Edible Insects: a Neglected and Promising Food Source
The interest in insects as human food in the Western world is increasingly considered a viable alternative to other protein sources. In tropical countries, it is common practice and about 2000 insect species are eaten. Insects emit low levels of greenhouse gases, need little water, and require limited agricultural land. Their protein content is similar to conventional meat, the level of unsaturated fatty acids is high, and they are a good source of vitamin B and minerals such as zinc and iron. Promoting insect consumption requires the farming of the insects. In the Western world, consumer acceptability will relate to pricing, perceived environmental benefits, and the development of tasty insect-derived protein products, such as cricket bars. The main food safety issue, like seafood, seems to be allergies, which can be addressed by labeling. As insects were until recently not considered food, legislation lags behind and needs urgent attention. Edible insects have high potential to contribute to a more sustainable and socially more equitable global food security.
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Part of book or chapter of book biblioteca |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Academic Press
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| Subjects: | edible insects, entomophagy, environment, ethno-entomology, food security, insect products, insects as food, nutrition, protein source, |
| Online Access: | https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/edible-insects-a-neglected-and-promising-food-source-2 |
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| Summary: | The interest in insects as human food in the Western world is increasingly considered a viable alternative to other protein sources. In tropical countries, it is common practice and about 2000 insect species are eaten. Insects emit low levels of greenhouse gases, need little water, and require limited agricultural land. Their protein content is similar to conventional meat, the level of unsaturated fatty acids is high, and they are a good source of vitamin B and minerals such as zinc and iron. Promoting insect consumption requires the farming of the insects. In the Western world, consumer acceptability will relate to pricing, perceived environmental benefits, and the development of tasty insect-derived protein products, such as cricket bars. The main food safety issue, like seafood, seems to be allergies, which can be addressed by labeling. As insects were until recently not considered food, legislation lags behind and needs urgent attention. Edible insects have high potential to contribute to a more sustainable and socially more equitable global food security. |
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