Feeling a bit squeamish? Don’t! You might be surprised to learn that insects could be your secret weapon in a survival scenario. With their high protein content, relative abundance, and surprising versatility in the kitchen, bugs just might become your new best friends when the going gets tough. So let’s venture into this often-overlooked and underrated world of entomophagy – the consumption of insects.
The Bug Buffet: Nutritional Powerhouses
If you thought your steak was high in protein, wait until you hear about bugs. Not only do they provide high-quality protein, but they’re also rich in good fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Crickets: For every 100 grams, crickets offer about 13 grams of protein, ample amounts of vitamins B2 and B12, and a healthy dose of iron.
Mealworms: These squiggly critters pack a punch with around 19 grams of protein per 100 grams. They’re also rich in healthy fats, fiber, and micronutrients like potassium and iron.
Silkworms: These caterpillars, which are already widely consumed in countries like China and Korea, offer a whopping 64 grams of protein per 100 grams.
A Bug’s Life: Finding and Harvesting
When foraging for insects, keep a few things in mind. First, avoid brightly colored bugs, as they are often poisonous. Also, steer clear of bugs that emit strong odors, as these can be harmful. Here are some safe bets:
Ants: Easily accessible, ants can be found pretty much everywhere. Look for them in rotting logs or around their anthills. To collect them without getting bitten, use a stick to disturb their nest and catch them as they scatter.
Grasshoppers and Crickets: These insects are commonly found in grassy areas, especially in the early morning when they’re less active. Use a net or your hands to catch them.
Earthworms: Not an insect but an invaluable resource nonetheless, earthworms can be found by digging in damp soil. They can be eaten, but are also excellent for fishing.
Bug Cuisine: Preparation and Cooking
Once you’ve collected your insects, you’ll need to prepare them properly to make them safe and more palatable.
Purging: Insects, like earthworms and mealworms, should be purged – that is, fed on a diet of clean vegetable matter for a day or two before consuming. This cleanses their digestive system.
Cooking: It’s important to cook insects before eating them to kill any potential parasites. Roasting is a simple and effective method. For example, you can make “Cricket-ka-bobs” by skewering and roasting them over a fire.
Overcoming the “Yuck” Factor
One of the biggest obstacles to entomophagy in many cultures is psychological. We’re simply not accustomed to viewing insects as food. However, in a survival scenario, adaptability is key. Besides, when prepared and cooked well, insects can be quite tasty, often described as having a nutty, earthy flavor.
The Sustainable Choice
Not only are insects a viable survival food, but they’re also an environmentally sustainable source of nutrition. Rearing insects for consumption uses considerably less land, water, and food than traditional livestock. So, in the long term, getting comfortable with bug cuisine could be a small but important step towards a more sustainable lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
While the idea of munching on bugs may seem offbeat or even gross to some, there’s no denying their potential as a survival food source. High in protein, widely available, and environmentally friendly, insects might just be the superfood you never knew you needed in your survival diet. So, next time you encounter a cricket or mealworm, consider giving it a taste. You might be pleasantly surprised!