They are creepy, crawly, and disgusting to the western paletteābut they are also packed with protein, fat, and essential nutrients. When game is scarce, insects are your most reliable food source.
Why Insects?
Insects are everywhere. They are easy to catch (no traps or weapons needed) and offer a high calorie-to-effort ratio. A pound of crickets contains more protein than a pound of beef.
Safe to Eat
- Crickets and Grasshoppers: Remove the wings and barbed legs. Cook thoroughly to kill internal parasites.
- Ants: Taste like lemon (formic acid). A good energy booster. Watch out for fire ants.
- Grubs (Beetle Larvae): Found in rotting logs. High in fat. Must be cooked.
- Earthworms: Squeeze them out to remove dirt (poop). Boil or roast. High protein.
What to Avoid
Rule of Thumb: If it is brightly colored (red, orange, yellow), fuzzy, or smells foul, DO NOT eat it. These are warning signs of toxicity.
Cooking is Mandatory
Never eat insects raw. They catch the same parasites as other animals. Boiling or roasting them until crunchy makes them safer and, thankfully, tastier.