Edible Insects: These 10 are on the Menu

Edible insects are considered a delicacy in many places and are found in many traditional Asian dishes. But the little creepy-crawlies are also on the menu in Africa, Australia, and South America.

Edible insects: Our top 10

In many countries, insects are part of crunchy snacks and traditional dishes. Insects are now becoming more and more popular as a meat substitute in Europe and are considered an environmentally friendly source of protein.

1. Mealworm: The larvae of the mealworm have a nutty flavor and are commonly found in traditional Asian and African cuisines. Mealworms are most commonly roasted, fried, or grilled, making them a crunchy snack.
2. Caterpillars: Caterpillars also end up on the plate in Asia as well as in Africa and South America. Depending on the caterpillar species, the roasted insect larvae have a nutty to bean-like taste.
3. Locusts: Fried or grilled locusts taste like crispy fried chicken skin and have a slightly bitter aftertaste. Locusts are bred for consumption not only in Asia, Africa, and Australia but also in the central region.
4. Crickets: Slightly richer than grasshoppers are crickets. Especially in Africa, the country of origin of the cricket, the insect is traditionally prepared. When grilled, roasted, or fried, the aroma is reminiscent of pine nuts.
5. Ants: These insects do not only end up on the plate in Australia. In China, too, the small crawling creatures are used to enhance the nutrient profile of products. Ants have a sour-sweet taste and are fried, grilled, or eaten raw.
6. Bees: In Indonesian and Thai cuisine, bee pupae are considered a delicacy. Wasp pupae are also eaten there. They are often used as a meat ingredient for stews without a strong taste of their own.
7. Water bugs: In Thai cuisine, water bugs are fried or fried and either eaten as a snack or chopped up and added to salads as a topping. Water bugs taste like sour apples and have the consistency of chicken.
8. Cicadas: Cicadas are also a delicacy of Thai cuisine. There the insects are roasted and used as finger food for dipping. Their taste is nutty and sweet at the same time.
9. Bugs: Like cicadas, bugs are offered as a snack for dipping. Fried in a wok, they are a popular delicacy in Thailand. In terms of taste, bugs are reminiscent of fried shrimp.
10. Bamboo worms: Fried bamboo worms are a popular snack in Asia. The soft inner life comes to light under the crispy shell. Bamboo worms have a rather neutral, less intense taste.