February 27, 2014

It’s Actually Weird Not to Eat Insects

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

Over 3,000 different ethnic groups eat 1,400 different species of insects. Not eating insects? Check out what you are missing from this insect buffet filmed by the Smithsonian.

The National asks in the video below whether insects are the future of food. Bugs do cheaply pack a lot of protein in every bite, and breeding them for consumption is far less intensive than breeding cattle.

In the video, meet some pioneering insect farmers who are promoting “gateway bugs”–easy to cook, easy to eat. What do you think? Will insects make it onto your dinner menu anytime soon?

Image credit: Hugo Quintero/Flickr

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