Taste & Culture
Insects are eaten by 80% of cultures around the world, and are close relatives of shrimp and lobster. Not only is eating bugs normal, but there are some great recipes—the most common reason people eat bugs is the taste!
Many cultures have practiced entomophagy for thousands of years. Cultures in countries such as China, Ghana, Thailand, Mexico, Japan, Brazil, and Vietnam accept insects as a readily available, easily farmed food source. In this way, the U.S. and many countries in Europe are quite late to the game.
Of course, different insect species are consumed in different parts of the world, but they are also prepared very differently. They are seared, sauteed, steamed, baked, grilled or eaten raw with many different marinades, spreads, and dipping sauces.