Consuming insects is already an everyday practice for two billion people worldwide, largely in the global east and south. Rearing them uses less land, energy, water and produces fewer greenhouse gases than traditional meats like chicken and beef, and more of their body is digestible (80-100 percent, compared to only 40 percent for beef).
They are also better for us: they are rich in protein, fat, and energy and can be a significant source of vitamins and minerals. But the Western world has still not embraced this wonder food.
Researchers think they know why: the 'disgust' factor. Insects are gross. The more interesting question is: given the enormous benefits, how can we convince people to get over the grossness?
The article argues that eating sushi and lobster was once considered disgusting, too.
(Score: 2) by PiMuNu on Thursday May 16 2019, @07:56AM (2 children)
TFS is ignoring a massive blocker - cost.
If one seeks to purchase edible insects, the cost is something crazy like £10 per 100 grams. That is about 10 times the cost of comparable mass of dried meat (e.g. pepperoni). For example
https://www.thailandunique.com/edible-insects-bugs [thailandunique.com]
> Rearing them uses less land, energy, water and produces fewer greenhouse
> gases than traditional meats like chicken and beef, and more of their body
> is digestible
So why do they cost such an insane amount of money?
(Score: 2) by Pslytely Psycho on Thursday May 16 2019, @08:39AM
You haven't heard?
They're getting rare!
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/as-insect-populations-decline-scientists-are-trying-to-understand-why/?redirect=1 [scientificamerican.com]
Ok, that ones a bit too factual to be any fun for the joke....Trying again:
https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2019/2/11/18220082/insects-extinction-bological-conservation [vox.com]
Yeah, apocalypse, that's the ticket to funny!
I suck at jokes...
Alex Jones lawyer inspires new TV series: CSI Moron Division.
(Score: 2) by c0lo on Thursday May 16 2019, @09:34AM
Novelty factor, lack of competition.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoFiw2jMy-0 https://soylentnews.org/~MichaelDavidCrawford