You are about to die from starvation in the middle of nowhere… who do you look to? Insects.
Insects are edible and enjoyed worldwide by over two billion people, according to Wikipedia.
There are over 2,000 insects that can be consumed. However, I will cover 15 common species here. Eating bugs may seem absurd to many people(especially Americans), but bugs are just so common. Despite their popularity, they can also be implemented in survival situations, and insects are very nutritious.
In this article, I will cover 11 edible insects that are healthy.
Let’s dive right in.
In This Article
Edible Insect #1. Grasshopper
Grasshoppers are consumed worldwide for their rich nutritional value, and if cooked right, their taste. The legs, wings, and antennas, like all insects are possible to choke on, so my recommendation is you pull them off before eating them.
Grasshoppers are rich in protein, unsaturated fat(good fat), iron, omega-3, fiber, vitamin A, B,and C, magnesium, calcium, zinc, phosphorus,and antioxidants as well as reducing the risk of heart disease.
You can eat most of the grasshoppers raw(not antennas or legs), but always cook when possible.
Edible Insect #2. Earthworm
Earthworms can be found anywhere, even remotely damp. You want to eat worms that live in a safe location, not a chemical plant, instead something like a forests.
Earthworms do taste like dirt raw(because they eat dirt), but they do have an impressive amount of protein, unsaturated fats, carbs, phosphorus, calcium, iron, and essential amino acids.
Edible Insect #3. Ant
Another edible insect that practically everywhere is the ant. It is relatively easy to catch them, although my recommendation is to use some sort of bait or attractant. Some ants do bite, so you have to ensure they are dead before consumption.
Ants are extremely high in protein, unsaturated fat, phosphorus, carbs, iron, sodium, and calcium. These are very healthy for you and almost all ants are edible(I would stay away from the ants that aren’t red, brown, or black).
You can technically eat the whole entire ant raw, with the legs and antennas, as that is no longer a choking hazard.
Edible Insect #4. Bee/ Wasp
Bees sure can be annoying, but they are also delicious and full of nutrition.
Bees and wasps must have their antennae, stinger, wings and legs torn off before consumption.
Bees are full of protein, carbohydrates, lipids, unsaturated fats, carbs, phosphorus, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, sodium, potassium, and calcium.
This is not recommended for those who are highly allergic to bee stings. Bees can be eaten raw as well.
Edible Insect #5. Locust
The Locust is an edible insect that is a relative of the grasshopper, but a good way to differentiate them is that Locusts swarm, while grasshoppers travel as individuals. Similar to grasshoppers, you have to remove the antenna, legs, and wings.
Locusts are full of protein, unsaturated fat, iodine, phosphorus, iron, calcium, magnesium, and selenium. You can eat these raw as well, bon appétit.
Edible Insect #6. Roly Poly
Rolypoly, or pill bugs are relatively common as well. They are known for their ability to curl up in balls. They are located in soil, under rocks, and in rotting wood.
These pills bugs are high in unsaturated fats, protein, carbs, phosphorus, fibers, and sodium.
You can also eat these raw, and they have a shrimp-like taste to them.
Edible Insects #7. Roach
The word cockroach will make people cringe because no one likes dealing with these insects. However, they are a big part of the wild and are common, so it is worth knowing that they are edible.
Roaches are among the healthiest of insects containing protein crystals, essential amino acids, unsaturated fats, carbs, vitamin B12, sodium, and phosphorus.
They are edible raw(and healthier too, with the extremely healthy roach milk) and of course the legs, and antennas, and wings must be extracted.
Edible Insect #8. Dragonfly
Dragonflies are easily recognizable with their long wings and colorful nature. They are delicious to eat, and is a common dish world-wide. They are located around fresh-water pools like ponds, and lakes.
Dragonflies are also healthy insects containing carbs, fibers, vitamin C, Iron, Magnesium, and several antioxidants (Betalians, Hydroxycinnamates, Flavonoids.)
Make sure to remove the wings and they are edible raw, but I personally eat them fried, and they are delicious.
Edible Insect #9. Maggot
Maggots have a bad rap for the way they consume and digest their food, but they are a delicious dish.
Maggots have unsaturated fats, proteins, sodium, fibers, Iron, and phosphorus. They taste different depending on what they ate alive(like most other insects.)
Maggots are edible raw, so enjoy!
Edible Insect #10. Termite
Termites are another healthy insects and are enjoyed by many people around the world.
Termites are rich in vitamins A, and C, unsaturated fats, protein, sodium, and phosphorus. Remember to remove the wings when eating them.
They can be eaten raw as well, but it’s always nice to have them cooked.
Click here for termite removal.
Edible Insect #11. Scorpion
Scorpions are a healthy dish enjoyed throughout the world. They taste like soft-shell crab. You have to dispose of the tales properly, because they can poison you if you eat them raw.
Scorpions are one of the healthiest insects in the world containing Oxalate, Tannins, Phytate, protein, potassium, and, Phosphorus.
Conclusion
There is a low safety risk if you cook the insect, but the insects that I mentioned are edible. Don’t eat bright colors, and always wash your insects if eating raw. You don’t know where they’ve been.
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I’m wondering if you have a link for those other insects that are edible. Specifically I’m looking to find out if box elders are edible. They’re a bit invasive here.
You can eat these bugs since they have no venom, but they don’t taste good.
That headline photo is disgusting! I won’t put any jungle insects in my mouth, even if it’s the last thing I do. Jungle insects aren’t for eating for me, period. But overall, it’s an okay article. Just not a fan of those jungle insects.
I’ll be damned. Don’t forget meal worms as well.
I’ll be damned.
Cicadas are also edible. High in protein and only 16% fat.