Promoting Entomophagy (How to Get People to Eat Insects)

  Posted on December 13, 2014  by insectrecipes  No comments

You might not know about the benefits of eating bugs, except that they have protein and that they’re tasty and come in a wide array of unique flavors which blend well with so many different insect recipes. Some say different bugs taste like things we normally eat, like shrimp, popcorn, apple and even mint! And I’ll bet after you read this entire page and strategize your move, that special someone will gladly join you for dinner.

Tsk, tsk. I can hear some of you out there reading this are thinking, “yeah right. And I’ve got a bridge I’ll sell you.” No you don’t. I already sold it.

So what do you say to squeamish folks who refuse to try your new insect recipes? Well, in order to get anyone to do anything, you have to find out what motivates them. This valuable piece of info will dangle itself into their psyche like a rabbit chasing a carrot. Or me chasing a cricket through the woods. You get the drift.

“I dare you.”

Upon hearing this, most people will do one of two things. If their ego overrules, you’ve already won because the last thing someone with an ego wants is to look weaker or more scared than you. He will try it, even if it’s the last thing on the planet he ever intended to do.

“It tastes like chicken.”

This seems to be the line used most often at dinner parties and social gatherings to ease the discomfort of listeners within earshot. Poor souls. We know that when certain insects or worms are cooked in a specific way, using certain spices, many edible insects can taste similar to chicken or pork or whatever broth, bouillon or stock you used. So sure (insert sigh and groan here), it tastes like chicken.

“It contains waaaay more vitamins and nutrients than beef/chicken/fish…”

If you didn’t click on the video of the TED Talk by Emma Bryce, what are you waiting for? Pay attention. Those are the exact details you need if the person you’re trying to convince is a hummus-eating, bean-sprouting, Jack Lalanne juicing health nut who walks around smelling like a health food store or garlic, depending on the day. If this person knows the difference between spirulina and chlorella, zero in. Let your androgynous friend know that many insects contain a much higher iron and calcium content per pound, while beef contains about double the calories and fat per pound! For a guaranteed dinner guest, play that video. Cartoons will make him smile and will serve as a subtle reminder of the softer inner child.

“You will help further insect farms harvest bugs and worms throughout the world”

Ahh, the feminist hero. If she’s vegetarian, all bets are off. She likely won’t ever eat a bug because it has eyes and in turn, feelings. Plus, you might come back as a bug in your next life. Would you want someone to eat you as a snack? (insert eyeroll here) But, if she cares about the environment and her motto of the 3 Rs: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle still makes you smile (while I observe with amusement) appeal to her sense of philanthropy.

If she’s all about ‘going green’ and saving Japan’s dolphins after watching that documentary, ‘The Cove’ then you might be able to convince her that every bite is a supportive contribution towards the cultivation of a growing food source. Our fish supplies are dwindling and some say in the next forty years, we have to find a food replacement for fish. If she continues to eat bugs, she will ultimately save the world.

Resources

Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, (2014). Edible insects: future prospects for food and feed security. [online] Available at: http://www.fao.org/docrep/018/i3253e/i3253e06.pdf [Accessed 9 Dec. 2014].