Entomologist and chef unite to entice people to eat insects

Insects are no longer a novelty food stuff and could actually be used to feed the world, a Plymouth University academic has suggested.

In May this year, the United Nations’ Food and Agricultural Organisation published a report which provided the first comprehensive assessment of insects' current and potential uses food for humans and livestock.

Now Plymouth-based entomologist Peter Smithers says the time has come to take bugs away from the ‘bushtucker trials’ and into our daily diets.

“Insects have been regarded as a novel food for some time in the west, an exotic treat or daring delicacy eaten for fun and entertainment,” Mr Smithers said.

“However, this light hearted take on insects as food is a peculiarity of western cultures and in the rest of the world insects are a regular part of human diets that are enjoyed and anticipated.”

Mr Smithers has travelled the country in recent years hosting insect related events, and offering insect snacks, at a range of venues and for people of all ages.

He has also teamed up with Devon-based Michelin starred chef Peter Gorton to produce a range of insect-based dishes, and will be doing so again at an event next month.

The pair will be hosting an evening of entomological delights, crunchy cuisine and tasty tales at Gortons in Tavistock on Thursday 22 August.

The event will include a four-course meal interspersed, with talks about the cuisine being consumed, and Mr Smithers hopes it could spark a sea-change among the eating habits of those attending.

“Insects are more efficient at converting their food into edible protein than the vertebrates that we rear today,” he said.

“So as the human population grows insects will become more popular and necessary as part of our diets. They will be in a shop or restaurant near you within the next 20 years, and now is a great time to step forward and embrace the food of the future.”