Cockroaches and other insects prepared for eating in Thailand
You probably consider eating a cockroach disgusting, because in Western society we do not value insects as a food source. We largely consider them dirty creatures that need to be eradicated, not eaten.
But do you know that people eat cockroaches in many countries and cultures around the world, especially in Asia?
Yes, cockroaches are edible and healthy to eat, provided they are prepared properly. They must be washed and thoroughly cooked prior to eating, to kill any bacteria on the cockroach.
Don’t eat a raw cockroach, though. Just as you wouldn’t eat raw chicken or beef. The germs need to be burnt off in the cooking process. Usually this is accomplished by frying the roaches in vegetable oil, which also gives them a crunchy and crispy texture.
For example, here in Thailand, they serve fried insects in many local dishes. They are also quite popular as a street food. Frequently, food carts can be spotted with the various types of insects on display.
Western tourists often gawk at this, and stop to take pictures — after overcoming their initial shock. Their apparent disgust sometimes offends or insults the locals, with whom fried roaches and crickets are quite popular.
I have to admit, I did a double-take the first time I saw a street food cart filled with various fried insects, including cockroaches. I did my best to be polite and not show it, but the strong cultural notions I brought with me from America made me look down on the practice of eating roaches, initially.
But since then I have become accustomed to the practice, and it doesn’t shock me anymore. In fact, I really think it is a quite sensible idea. If cockroaches are plentiful and cheap, and also tasty, why shouldn’t people eat them?
For most people, it’s just a matter of getting over your pre-existing hangups about cockroaches being dirty and disgusting. However, for some this may prove to be a high mental hurdle, indeed.
Cockroach nutrition: a cheap alternate source of protein
Roaches and insects are actually quite nutritious and high in protein. They are also plentiful and cheap, especially when compared to meat. Animal sources of protein can be quite costly, especially for many people of developing countries with lower incomes.
Do you know that over 50% of the world’s population lives on less than three dollars a day? This makes it impossible for the majority of the world’s population to eat meat on a daily basis, which poses a nutritional problem for them.
For this reason, the use of insects as food and as an alternative source of protein is being promoted by some researchers and nutritionists. Obviously, it is much cheaper to farm insects than it is to raise beef or chicken or pork.
Not only is it cheaper to eat cockroaches, it is also better for the environment. Less meat means less greenhouse gases which contribute to global warming.
The locals here in Thailand claim that roaches taste great. That’s the reason they form the basis for a number of comfort foods in the local culture.
Admittedly though, I have not yet felt adventurous enough to take the plunge and eat a cockroach. Mentally and culturally, it’s just too far. I hope to one day get there, because from a logical perspective I think it makes sense.
But I take their word for it that roaches are delicious and completely healthy to eat. I think if I couldn’t afford to buy beef, chicken, and the more traditional forms of animal protein, it would definitely force me to be more open to eating insects as a replacement.
On a side note, the giant Madagascar hissing cockroach is a well-known species of edible cockroach. Supposedly, the taste of the hissing cockroach is reminiscent of greasy chicken.
Have you tried eating cockroaches? What do you think?
Are you ready to sample some edible insects?
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| Edible Insects | Cricket Flour | Edible Bugs |
Sam S
So why can’t we eat roaches raw if we breed them ourselves and feed them organic foods? I’ve eaten wild black ants (delicious) and mealworms I raised myself (bland but OK) raw with no issues. Isn’t their environment that’s the deciding factor? I look at nature where not a single animal eats anything but raw.
Kay Kaye
I have trapped cockroaches to feed to my frogs in my outdoor pond. After isolating the cockroaches in glass jars, I’ve seen many of them emitting whipworms from their bodies. I don’t think you’d want to consumer whipworm, organic or not!
Ryan McCaffery
Interesting
Name
I want to eat roaches because they are cheap and healthy so it is logical, but I can’t even get near one without nearly having a heart attack.
maureen
The thought of it makes me want to puke.
Vegetables are a healthier and better replacement.
Sam S
Except that vegetables don’t have some of the nutrients we need that only come from animal sources. That’s why vegans take Vitamin B12 which comes from animal sources so they’re really not vegans, are they?
Naeng
What an excellent idea, if it helps the environment, is healthier, AND tasty- I don’t see a reason not to try. People need to get over themselves.
Ryan McCaffery
Hi, Naeng. I agree. Insect protein is probably coming to America, too. It’s just a matter of time.
Samu
Why the frick are there advertisements for cockroach poisons and traps on this article? I want to start eating cockroaches now, not poison them. 😛
Ryan McCaffery
You make a great point, Samu. So I have updated the ads to make them more related to the topic of eating roaches and insects. Thank you.
Mina
I can’t eat a cockroach, I don’t care whether it is healthy or not -_- I prefer to eat more vegetables.
Navile Umatay
Good for you, more for me.
Sam S
When you can find any vegetables with B12, let me know.
Anonymous
Disgusting.
Anonymous
What will happen if a Yoruba individual eats cockroach?
Adekunle
Eating cockroaches is culturally based, therefore, if your culture permits it just go ahead. But in Nigeria it is poisonous.
HealthClover
What species of cockroach is poisonous to eat? Or perhaps you mean culturally unacceptable?
Mc Treasure
I have more than enough cockroaches in my kitchen, come pack them for a penny please.
Emmy
No matter the nutrients, I can’t eat cockroaches. My god.
Jeff
While they are available, cockroaches are not a common food source among modern Thai families. They have become a tourist attraction, though, so often you can find cockroach hawkers in tourist areas.
HealthClover
True. I live in a famous tourist city in Thailand though, and often see cockroach food carts out on the street. But I rarely see tourists actually eating cockroaches, it’s usually the Thai girls.
Fabio
I found this article very helpful and useful. Ever since I started eating cockroaches my health has improved dramatically! I keep a cockroach farm now and harvest / cook them myself, and I’ve never been healthier or saved more money on food! Thanks for the tip, keep up the great work!
HealthClover
Thank you. What an interesting story. I would love to see what your cockroach farm looks like.
Jennifer
Well we have plenty cockroaches at our house and you are more than welcome to come and make them members of your farm!
Anonymous
Jen, please forward the roaches to our home after yours have been fully collected. Thanks! 😉
Sam S
Can you update us on your farm and how its doing? I tried breeding mealworms but didn’t have much luck. I could maintain them over several months but never made much progress in expanding the colony. Which was a shame because mealworms taste just fine. Not nearly as good as black ants but OK. Black ants are the absolute best raw. About the tastiest protein imaginable. Plus ants aren’t disgusting! A nice perk. But collecting them is a pain and you have to eat so many. Red ants on the other hand taste awful. Many colored insects don’t taste good I’ve heard. And some are poisonous so be careful when trying new creatures.