9781422278628

CHAPTER 1 DISGUSTING DIETS

Bugs have been on the menu for many years. Fossil bone tools found in South Africa suggest that our ancient relatives, previously thought to be vegetarian, may have been digging in termite mounds for their dinner. These early entomologists may not have realized it, but they were getting a delicious and nutritious snack full of protein and fat!

Fancy an earthworm omelette, honeybee soufflé or insect quiche? Why not add a book on insect cookery to your Christmas wish list? There are more out there than you’d think!

Here’s a 19th-century recipe for cockroach pâté: “Made from cockroaches simmered in vinegar all morning and then dried in the sun … then boiled with butter, farina, pepper and salt to make a paste which is spread on buttered bread.”

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