Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Insects as food or edible insects are insect species used for human consumption. [1] Over 2 billion people are estimated to eat insects on a daily basis. [ 2 ] Globally, more than 2,000 insect species are considered edible, though far fewer are discussed for industrialized mass production and regionally authorized for use in food.
Eighty percent of the world's nations eat insects of 1,000 to 2,000 species. [10] [11] FAO has registered some 1,900 edible insect species and estimates that there were, in 2005, some two billion insect consumers worldwide. FAO suggests eating insects as a possible solution to environmental degradation caused by livestock production. [12]
The intentional cultivation of insects and edible arthropods for human food is now emerging in animal husbandry as an ecologically sound concept. Several analyses have found insect farming to be a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional animal livestocking. [82] [98]
How nutritious are edible worms and insects? Many are a complete source of protein and high in iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, B-vitamins, amino acids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and fiber.
Mealworms have historically been consumed in many Asian countries, particularly in Southeast Asia. There, they are commonly found in food markets and sold as street food alongside other edible insects. Baked or fried mealworms have been marketed as a healthy snack food in recent history, though the consumption of mealworms goes back centuries. [3]
Insect farming is the practice of raising and breeding insects as livestock, also referred to as minilivestock or micro stock. Insects may be farmed for the commodities they produce (like silk , honey , lac or insect tea ), or for them themselves; to be used as food , as feed , as a dye, and otherwise.
The white maguey worms, known as meocuiles, are caterpillars of a butterfly commonly named "tequila giant skipper," Aegiale hesperiaris. [4] [unreliable source?Aegiale hesperiaris is found usually in regions of Central Mexico, on the leaves of Agavaceae plants, such as Agave tequilana and Agave americana (maguey).
Insect species that are edible for humans. This is an object category, entries have to meet the following requirement: ... is an edible insect . Pages in category "Edible insects"