A new super food group which is very healthy and readily available is being pushed by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization- insects.
They are also eyeing the insects as a solution to the current global starvation and food shortage. In fact, it is quite normal on some regions across the globe to have insects on their meals. Humans have over 1,400 edible insects to choose from such as beetles, grasshoppers, ants and crickets.
FAO has partnered with Chiang Mai University of Thailand- the country which has the highest number of identified edible insects- to study the profitable and dietary potentials of insects as well as growing them in some countries in Asia and the Pacific.
A number of insects were found to be more nutritious than meat and fish in terms of protein when dried, based on FAO’s initial study. Even the eggs and larva are also high in fat, vitamins and minerals.
Patrick Durst, FAO forestry officer, was assigned to administer the study since there isn’t much documentation on the life cycles of several insects, the population, and other potentials of the insects.
“Among forest managers, there is very little knowledge or appreciation of the potential for managing and harvesting insects sustainably,” he said. “On the other hand, traditional forest dwellers and forest-dependent people often possess remarkable knowledge of the insects and their management.”
FAO is also looking at the possibility of improving the lives of people as well to combat poverty since it can produce jobs in certain areas. People will be paid to catch, nurture, handle, ship and sell the insects. “Opportunities also exist for improved packaging and marketing to make edible insects more enticing to traditional buyers and to expand the market to new consumers, especially in urban areas,” said Mr. Durst.
