Chumasande MatiwaneA handful of edible bugs right in your garden are actually tasty. Even though your garden may have edible insects, not all are the same variety and not all are edible. These five are some of the insects you can indulge in.
Eating snails
Snails are, of course, part of many restaurant menus. These slimy taste warriors are rich in many nutrients and continue to be a tradition as food. The common garden snail was introduced many centuries ago as a food source for humans. To ensure snails are safe to eat, you need to steam them and remove them from the shell, then slit open the belly and remove the cooked entrails. Snails are abundant around spring and summer and can often be found in good numbers where they have a good food source.
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Crickets
Inhabitants of open meadows, grassland, and fields know a thing or two about crickets being a source of human food. Crickets can be bought and dried, fried or roasted before eating. Crickets are also excellent pan-fried or oven toasted, with a bit of oil and salt if you like. The legs can be removed before eating, as they are sometimes irritating. They can also be dried and stored for future use.
Mopani worms
A South African delicacy. Beyond their impressive nutritional profile, Mopani worms offer a model for sustainable gardening. The mopani caterpillars are all-natural, free from chemicals, hence they are a favourite for most parts of South Africa. The worms thrive naturally in the garden, and they can be harvested seasonally without harming the ecosystem of your garden.
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Eating aphids
Aphids are another edible insect; depending on what leaves they are feeding on, they can range from slightly bitter to sweet. Upon finding an infested plant or patch of plants, simply collect the aphids and eat them fresh or incorporate them into a meal as a nutritious supplement.
Termites
You can harvest them individually or in small groups and then toast them in a hot pan. Termites have a high oil content relative to the size of their body and are quite tasty, with a slightly nutty flavour. Those with winged ones are larger and fatter.
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ALSO SEE: HIDDEN ALLIES OF THE GARDEN
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