to live - even if we eat a carrot, an apple or nuts.
@jerome Well said, Jerome! I ate some interesting things when I lived in Peru and Ecuador. Would be willing to munch on some fried grasshoppers if given the opportunity. Am mostly a vegetarian, too. Our planet needs help, and changing how we eat could go a long way towards "fixing" things. :)
Beautiful detail. Fav. I do not eat any animals but don't know if I would want to eat an insect either! Yuck! Think I will stick to plant based diet...the kind diet :)
Thanks for all the interesting feedback!
When it comes to food, there are very different worldviews... :)
When I look through the answers, I see little joy in insect food. Apparently there are some convinced vegetarians and some "conventional" eaters.
I admit that during my trip to China (2012) I was initially reluctant to eat fried grasshoppers. It was in Beijing when I strolled through the alleys in one of these hutongs (pretty traditional construction with inner courtyards, unfortunately they are being demolished and replaced by high-rise buildings). Typical are the many food stalls, where you can try many different dishes. First I went past a cookshop, where maggots, scorpions, snakes and even grasshoppers were offered (among others, very much I could not identify). But then I said to myself that the culture of another people must also be experienced through eating. So: catch and eat! Grasshoppers were offered fried, three on a skewer. You point your finger (I can't speak Chinese) at what you want and the cook sinks it in hot oil. You only pay a few yuan and then go on with the skewer in your hand and nibble the grasshoppers. You eat them with all the trimmings - including wings and legs. They tasted good to me and I would eat them again at any time. However: I would not eat everything that was offered in these Chinese food stalls.
I personally prefer a balanced diet. I rarely eat red meat, I prefer fish or chicken on my plate. I like fruits, vegetables, salads, and also pasta. A dish without meat can be a full lunch for me. I don't drink alcohol, not even coffee. I prefer pure tap water, sometimes I prepare a cup of green tea.
When it comes to food, I also try to think about the future - which planet we leave to our children. I can imagine that insect breeding is interesting for the increasing world population: these animals hardly need any space, they are undemanding, need little water, multiply phenomenally and produce almost no greenhouse gases. The protein of insects is just as high as that of beef or pork. Insect breeders in Europe state that they do not use antibiotics, hormones or other chemicals. However, there are still no neutral control results. The EU is increasingly concerned with insects as a source of food. I think that's good.
Incidentally, an estimated two billion people on all continents traditionally eat insects. Like all western cultures, Europe is (still) an exception.
The beauty of a grasshopper: I am an admirer of this great interplay of form, colour and function in these insects. I feel awe when I look at nature consciously. But we have to "destroy" it if we want to live - even if we eat a carrot, an apple or nuts.