UN Says: Why Not Eat More Insects?

The U.N. has new weapons to fight hunger, boost nutrition and reduce pollution, and they might be crawling or flying near you right now: edible insects. The Food and Agriculture Organization on Monday hailed the likes of grasshoppers, ants and other members of the insect world as an underutilized food for people, livestock and pets. A 200-page report, released at a news conference at the U.N. agency's Rome headquarters, says 2 billion people worldwide already supplement their diets with insects, which are high in protein and minerals, and have environmental benefits.  Insects are "extremely efficient" in converting feed into edible meat, the agency said. On average, they can convert 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) of feed into 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of insect mass. In comparison, cattle require 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds) of feed to produce a kilo of meat. Most insects are likely to produce fewer environmentally harmful greenhouse gases, and also feed on human and food waste, compost and animal slurry, with the products being used for agricultural feed, the agency said. The agency noted that its Edible Insect Program is also examining the potential of arachnids, such as spiders and scorpions, although they are not strictly speaking insects...more

Are you ready for:

beetle barbeque

grasshopper gumbo

McMaggots

prime rib of spider

moth meatloaf 

chile con cutworm

roach roast

tarantula t-bone

caterpillar caviar

rocky mountain scorpion oysters 

fruit fly pie

Are you ready for:

insect whisperers

roach rodeos

county insect fairs 

insect food pyramid 

Purina insect feed

PETI

Finally, us poor New Mexicans will have to do without, or import all our insect goodies.  Why?  Because I'm sure Governor Martinez will oppose the slaughter of insects in our state.