Do Termites Taste Like Peanut Butter?
Termites are not what you’d expect from a food item with a name like peanut butter. They’re a bit of a nightmare to live with, especially if you own a home in the U.S., but that doesn’t mean they’re unpalatable. In fact, the insects are some of the most nutritious creatures on the planet, with a full set of essential amino acids.
A lot of people think bugs are gross, and they are, but there are many cultures around the world that consume them with gusto. While the termite may be the most common, there are a number of edible species to choose from, including wax worms, flies and maggots. In the United States, you can get diving beetles from Chinatown, or if you’re lucky enough to live near an open field, there are ants for sale in Colombia.
One of the best things about eating insects is that you’re not consuming any of the potentially harmful pesticides used to keep them in check. They are also relatively cheap to acquire. They are even more tasty when cooked.
For those who don’t like the idea of feeding their critters, there are products available that offer peanut butter-style ant bait. If you’re an avid survivalist, you can find books and gadgets aplenty geared towards the hunter-gatherer crowd. You can also buy a “smart” ant collar that tells you when a swarm is in your vicinity. And there’s a slew of other insect-themed gadgets to choose from.