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posted by martyb on Tuesday September 01 2020, @06:23PM   Printer-friendly
from the yummy-yummy-in-my-tummy? dept.

Study finds insect shows promise as a good, sustainable food source:

With global food demands rising at an alarming rate, a study led by IUPUI [( Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis)] scientists has found new evidence that a previously overlooked insect shows promise as alternative protein source: the yellow mealworm.

The research is based upon a new analysis of the genome of the mealworm species Tenebrio molitor led by Christine Picard, associate professor of biology and director in Forensic and Investigative Sciences program at the School of Science at IUPUI.

[...] "Human populations are continuing to increase and the stress on protein production is increasing at an unsustainable rate, not even considering climate change," said Picard, whose lab focuses on the use of insects to address global food demand.

The research, conducted in partnership with Beta Hatch Inc., has found the yellow mealworm—historically a pest—can provide benefit in a wide range of agriculture applications. Not only can it can be used as an alternative source of protein for animals including fish, but its waste is also ideal as organic fertilizer.

[...] "Mealworms, being insects, are a part of the natural diet of many organisms," said Picard. "Fish enjoy mealworms, for example. They could also be really useful in the pet food industry as an alternative protein source. Chickens like insects—and maybe one day humans will, too, because it's an alternative source of protein."

Journal Reference:
T. Eriksson, et al. The yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) genome: a resource for the emerging insects as food and feed industry [open], Journal of Insects as Food and Feed (DOI: 10.3920/jiff2019.0057)


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  • (Score: 3, Interesting) by PinkyGigglebrain on Tuesday September 01 2020, @09:27PM (5 children)

    by PinkyGigglebrain (4458) on Tuesday September 01 2020, @09:27PM (#1045099)

    The whole aversion to eating insects is cultural. There are many cultures that consider it normal, in some the local giant spiders are considered a delicacy, and yet those same people will refuse to eat a bird egg.

    I've eaten insects, after the initial "augh! I'm eating bugs!" it rapidly became "meh, could use a little salt".

    --
    "Beware those who would deny you Knowledge, For in their hearts they dream themselves your Master."
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  • (Score: 1) by anubi on Tuesday September 01 2020, @10:02PM (1 child)

    by anubi (2828) on Tuesday September 01 2020, @10:02PM (#1045120) Journal

    I think the OP is referring to cochineal.

    It's a bright red colorant. Purely Organic. No known carcinogenic effects. And made from bugs.

    Many of the food dyes we make in labs ARE carcinogenic.

    And it's prime purpose is just to make the product visually appealing.

    --
    "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." [KJV: I Thessalonians 5:21]
    • (Score: 1) by anubi on Tuesday September 01 2020, @10:06PM

      by anubi (2828) on Tuesday September 01 2020, @10:06PM (#1045123) Journal

      Sorry, Pinky, that was meant for your parent.

      --
      "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." [KJV: I Thessalonians 5:21]
  • (Score: 2) by Gaaark on Wednesday September 02 2020, @01:32AM

    by Gaaark (41) on Wednesday September 02 2020, @01:32AM (#1045208) Journal

    Mealworms, baked, taste just like popcorn.
    Unbaked, yeah... could use salt: they are chewy and chewy and chewy....

    --
    --- Please remind me if I haven't been civil to you: I'm channeling MDC. ---Gaaark 2.0 ---
  • (Score: 2) by Kitsune008 on Wednesday September 02 2020, @03:34AM

    by Kitsune008 (9054) on Wednesday September 02 2020, @03:34AM (#1045233)

    I second that motion...
    On a trip into Mexico in my college days, I got the chance to try roasted scorpions.
    Pluck the stingers off, toss onto the coals of a fire until they sizzle and pop, then enjoy!
    Tastes like dry-roasted cashews...seriously. :-)

  • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday September 02 2020, @02:22PM

    by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday September 02 2020, @02:22PM (#1045382)

    The whole aversion to eating insects is cultural.

    And the whole drive to feed them to commoners isn't? Can you say "ritual humiliation"?

    The worms that we eat or not, are not the problem. The worms who want the power to decide what we eat or not, very much are.