Survival: Prepping: Hunting, Fishing, Foraging, Trapping and Eating Insects: Survival Guide: Box Set: 3 Books In 1 (Prepping To Survive) by Rick Canton

Author:Rick Canton [Canton, Rick]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-07-01T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 6:

Mealworm

Insect Info:

Mealworms are the larvae of the mealworm beetle, a small blackish beetle that is found across the U.S. The mealworm has sometimes been confused with the tequila worm because of its close physical resemblance, though traditionally, the worm found in the bottom of a tequila bottle is the larva of the moth Hypopta agavis.

Mealworms can be farmed by feeding them on oats, wheat bran, grain, or other readily available foods such as potato or apple. Commercial farming of mealworms often uses a juvenile hormone to preclude mealworms from maturing into beetles, which leads to abnormal growth where larva can reach more than 1/2 an inch in length.

Mealworms are also used in pet foods for reptiles, fish, and birds, including bird feeders for wild birds. They are also widely available in shops as fishing bait and have gained increasing popularity in health food stores. However, they can be easily located in the wild. The best places to look are dark, cool, moist microhabitats, such as underneath rocks and wood. Both the larva and the beetle are active at night and may be easier to find at this time, so don’t forget to pack a flashlight. Because the larva feed on grain and seeds, they are often found in storerooms on farms where animal feed is kept, as well in flour supplies in kitchens.

There are many good reasons to eat mealworms. For one, they can be farmed sustainably, since a mealworm farm can be grown anywhere, from basements to closets. Also, mealworms are easy to collect because, unlike many other insects, they do not pose a threat when they are disturbed.

How To Eat:

Mealworms make an excellent food source because they are easy to collect and prepare, and are very nutritious. They can be baked or fried and are often sold as a nutritious snack in specialist food stores. Roasting or frying them on low heat for around 10 minutes with some garlic and salt can complement a larger meal such as a salad.

The taste of the mealworm has been described as resembling almonds and other seeds and nuts. Mealworms can also be eaten raw but cooking is recommended. Per 3.5 ounce serving, freeze-dried mealworms provide 471 calories and a staggering 1.6 ounces of protein, 1.3 ounces of fat and 0.24 ounces of carbohydrates. Note that some people may be allergic to mealworms, particularly those allergic to shellfish.

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