If you take inspiration from television cooking shows, you may be primed to cook like the Top Chef Masters and cook with… (gulp) bugs.
After the recent “Top Chef Masters” episode where contestants were required to cook with insects, I spoke with Dr. Marianne Robinette, an entomologist at the University of Georgia, about the topic. Dr. Robinette has presented at conferences worldwide on insect cookery. She gave me the expert take on what types of insects are safe for cooking, where to get them and even some recipes.
Which kinds of insects are safe for cooking?
There are thousands of insects worldwide that have been documented as edible for human consumption. Over 80% of the world’s population incorporates insects into their regular diets.
The most easily attainable are mealworms, crickets and waxworms. Asian markets also sell cans of silkworm pupae that you could sauté and use as a base.
Dr. Robinette encourages those who wish to cook with insects to first read this article on the potential hazards of doing so. It is written by Gene DeFoliart, the father of Entomophagy — the consumption of insects as food.
Do they have any nutritional value?
Yes! They have many essential vitamins and minerals and are a complete protein source. See this chart for nutritional value of common insects — including carb count!
Where do you get insects for cooking?
You can buy live bulk insects for cooking at places such as Fluker’s. Mealworms are $7.75 for 1,000 medium.
Are you seeing insects on restaurant menus?
No. There is a chef in Brooklyn that cooks with them but they may not be a permanent part of the menu.
How/What do you cook with insects?
Insects are like tofu — they taste like nothing. You cook with them and can make them beautiful. I clean and roast all insects before using them in any recipes. I’ve personally tried and gotten positive feedback about the Popcorn Crunch, salted-garlic mealworms, Chocolate Chirpie Chip Cookies, Mealworm fried rice and chocolate-covered crickets.
You can find those recipes and more here.
Have you cooked with insects? Will you try it?
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Teaching Interests |
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I teach or co-teach three undergraduate courses each semester at UGA. Entomology Outreach and Service-Learning connects UGA students with the community through educational outreach programs with live and pinned insects and arthropods. Entomology Undergraduate Seminar is an upper level course offered to science and non-science majors and exposes students to cutting edge research in the field of entomology. Invited speakers range from academia, state and federal governmental agencies and industry. Entomology Undergraduate Research is a directed independent study where students spend the semester researching an entomological topic of interest and write a research paper. I am also the Program Director for Insect and Bird Natural History in Costa Rica, an entomolgy summer study abraod course. Research Interests I am particularly interested in researching and assessing science teaching and learning in higher education by introducing, integrating and evaluating service-learning courses in entomology. bridging theory and practice through stand alone entomology service-learning courses (Entomology Outreach & Service-Learning) and as a component of existing entomology courses (Insect and Bird Natural History in Costa Rica). Professional Interests I am involved in undergraduate academic advising of Entomology, Applied Biotechnology and Biological Science Majors in the College ofAgricultural and Environmental Sciences. I also interact with entomology majors and graduate students providing assistance with programs of study, job placement, CV and grant writing as well as various other tasks. Also, I provide insect and arthropod identifications, undergraduate recruitment and advising, as well as assisting in educational entomological outreaches in the Athens community and abroad. I am also involved in undergraduate student recruitment and departmental promotion. In addition I work closely with the H.O. Lund Entomology Club to coordinate and participate in departmental outreach and educational events in Athens and the surrounding communities. In 2006, I developed, implemented and annually coordinate and direct Entomology’s study abroad course in Costa Rica. |
