Quick Answers
Eating grasshoppers, also known as locusts, is generally considered safe and nutritious. Grasshoppers are eaten in many parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and the Americas. They are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. The main concerns with eating grasshoppers are allergic reactions and accidental consumption of poisonous insects. With proper care in preparation and identification of species, grasshoppers can be a healthy addition to the diet.
Nutritional Value of Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers are high in protein, making them a good meat substitute. A 3.5 ounce serving contains 20-25 grams of protein. They contain all 9 essential amino acids, making their protein complete. Grasshoppers are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, comparable to salmon in quantity.
In addition, grasshoppers contain a variety of vitamins and minerals:
Vitamins
– Vitamin A
– Vitamin B complex – thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, folate
– Vitamin E
– Vitamin K
Minerals
– Calcium
– Copper
– Iron
– Magnesium
– Phosphorous
– Potassium
– Selenium
– Sodium
– Zinc
This nutrient profile makes grasshoppers comparable to fish and meat in terms of protein quality. With a sufficient quantity, they can provide balanced nutrition.
Health Benefits of Eating Grasshoppers
Beyond their nutritional content, studies show grasshoppers may provide additional health benefits:
– Weight loss – Protein and fiber content aid satiety and reduce calorie intake.
– Heart health – Omega-3 fatty acids lower blood pressure and triglycerides.
– Reduce inflammation – Omega-3s and antioxidants decrease inflammation.
– Boost immune function – Zinc and selenium support immune cell production.
– Improve eyesight – Vitamin A promotes good vision.
– Increase energy – B vitamins involved in energy metabolism.
For these reasons, adding grasshoppers to the diet a few times per week can contribute to overall wellness.
Common Concerns about Eating Grasshoppers
While grasshoppers can be healthy and safe to eat, some common concerns give people pause:
Allergies
Like shrimp and lobster, grasshoppers can cause allergic reactions in those with sensitivities to shellfish. An allergy to grasshoppers is rare but possible. Those with shellfish allergies should exercise caution and consult an allergist before eating grasshoppers.
Toxicity
Some species of grasshoppers may contain mild toxins, especially certain brightly colored grasshoppers. Consuming toxic grasshoppers can cause nausea, vomiting, or other symptoms of food poisoning. Proper identification of edible species is important.
Pesticides
Eating wild grasshoppers may entail ingestion of pesticides or other chemicals used in agriculture. This makes it safest to eat farm-raised grasshoppers grown without pesticides.
As long as edible species are consumed and identified correctly, grasshoppers do not present much more risk of toxicity or allergies than many common foods like shellfish, berries, or peanuts.
Grasshopper Species Suitable for Human Consumption
While over 10,000 grasshopper species exist, only certain kinds are suitable for human consumption:
Locusta migratoria
The migratory locust is the most popular grasshopper for eating, used in Africa, Asia, and New Zealand. They are high in protein and minerals.
Sphenarium purpurascens
The purple-winged grasshopper is eaten in Mexico and is known for its size and tender texture when farmed and harvested young.
Melanoplus differentialis
This common North American grasshopper is deemed safe for eating and prized for its crunchy texture.
Melanoplus sanguinipes
The migratory grasshopper of Western North America is another edible variety, historically consumed by Native Americans.
Oxya hyla
Rice grasshoppers are a pest in Asia but valued as food. They are often dried or powdered for storage.
Stick to these common, safe varieties with proper identification to avoid toxicity.
How to Identify Edible vs. Toxic Grasshopper Species
To avoid consuming toxic grasshoppers, following these identification tips:
– Avoid grasshoppers with bright colors like yellow, orange, or red, which often signal toxicity.
– Choose plain-colored brown, green, or gray grasshoppers instead.
– Avoid grasshoppers with bright warning patterns on their wings.
– Pick larger grasshopper species, which are more likely to be non-toxic.
– Avoid grasshoppers with bulging eyes, a sign of poison.
– Edible grasshoppers have short antennae relative to their body size.
– Consult an expert if unsure of a species’ edibility.
Following these guidelines helps avoid toxic varieties like the brightly colored Lubber grasshopper. Stick to plainer, larger grasshoppers just to be safe.
Preparing and Cooking Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers should be thoroughly cleaned and cooked prior to eating:
Cleaning
– First remove the wings and legs of the grasshoppers if still attached.
– Soak the grasshoppers in lightly salted water for 5 minutes to clean.
– Drain and pat dry with paper towels. The grasshoppers are now ready to cook.
Cooking Techniques
– Sauté – Fry grasshoppers in olive oil or butter over medium-high heat until browned and crispy. Season as desired.
– Roast – Toss grasshoppers with oil and spices. Spread on a baking sheet and roast 10-15 minutes at 400°F until browned and crispy.
– Grill – Grill grasshopper kebabs over medium-high heat for 5-10 minutes, turning occasionally. Brush with oil and season.
– Stew – Simmer grasshoppers in broth with vegetables to tenderize. Use in tacos, stir fries, etc.
– Bake – Bake grasshoppers into breads, cookies, or other flour-based dishes. Finely grind them first.
Food Safety
– Cook grasshoppers to an internal temperature of at least 165°F to kill any potential parasites or bacteria.
– Store cleaned grasshoppers in the refrigerator no more than 2 days before cooking.
– Freeze grasshoppers for longer storage. Defrost before cooking.
Following basic food safety practices helps minimize risks when eating grasshoppers.
Grasshopper Recipes
When cooked properly, grasshoppers take on a pleasing crunch and nutty, umami flavor. Here are some recipe ideas:
Grasshopper Guacamole
Ingredients:
– 2 avocados, pitted and mashed
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1 tomato, diced
– 1/4 cup onion, diced
– 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– Salt to taste
– 1/2 cup roasted grasshoppers
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mash the avocados with the lime juice.
2. Add the tomato, onion, cilantro, and garlic. Season with salt.
3. Fold in the roasted grasshoppers.
4. Serve with tortilla chips.
General Tso’s Grasshoppers
Marinate cooked grasshoppers in a sweet and spicy sauce typical of General Tso’s chicken. Serve over rice.
Chocolate Chirp Cookies
Add finely ground roasted grasshoppers to the batter for cookies, brownies, or other baked goods. Pair with chocolate or cinnamon for flavor.
Grasshopper Stir Fry
Sauté vegetables like bok choy, carrots, mushrooms, etc. Add cooked grasshoppers and stir fry sauce to serve over rice.
The nutty taste complements both savory and sweet dishes!
Where to Buy Edible Grasshoppers
Finding safe, sustainable grasshoppers for cooking can be tricky. Here are some sources:
Specialty Online Retailers
Companies like Crowd Cow, Don Bugito, and Rainbow Mealworms sell various edible grasshopper species online. Useful for those without access locally.
Local Farms
In areas like Oaxaca, Mexico, local farms often sell edible grasshoppers like chapulines. Visit farmer’s markets and specialty grocers.
Asian Specialty Markets
Imported grasshoppers are sometimes available in the freezer sections of Asian supermarkets, often labeled as Chinese rice grasshoppers.
Forage Yourself
Harvesting your own wild grasshoppers is an option, but correct identification is critical to avoid toxicity. Only forage under guidance of an expert.
Consult local resources first, but ordering online provides more choice. Proper handling and storage are necessary with either source.
Are Grasshoppers Sustainable? Benefits vs. Risks
As an alternative protein source, grasshoppers offer sustainability benefits but also some risks:
Benefits
– Efficient feed-to-protein conversion – Grasshoppers need 6x less feed than cattle per gram of protein produced.
– Lower greenhouse gas emissions – Insect farming emits less methane and ammonia.
– Less land usage – Insect farming takes up smaller land area.
– Conservation of wild species – Takes fishing and hunting pressure off threatened species.
Risks
– Unknown effects on ecosystems if grasshopper farming scales up significantly.
– Use of pesticides and antibiotics in some insect farms.
– Potential for allergic reactions, especially with large-scale introduction to new populations.
– Difficulty in regulation and oversight of emerging insect farming practices.
With careful practices and regulation, grasshopper farming does show promise for scalability and sustainability. But ecosystem impacts require more research as the industry expands.
Conclusion
Eating grasshoppers offers nutritional benefits as well as cultural significance for many worldwide. When correctly identified and properly prepared, grasshoppers present minimal health risks while providing protein, healthy fats, and bioactive compounds. Small portions can be a healthy supplement to the average diet.
However, those with shellfish allergies should exercise caution. And poorly regulated or unsanitary preparation raises safety concerns. If enjoyed in moderation from reputable sources, grasshoppers can be an intriguing new foodstuff as well as an environmentally friendly form of protein.
