A monarch butterfly rests on a visitor's hand at the Monarch Grove Sanctuary in Pacific Grove, California December 30, 2014. Monarch butterflies may warrant U.S. Endangered Species Act protection because of farm-related habitat loss blamed for sharp
IN PHOTO: A monarch butterfly rests on a visitor's hand at the Monarch Grove Sanctuary in Pacific Grove, California December 30, 2014. Monarch butterflies may warrant U.S. Endangered Species Act protection because of farm-related habitat loss blamed for sharp declines in cross-country migrations of the orange-and-black insects, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said. REUTERS/Michael Fiala REUTERS/Michael Fiala

We often find insects disgusting, smelly, and even creepy. But in some countries, they’re considered a delicacy. Sure enough, there are many edible insects you don’t want to eat which many actually love eating for their unique taste and nutritional value. Here are some of them.

  1. Beetles

Long-horned, dung and rhinoceros beetles are just some of the many insects you can actually eat. People living in the Amazon and some parts of Africa munch on these insects. They’re rich in protein and can be easily found in trees and fallen logs.

  1. Grasshoppers

These are adorable insects many kids love to chase as they hop from one spot to another but for some, they’re just food on the table. They contain protein, unsaturated fats and iron.

  1. Bees

Bees are famous for producing honey but did you know they also taste like peanuts or almonds? Many indigenous individuals in major continents like Asia, Australia, and Africa love immature bees which are stingless as well as bee brood.

  1. Ants

Planning to go on a low-carb diet? Don’t forget to add ants in your meal plans. They are rich in protein, calcium and iron without the carbs and calories. A-hundred gram of red ants contains less than 100 calories.

  1. Butterflies

They’re very beautiful to look at but mind you these flyers aren’t only good in pollination but they can be eaten too. In fact, they are very succulent and oozing with iron and protein especially when they’re still larvae and pupas.

  1. Stinkbugs

Stinkbugs are associated with none other than their stinky smell. However, they are also among the edible insects in this planet. Never mind the smell because these bugs are known for their apple-like flavour. They are a source of iodine too.

  1. Backswimmers

Craving for caviar? It can be very expensive but not in some places where backswimmers are very abundant. These insects lay their eggs in stems of aquatic plants. These eggs can be dried and turn into Mexican caviar which some people say taste like shrimp.

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, there are over 1900 species of edible insects all over the world. Most likely, they are edible insects you don’t want to eat especially if you’re not a big fan of exotic food.

For questions/comments regarding the article, you may email the writer at sprevendido25ibtimes@gmail.com

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