Text: Beth Roessner
Y ou’ve probably seen people eating insects
optimal. Crickets are naturally low in carbohydrates
on reality television shows, taking a little
and gluten-free. And because they are sustainable, many
nibble and wretching in disgust. It may
advocates are saying crickets are the food of the future.

be more the “ick factor” than the taste
that makes people revolt, but did you ever
wonder if you’d give it a try?
Now may be your chance. Crickets have become the
new fad in protein powders. These six-legged, five-eyed
creatures are added to fortify and boost the nutritional
value of pantry staples.

Farming has recently drawn scrutiny from a
sustainability aspect. Unlike cattle, for example, which
need thousands of gallons of water and lots of land,
crickets are the opposite. They require very little space
and resources, aside from a warm enclosed space and
some empty egg cartons to jump on. Farmed crickets are
often raised on a vegetarian diet and filtered water.

Crickets are considered a sustainable protein source:
They’re inexpensive and eco-friendly. Cricket flour is
made with either dried or roasted crickets that have been
raised on specific cricket farms. They are then milled into
fine flour that lend themselves to smoothies, protein bars
and baked goods. Eaters describe it having a nutty taste.

(Common garden crickets may be contaminated with
pesticides—so please don’t eat crickets you’ve caught in
a bug trap.)
The harvest method is also considered more humane
than livestock. When mature crickets are ready to be
harvested, they are often placed in a freezer, which
immobilizes them. Then, the temperature is decreased
and that’s what kills them.

Eating crickets or other insects is called entomophagy,
and about two billion people feast on insects every
day. That’s about a quarter of the world’s population.

Crickets aren’t in Americans’ food repertoire primarily
There are seven grams of protein in two tablespoons (12
grams) of cricket flour. By comparison, two tablespoons
of peanut butter have eight grams of protein. Cricket
flour is also rich in B vitamins, which are important to
because of stigma.

For what these little guys boast in nutrition, taste and the
“saving the world” factor, it may be worth conquering
help maintain healthy cells throughout the body.

the “ick factor” and giving them a try.

Proteins are the building blocks of bones, muscle,
Beth Roessner is a D.C.-based writer and health coach.

cartilage, skin and blood. It’s important to help build
tissues, make
enzymes, produce hormone and repair muscles.

Even our hair and nails are comprised
of protein.

For those trying to lose weight, protein is essential.

It’s satiating—keeping the dieter fuller for longer.

It helps cut cravings and aids with calorie burn.

Many dieters decrease their carbohydrate intake and
increase their protein.

From this aspect, protein-rich foods like crickets are
washingtonFAMILY.com September 2017 47