Edible Insects And Their Health Benefits

Earthworms

Earthworms typically come out in droves after heavy rain. When eaten, earthworms are highly nutritious, if not a little interesting to eat. Eating earthworms alone, individuals may find the flavor bitter, but they are easy to incorporate into other dishes, like soups and stews as well as stir-fries. The best method for eating them is to batter and fry them until crispy.

Research indicates worms not only have high iron and protein, but also include lots of amino acids. This helps the human body digest food and repair damaged body tissue. Experts also state worms contain lots of calcium, and may, in fact, be equal to the amount typically found in cow's milk or cheese.

Cicadas

Periodical cicadas, which emerge once every seventeen years, are often found in the eastern United States and most Asian countries are good for eating. These red-eyed little insects need to be caught at just the right time in order to eat them, which is just after they molt their hard exoskeleton. With their exoskeleton gone, cicadas have soft juicy bodies. Some individuals have made up recipes for deep-fried cicadas they add to salads, barbecued cicadas, or even cicada tacos. Once the exoskeleton reforms then cicadas become too tough to eat. Most state their taste can be compared to asparagus. Experts indicate cicadas are low in carbohydrates, and may also be gluten-free as well.