For most of us, bugs and insects are not on our usual favorite foods list. In fact, for what is likely the majority of us, the very thought of putting any kind of creepy crawly thing in our mouths is rather revolting, whether dead or alive. But according to a select group of European Union members, that’s precisely what they would like you to start doing.
The initiative, of course, is part of a much larger movement seen throughout the globe to stop eating meats as we know them and instead get your protein from much smaller and much more manageable as well as overly abundant food sources.
And so, the EU has officially approved two more insect species that have been deemed safe and healthy for humans to consume. Unsurprising, the common cricket is first on the list. Second, and not nearly so tasty sounding, is the larvae of lesser mealworms.
Apparently, when cooked up, the larvae very nearly resemble rice, albeit a bit larger in size. I imagine throwing in some of your favorite spices and or a sauce might almost completely disguise their true identity.
The cricket, however, isn’t so easily masked as you might imagine. This is, after all, the same critter most of us grew up chasing in the yard or feeding to our pet reptiles.
Now, to be sure, insects are considered to be quite a delicacy in some countries. And even here in the US, experiences with insects are becoming a bit more popular.
For instance, Top Ten school Purdue University holds what they call Bug Bowl each spring as part of their larger Spring Fest weekend. As its name suggests, everything is about bugs and insects.
There is an insect petting zoo, a cricket spitting contest, cockroach races, insect art shows, and, yes, a whole smorgasbord of so-called insect delicacies to intrigue your palate. These usually include the popular chocolate-covered grasshoppers, crickets in brownies, and mealworms in stir-fry, just to name a few.
But while this particular event is supposed to let you face your fears, learn about bugs in a way few understand, and have some fun, the EU’s move to approve of insects as food speaks of something much more serious.
As I mentioned before, it has everything to do with ending the usual practice of eating meat.
Why?
Well, according to people like Bill Gates, who has recently taken on a vow to stop cows from burping, not eating meat will “save the planet” as well as help to fight “overpopulation.” Or at least that’s what they will tell you.
As an avid conservationist, I’m not sure that either of those arguments actually works.
I mean, if we aren’t eating meat, it means no chicken, no beef, no thanksgiving turkey, no Christmas ham, and no bacon on our tables. What are we going to do with all of those animals?
Talk about overpopulation. The planet will soon become completely chocked full of ducks, geese, pigs, cows, and chickens. Sure, we won’t be breeding them for consumption anymore. But it doesn’t mean their populations won’t grow naturally.
After all, there is a reason we have hunting seasons for things like deer, wild turkeys, elk, and even bears. And it’s not just so someone can hang a rug on their wall. It’s to keep populations at a manageable rate and to ensure the survival of both humans and those species. If we don’t, they will quite literally eat themselves out of a habitat.
Furthermore, if those critters aren’t walking the face of the earth, what do you think will happen to the vegetation on this planet? Just like animal populations, they will overproduce. Sure, the world might become “greener” for a time but at what cost? And there goes your saving the planet idea.
No, if anyone is logically thinking about this, you’ll know this move is really all about control. If Gates and PETA had their way, we’d be forced to abandon meat for things like crickets and mealworms. And all just because they want us to.
