Invertebrate Snacks at Selfridges (part 3)
Following on from two earlier posts (first post, second post) I tried the three invertebrate snacks that I got from Selfridges and, using the correct binomial names (as two of the names were wrong on the packaging), here are my thoughts:
I was disappointed with the very mild curry taste of the thai green curry crickets (Acheta domesticus) which didn’t taste like thai green curry at all, more like mild curry powder, but had an inoffensive taste overall. This was an interesting species to try because it is commonly sold in pet shops as reptile/invertebrate food and will happily live on many things (including vegetable waste) making it a viable invertebrate to culture for human food.
Edible insect: chocolate covered scorpion
The chocolate covered scorpion (Mesobuthus martensii) was fairly pleasant; the crunchy texture of the scorpion went well with the chocolate, making it feel like a biscuit. There was a very subtle taste of something savoury but it was masked by the taste of the chocolate. I would eat these again and so would my girlfriend.
Edible insect: giant toasted ant
A number of my friends tried the giant toasted ants (Atta cephalotes) and none of them liked the taste or the smell. I was the only one that liked them but they do have a very strong and distinctive taste, so I can see why they didn’t get universal taste bud acclaim! I think the packet description is fairly accurate, “… similar to crispy bacon with an earthy taste”.
I had a good time trying these and I intend to pursue the topic of insects as a food in further posts. If you’re interested in reading a bit more about insects and food now, have a read of Bug Girl’s latest post on cochineal, an insect derived food colouring.
I shall add some photos to this post soon.
Tags: Entomology, Entomophagy, Food, Hymenoptera, Insects, invertebrates, orthoptera, Scorpiones
Nom.
I was thinking about this the other day, having finally discovered a solution to my mushroom-texture aversion in the form of my dad’s mini food-chopper. Result – mushroom mince!
This makes me wonder if larvae would mince well.
I should try insect foodstuffs…
Gordon and I talked about this and decided that we’d rear some insects for eating, possibly for the next time we meet up. You can join us if you like!