I'm a fan and I agree with almost all of your points. However, I think insect-based foods should be scrutinized because they are ultra-processed, not simply because they use insects. French snails taste pretty good. And while it's clearly not American food-culture, there are many Asian cultures where cooked and unprocessed insects are eaten. It seems reasonable to me to consider the inherent nutritional value of insects as distinct from the usual ways that processing turn foods into junk. I avoided trying them while traveling because I didn't know if they were safe when sold on a street corner, but I would gladly try them otherwise.
You're right - eating insects is normal in some cultures. Cultural conditioning is incredibly strong, and I am no exception to its influence! For example, I love whelks - basically, sea snails - but have never been able to bring myself to eat land snails. It's being coerced into eating something I don't want to eat that I object to. Especially when that something is in highly processed and sold as healthy.
I’ve been following the industry metastasizing around fake meat, fake seafood, and so on for a while. Huge sums are being invested. Of course one aspect of this is numbers. How do you feed so many people when the whole globe faces an agricultural crisis? Alternative food production may be a necessity, and while I can’t find a single contrived comestible I would eat, I do hope someone stumbles upon a way to produce really good food in a factory or plant, because otherwise a lot more will probably starve to death (later on). I have to hope a way is found.
Making beer at home is simple, fun, and great for your gut, microbially speaking. It is also very affordable compared to commercial products.
I'm a fan and I agree with almost all of your points. However, I think insect-based foods should be scrutinized because they are ultra-processed, not simply because they use insects. French snails taste pretty good. And while it's clearly not American food-culture, there are many Asian cultures where cooked and unprocessed insects are eaten. It seems reasonable to me to consider the inherent nutritional value of insects as distinct from the usual ways that processing turn foods into junk. I avoided trying them while traveling because I didn't know if they were safe when sold on a street corner, but I would gladly try them otherwise.
You're right - eating insects is normal in some cultures. Cultural conditioning is incredibly strong, and I am no exception to its influence! For example, I love whelks - basically, sea snails - but have never been able to bring myself to eat land snails. It's being coerced into eating something I don't want to eat that I object to. Especially when that something is in highly processed and sold as healthy.
Well, then...my only complaint is that I can't read one of your articles every day. I look forward to the next one!
Thanks - I'll try to speed up!
I’ve been following the industry metastasizing around fake meat, fake seafood, and so on for a while. Huge sums are being invested. Of course one aspect of this is numbers. How do you feed so many people when the whole globe faces an agricultural crisis? Alternative food production may be a necessity, and while I can’t find a single contrived comestible I would eat, I do hope someone stumbles upon a way to produce really good food in a factory or plant, because otherwise a lot more will probably starve to death (later on). I have to hope a way is found.