A HAPPY mealworm and fries, anyone?
Jattvibe columnist Jeremy Clarkson took a bite out of a cricket burger when he launched the Great British Farm-Fest, which starts today.
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An edible bug expert, Adam Bensusan, explains the benefits of available bug snacks Credit: Getty
Jattvibe columnist Jeremy Clarkson chomps on a cricket burger as he launched the Great British Farm-Fest, which starts today Credit: Supplied
He is not alone when it comes to munching on nutrient- rich insects, which are considered to be a more affordable and sustainable form of protein.
Around ten per cent of Brits have now tried critters, such as chocolate mealworms and cricket cookies.
Adam Bensusan, of the UK Edible Insect Association, says: “Most edible insects taste far more familiar than people imagine. Once you get past the idea of it, the flavours are often closer to nuts, prawns or roasted snacks.”
Here, he explains the benefits of available bug snacks, as well as those likely to be hopping into kitchens in the future.
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Crickets are packed with protein, calcium, iron and zinc, with a mild, nutty flavour said to taste like roasted seeds or popcorn Credit: Getty
Buffalo worms are being used in burgers and pasta bakes for their soft texture, nutty taste and high protein content, while using fewer resources than traditional livestock Credit: egal
CRICKETS: Containing all nine essential amino acids, plus calcium, iron and zinc, crickets are six- legged superfoods worth having on your antennae. With a mild, nutty flavour, they are regarded as an ideal beginner bug. Blend into brownies, pancakes or cakes, or chomp direct from the pack as an alternative crispy treat.
Adam says: “Crickets have a surprisingly mild, nutty flavour a bit like roasted seeds or popcorn.
“They’re easy to eat as a crunchy snack or blended into protein bars and baking mixes, while also being packed with protein and vitamin B12.”
Try: Peri Peri Crunchy Roasted Crickets (15g), £3, souschef.co.uk.
Edible Insect Lollipops containing locusts, mealworms, crickets and buffalo worms from Crunchy Critters Credit: Unknown
Around ten per cent of Brits have now tried critters, such as chocolate mealworms and cricket cookies Credit: Bugfarm.co.uk
LOCUSTS/GRASSHOPPERS: They are full of fibre and contain more than 50 per cent protein. Locusts and grasshoppers are a staple bar snack in many parts of Asia.
Eat them roasted, battered and fried with a dipping sauce, or in a stir-fry instead of chicken or beef.
Make sure you remove the legs and wings first.
Some diners compare them to eating nuts and seeds, while others say the flavour is like white meat.
Adam says: “When roasted and seasoned, locusts are similar to crispy chicken skin or prawns.”
Try: Chocolate Chip Cricket Cookies (130g), £7.99, thebugfarm.co.uk.
MEALWORMS: These are very rich in essential fatty acids. The crunchy nibbles, usually around 2cm long, are the larvae of the yellow mealworm beetle.
A crunchy texture, like a rice cracker, they are usually eaten as snacks, or roasted and scattered over dishes similar to breadcrumbs.
Adam says: “Mealworms taste like toasted nuts or cereal.”
Try: Bugvita Salt & Vinegar Mealworms (20g), £4.99 amazon.co.uk.
BUFFALO WORMS: The larvae of the mealworm beetle have a softer texture than normal mealworms, making them a popular ingredient for burger patties and lasagne-style pasta bakes.
Adam says: “Buffalo worms have a light nutty taste.
“They are also packed with protein and nutrients while using far fewer resources than traditional livestock.”
Try: Edible Insect Lollipops containing locusts, mealworms, crickets and buffalo worms, (4x30g), £10.99, crunchycritters.com.
AVAILABLE IN THE FUTURE
BLACK SOLDIER FLY LARVAE: These fly larvae are extremely nutrient dense and high in protein, alongside healthy fats, amino acids and a good calcium content.
Described as having a peanut or oaty, porridge-like flavour, they can be fried or ground to a powder and blended into shakes and baking.
Adam says: “Black soldier fly larvae are exciting because they can turn food waste into some high-quality nutrition.
“They have a mild, savoury flavour and are rich in protein, healthy fats and calcium. They are on the Food Standards Agency’s novel food list, but not currently eaten in the UK.”
ANTS: Packed with Omega 3 healthy fats, as well as protein and zinc. Ants are already added to dishes as a tangy ingredient in many parts of the world. In Mexico they are used to top tacos, with some considered a delicacy like caviar. Different breeds have different flavours, but most are sour and “zingy”.
Adam says: “Some edible ants have a naturally citrusy flavour, almost like lemon zest, which is why chefs use them to add flavour. They are already appearing in high-end restaurants.”
SILKWORM PUPAE: Often used boiled or steamed. Adam says: “They are not common in the UK yet, but are eaten across Asia and have a rich savoury flavour similar to mushrooms or shellfish.”
MOPANE WORMS:
Adam says: “They aren’t yet UK-approved, but protein and iron-rich mopane worms, a type of moth, are popular in parts of Africa and have a smoky flavour.”
