The topic of the discussion class in Aeon last week was Bug Eating. An article in Japan Times introdued a recent pulished Japanese book about bug cuisine. Based on the article, we discussed about the theme.
This author says that Bug is nutritionally balanced and easy to feed. So, Bug eating can solves the global food shortage. In addition, he says Bug itself is very tasty. Fro him, the taste of Cicadas(Semi, in Japanese) is similar to shrimps.
In the book, he shows us many kinds of his original bug cuisine.
Actually, in some areas and coutries in the world (mainly Asia and Africa), Bug is eaten by the people. Even in Japan, Bug is eaten in some local foods. I also have eaten it in my childhood. The taste? Honestly, for young boy, it was shit! I haven't tried it after that.
However, I can respect the auther's investigation. To make our food life rich, somebody have to explore the world nobody have stood on. For example, Natto is one of the grotesque food in Japan, but now it is popular to the extent taht we can buy it in any super market. Due to an old Japanese challange, we can enjoy it now.
That's why the auther's trial mught be able to deserve Novel Food Prize.
But, to be honest, I am skeptical to the safety of Bug Eating. Even dogs and cats wouldn't eat bugs. If bug is tasty and good for our health, why don't they eat it? Maybe, there is a natural reason there. This author thinks we have't eaten Bugs for our prejudice. But, because dogs and cats are free from prejudice, we had better think of Bug Eating more carefully.
2 comments:
natto is the greatest. i am a little sad that i can't get natto here. it was a great breakfast!
mike, that's sad to hear that you cannot get natto, wherever you are now. aki and i have found it at our local asian market. the price is a wopping $2-4 for a three pack! i miss the days of the 100 yen shop.
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