Bug Eating Festival

In many parts of the world, eating bugs or insects as a part of the diet is common. Still, there are many countries where people would cringe at the thought of eating bugs for dinner. Bug eating festivals are organised in some places to normalise eating insects as food for people. They aim to tell people that even insects can make a healthy food option for humans, pets, and livestock. In the US, bug eating festivals are hosted in Brooklyn and Austin. Brooklyn’s first bug festival was organised in 2017. Since then, the festival has been organised every year to let people try out the flavours of edible bugs.

Idea Behind The Bug Eating Festival

There are several countries where bugs are an integral part of their diet. But a large section of the world still finds the idea to be icky and disgusting. It is said that there will be over 9 billion people on our planet by the year 2050. According to the United Nations, food production must be increased by around 70% to feed such a huge population worldwide. In such a situation, edible insects will prove to be a significant source of protein for humans and animals. To cater to this thought, Chef Joseph Yoon came up with the idea of a bug eating festival to get people used to eating edible insects. Besides solving global food issues, eating bugs will prove to be planet-friendly as harvesting them requires less land, water, and energy. Not to forget the numerous health benefits one can derive. These have equivalent amounts of protein to chicken, beef, and pork, along with iron, calcium, fatty acids, vitamins, and essential amino acids. 

Edible Bugs One Can Try Out at a Bug Eating Festival

• Crickets: These edible insects are commonly found in most bug eating festivals. Crickets are rich in vitamin B 12, protein, and iron. These are mostly ground into powder to add to protein shakes and flour.
• Grasshopper: These insects make a delicious snack and are specifically popular in Uganda, where they cost more than beef. The insects are usually toasted with a little bit of oil and garlic and sprinkled with salt and a dash of lemon.
• Termites: These insects are fried or sundried for consumption, known to eat through wood. Besides being a good source of protein and micronutrients, these are also rich in calcium and iron.
• Ants: The larvae of weaver ants have a citrus flavour. They are considered delectable in South America and are often used by chefs in exotic dishes.
• Bees: The bee larva is often used for human consumption. This buttery bug with a fatty texture is eaten commonly in Thailand.
• Beetles: Beetles make a popular edible insect in any bug eating festival with several nutritional benefits. These are used in recipes after removing the body’s head, arms, and legs.
• Stink Bugs: These insects are a rich source of amino acids, fatty acids, and flavonoids, along with minerals like phosphorus, potassium, and iron. These are first soaked in water to get rid of all the toxins, after which they are ready to be cooked.
• Mealworms: People in Mexico are known to roast mealworms and turn them into a powder which is later added to flour to make tortillas. These edible bugs are a rich source of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and omega 3 fatty acids.
• Caterpillars: They are a rich source of protein, especially during the rainy season. Caterpillars are popular in Mexico and Asia. These are fried in a spicy sauce and wrapped in a tortilla to make a tasty meal.
• Giant water bugs: These are considered a speciality in Thailand as they can be found only in the month of June. It can be eaten whole, crushed, or turned into a powder and can be mixed with chilli paste to taste even better.

Bug Eating or Entomophagy in India

Using insects as food has been an age-old tradition in several parts of Northeast India like Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh. Rural communities of the region are well aware of the nutritional benefits of edible insects and therefore include them in their diet. People of Assam celebrate the spring festival, Bohag Bihu, by consuming red ant larvae as a speciality. The larva and pupae of silkworms are considered healthy and delicious, and people make various recipes using them as the main ingredient. Along with silkworms, giant water bugs, crickets, grasshoppers, locusts, wasps, bees, beetles, and dragonflies are also a part of a regular diet.

Conclusion

Bug eating festivals are getting increasingly popular these days. Scientists and chefs are organising regular events trying to create a lot of awareness on the subject. As edible insects are considered to be the food of the future, renowned chefs are trying to persuade people to try including insect protein so that it is beneficial to humankind in the coming years. Kids are more encouraged to do so because they are more receptive and willing to experiment with new things. As they are more concerned about the environment and protecting the world, they may even adopt new food habits for the betterment of nature.