Happy World Edible Insect Day 2018

Edible insects are making their way on to more and more people’s plates every day. If you are someone who has decided to incorporate insects into your diet this year, then kudos to you! If you are still undecided, wary or apprehensive, then read on. This information will definitely help you make the right choice!

Edible Insects are actually DELICIOUS!

True story! With a nutty, slightly cocoa flavor, edible insects taste just like delicious food that you are familiar with and that you eat every day. In smoothies, sweet dishes or savory, edible insects like crickets blend beautifully with so many flavors.

Smoothies

All you need is a blender and your favorite fruits and/or vegetables, some cricket powder, and anything else you want to add in. In our house, we have a smoothie every morning made with a frozen banana, frozen mixed berries, almond milk, a bit of water, tablespoon or 2 of plain Greek yogurt, tablespoon of cricket powder and teaspoon of peanut butter. PERFECT! Check out this recipe for another delicious smoothie.

Sweet Treats

Thanks to the nutty, cocoa flavor of edible insects like crickets (whole roasted or powdered form), they work so beautifully with banana, berries, chocolate, maple, vanilla and nuts, just to name a few ingredients. A crowd-pleasing favorite in our house is a classic banana bread made with cricket powder. You can easily use other flours other than all-purpose flour, and you can also do any kind of variation you want. Sometimes I like to add a few raspberries, and some white chocolate chips (I know, decadent!).

Savory Treats

Perfect with garlic, cumin, chili, ginger, fish, vegetables, seafood and so much more, edible insects like crickets are so versatile and can be used in a multitude of ways. I personally love patties and one of my faves is a salmon patty with a bit of mashed potato, cricket powder, red onion and chopped spinach, then fried in a pan. Check out this recipe for amazing lentil patties that will please everyone’s tastebuds!

Edible insects are so good for you!

The nutritional profile of edible insects like crickets is actually astounding. Most people know that they are high in protein, and they are, but they are also nutritional powerhouses in so many other ways. Boasting high levels of B12, iron, calcium, fibre (especially prebiotic fibre), and so many other micronutrients, you’ll be amazed at how different you feel from the inside out and almost right away! Check out this article about edible insects and the gut biome, and this article about B12.