The grasshopper paradox

Keywords: Sphenarium purpurascens, agriculture, entomophagie, nutrition

Abstract

Chaupulines are common insects in Mexico that belong to the order Orthoptera and are considered as either agricultural pests or as food, depending on the regions. Chapulin consumption as food is quite common from prehispanic times in the country. However in recent times, due to the increase in abundance in regions where they are considered as pests there are increasing differences on regional perceptions regarding these orthopterans. This paper suggests that it is possible to harvest chapulines considered as pest to be used as food in regions with no entomophagial tradition.  This proposal contributes with data, a cooking recipe, and discuss the opportunities and challenges about consuming chapulines in current times.

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References

Cerritos, R., Cano-Santana, Z. 2008. Harvesting grasshoppers Sphenarium purpurascens in Mexico for human consumption: A comparison with insecticidal control for managing pest outbreaks. Crop Protection 27: 473-80.

Cerritos, R. 2011. Grasshoppers in agrosystems: pest or food? CAB Reviews: Perspectives in Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Nutrition and Natural Resources 6 (17): 1-9

Pino Moreno, JM. 2002. Gran cantidad de vitaminas aportan los insectos. Boletín de la UNAMUNAM-DGCS-0572, 26 de Junio 2002. https://www.dgcs.unam.mx/boletin/bdboletin/2002/2002_0572fff.html

Ramos-Elorduy, J. (2015). Acridofagia y otros insectos: en donde se cuenta sobre la crianza, recolección, preparación y consumo de chapulines, gusanos, hormigas y otros bichos para salvar al mundo. CONACULTA.

Ramos Elorduy, J., Pino, J.M., Conconi, M. 2006. Ausencia de una reglamentación y normalización de la explotación y comercialización de insectos comestibles en México

Folia Entomológica Mexicana 45: 291-318.

Published
2022-07-05
Section
Articles