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Special
UN Study: Eat Insects
by Marinka Peschmann, Special to Canada Free Press
November 10, 2004
"Edible insects from forests are an important source of protein," said FAO expert Paul Vantomme, "and unlike those from agricultural land, they are free of pesticides."
Conducted by local experts in the Central African Republic, the Congo, Botswana, and Cameroon from October 2002-March 2003, the study concluded that insect consumption could not only help overcome ‘food insecurity’ but benefit the economy: ‘Trade in insects, although seasonal, does provide additional income for rural as well as urban people and particularly benefits women.’ The study determined that edible insects trans-border trade ‘is significant also in Sudan and Nigeria.’
Over one thousand households participated in the study. On average 82% of those surveyed already incorporate insects in their diet.
Researchers assert that insects have a higher protein ratio appeal than fish or meat noting the added value of ‘impressive’ increased energy. ‘For every 100 grams of dried caterpillars, there are about 53 grams of proteins, about 15 per cent of fat and about 17 per cent of carbohydrates.’ Experts found that insect proteins although low in amino acids such as methionine and cysteine are very high in lysine and threonine, but ‘the indigestibility of chitin makes insects, as a source of protein, of somewhat lower quality than vertebrate animal products.’
Over 128 varieties of edible insects have been identified. The study revealed that caterpillars are also believed to be rich in minerals and placed potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, and phosphorus high on the benefit list. Additionally, according to the study, ‘the daily consumption of 50 grams of dried caterpillars meet the human needs of riboflavin and pantothenic acid as well as 30 percent of the need for niacin.’
Served fresh, dried or fried caterpillars ‘when wrapped inside leaves and watered occasionally,’ can be stored for ‘two or three days.’ The ‘smoking method’ allows ‘up to three months’ for storage. Typically they are eaten as side dishes or snacks.
Caterpillars are not ‘emergency food’ said Mr. Vantomme, but part of a ‘deliberate diet in different cultures.’ France imports about 5 tonnes and Belgium 3 tonnes of dried caterpillars annually where they are considered a delicacy.
Recommendations for further research were cited including accessing how the trade of edible insects can benefit local livelihoods and how to incorporate caterpillar production in natural resource management and forest conservation.
Marinka Peschmann is a freelance writer whose first book collaboration, the best-selling The Kid Stays In The Picture; was made into a documentary. She's contributed to several books and stories ranging from showbiz and celebrities to true crime and politics.
