Ten Bugs That Are Safe For People To Eat

When it comes to food, most people tend to think of traditional options such as meat, vegetables, fruits, and grains. However, there are several bugs that humans can consume, and they are considered a delicacy in various parts of the world. Here are the top ten bugs that humans can eat.

Bees

While eating bees may seem ill-advised due to their stingers, eating bee brood, which is the larvae and pupae of a bee, is perfectly safe. Natives of many countries love to eat bee brood as they taste like nuts, and they are high in carbs and protein.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are considered a healthy food in many areas around the world. They are cooked in oil in China, giving them a crunchy exterior and a soft, warm interior. The Chinese even grind them and sell them in pill form for a variety of ailments, including heart disease.

Crickets

Crickets are considered a yummy and healthy snack in various parts of South Asia, including Thailand and Vietnam. Thailand produces roughly 7,500 tons of crickets per year for food, and they are often killed and cleaned before they are deep-fried. Flavoured crickets are also available in novelty stores.

Beetles

Beetles are commonly eaten within the Amazon and parts of Africa, and they are a rich source of protein. Diving, Longhorn, and June beetles are also eaten in various areas around the world. Beetles can be prepared in a myriad of ways, but frying them up is the most common method.

Stink Bugs

Stink bugs are native to Mexico and are widely eaten and enjoyed in Mexican culture either on tacos or when ground and added to salsa. Pan-frying them gives the iodine-rich bugs a crunchy texture, and they apparently taste like cooked apples mixed with bitter medicine.

Worms

While eating raw earthworms may not be advisable due to the dirt and parasitic potential, worms are full of protein, iron, amino acids, and calcium. They are considered a delicacy in parts of New Zealand and are boiled or smoked in other areas like Venezuela.

Termites

Termites are abundant and rich in nutrients, particularly protein. They are revered and quite popular in various areas of the world. Termites are usually prepared through roasting or frying, where they take on a nut-like flavour.

Grubs

By far the most widely eaten form of larvae are the ones of the beetle. While raw grubs may look nasty, they are quite safe and edible, although they apparently taste terrible. You can cook them over fire or fry them in a pan if you want them a little crispier.

Grasshoppers

Grasshoppers are a great source of protein and are considered a delicacy in many parts of the world, including Mexico and Thailand. They are often deep-fried or roasted over fire and served as a crunchy snack.

Ants

Ants are considered a delicacy in many parts of the world, and they are a great source of protein. They can be eaten raw, cooked, or roasted and have a slightly sour, tangy taste. In some cultures, ants are used in various dishes, including salads and desserts.

While the idea of eating bugs may not appeal to everyone, they are a great source of protein, and several cultures around the world have been consuming them for centuries. While it is important to ensure that the bugs are prepared correctly, there is no harm in giving them a try but would you? Do leave a comment and let us know.