This Time, You Get to Bite the Bug

PULLMAN, Wash. — Mealworm tacos and cricket chili are among the delicacies that students in Washington State University entomology Professor Richard Zack’s “Insects and People” class will dish up Friday, Nov. 4.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Cascade Room of the Compton Union Building, Zack’s students will sample and serve a variety of foods that have insects as a primary ingredient. Friday’s menu also includes breads and cookies sweetened with a common bug byproduct – honey.

The session, which is free and open to the public, follows his lecture on the nutritional value of insects and the cultures worldwide that depend on insects as a dietary staple.

“Around the world, over 500 different species of insects are eaten, and people in countries from Australia to Thailand to the Democratic Republic of Congo consider insects an important food source,” Zack said.”They provide a source of protein and other nutrients such as fats, vitamins and certain minerals.”

He noted that students are required to attend the tasting, but are not required to eat anything.

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