Are you cooking with… insects?
It’s hard to picture insects and arachnids as anything more than bothersome pests that disrupt barbeques, cause painful stings, and freak many of us out. But it may be time to start welcoming these creatures into your life….and on your plate.
The Latest Food Trend
Sweet and salty snacks, blackened seafood, alternative milk, and bug burgers? Believe it or not, these are all popular food trends this year, and yes, insects have solidified a spot in the culinary industry. Concerns about feeding the world’s ever-growing population and some courageous foodies’ efforts have given these creepy crawlers a new purpose.
The health benefits of this “alternative food source” can’t be denied, either. While the Huffington Post reports that eating insects can combat obesity, you should also know that many pests are protein, lipid, and calorie-rich and packed with many essential vitamins and minerals. Pair that with their abundant availability and low cost, and how can you resist?
Calling all Cooks!
Many cooks swear by the delicious flavor of insects if you can prepare them correctly. It all comes down to ignoring the very spine-tingly reality that you are eating bugs. But, if you can get past it, you may be in for a delicious treat.
In case you’re feeling a little adventurous, here is an excellent BEE-LT recipe from Girl Meets Bug:
Ingredients:
• Bee larvae
• 1 egg white
• 1 tsp butter
• 1/4 tsp honey
• 1 tomato
• 1 leaf lettuce
• 2 slices of bread
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 pinch salt
Directions:
In a small pan, sauté the bee larvae in the butter, salt, and honey. Once the larvae have become golden brown and slightly crispy, remove from the heat and add them to the egg whites. Toss the mixture around until the egg white completely coats the larvae, and then bind them into a small pattie.
Return the pattie to the sauté pan and cook until the egg white is set and thoroughly cooked.
Add the patty to a slice of toasted bread. Spread with mayonnaise. Then, add a thick slice of tomato and lettuce on top. Cover the sandwich with another piece of toasted bread, and enjoy!
For some reason, we don’t think “It tastes like chicken” will quite cut it.
Keeping Pests off Your Plate and Out of Your Home
Remember that this isn’t recommended for you to go to your backyard to gather your next meal. Common fertilizers, unknown allergies, and poisonous critters can make for an unhealthy and potentially dangerous dish. If you’re serious about incorporating insects into your diet, do a lot of research, consult your doctor and buy from a reputable supplier.
Do you have unwanted pests on your plate?
Generally speaking, pests don’t belong in your kitchen. If you have a problem, call ABC today.