[Sca-cooks] From the UN's Dept of Food and Agriculture...

[Phlip]

Ene bichizh ogsen baina shuu...

Edible insects, important source of protein in central Africa
8 November 2004 -- Edible insects, like caterpillars and grubs, are
important sources of protein and should be considered an alternative in
efforts to increase food security in central African countries.8 November
2004, Rome -- Edible insects, like caterpillars and grubs, are important
sources of protein and should be considered an alternative in efforts to
increase food security in central African countries, FAO said today.

Caterpillars are already an important food intake for many in central
Africa, according to an FAO study published today: About 85 percent of
participants in a survey in the Central African Republic consume
caterpillars; 70 percent in the Democratic Republic of Congo and 91 percent
in Botswana.

"Edible insects from forests are an important source of protein, and unlike
those from agricultural land, they are free of pesticides," said Paul
Vantomme, an FAO forestry expert.

High nutritional value

For every 100 grams of dried caterpillars, there are about 53 grams of
protein, about 15 percent of fat and about 17 percent of carbohydrates.
Their energy value amounts to around 430 kilocalories per 100 grams. The
insects are also believed to have a higher proportion of protein and fat
than beef and fish with a high energy value.

Depending on the species, caterpillars are rich in minerals such as
potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus and iron, as well as various
vitamins. Research shows that 100 grams of insects provide more than 100
percent of the daily requirements of the respective minerals and vitamins.

"Due to their high nutritional value, in some regions, flour made from
caterpillars is mixed to prepare pulp given to children to counter
malnutrition," said Paul Vantomme. "Contrary to what many may think,
caterpillars are not considered an emergency food, but are an integral part
of the diet in many regions according to seasonal availability. They are
consumed as a delicacy," he said.

Source of income

The collection of edible insects is also a good source of income, especially
for women, as they require little capital input if gathered by hand. Insects
are widely offered in local village markets, while some of the preferred
species, such as the Sapelli caterpillars reach urban markets and
restaurants.

Transborder trade in edible insects is significant not only within Central
African countries, but also with Sudan and Nigeria. On a smaller scale, they
are even exported to France and Belgium, two countries that according to the
study import about 5 tonnes and 3 tonnes respectively of a dried caterpillar
species annually from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The annual export to
Belgium is valued at US$41 500.

Harvesting insects and forest resources

Many caterpillar species nourish on fresh leaves. Although trees usually
respond by producing a second growth of leaves, after several attacks, trees
might loose vitality. Harvesting caterpillars thus contributes to
maintaining the natural reproduction of trees and serves as a biological
pest control.

"The nutritional and economic value of edible insects is often neglected and
we should further encourage their collection and commercialization, given
the benefits to the environment and human health," Vantomme said.



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Contact:
Maria Kruse
Information Officer, FAO
maria.kruse at fao.org
(+39) 06 570 56524

Cheemin Kwon
Forestry Information Officer, FAO
cheemin.kwon at fao.org
(+39) 06 570 54465

Related linksFAO Forestry Department
http://www.fao.org/forestry/index.jsp
Contribution of forest insects to food security (French and English)
http://www.fao.org/docrep/007/j3463f/j3463f00.htm








Saint Phlip,
CoD

"When in doubt, heat it up and hit it with a hammer."
 Blacksmith's credo.

 If it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it is probably not a
cat.

Never a horse that cain't be rode,
And never a rider who cain't be throwed....