Thailand: Insekten werden als nachhaltige und gehaltvolle Nahrung der Zukunft gepriesen. Am Beisp... more Thailand: Insekten werden als nachhaltige und gehaltvolle Nahrung der Zukunft gepriesen. Am Beispiel von Thailand zeigt sich jedoch, dass diese Versprechungen angesichts sozialer Ungleichheit und nicht-nachhaltiger Praktiken irreführend sind.
Honeybee (Apis mellifera) brood is enjoyed as food in many regions of the world. The Nordic regio... more Honeybee (Apis mellifera) brood is enjoyed as food in many regions of the world. The Nordic region of Europe is not currently one of them, but it could be. The drone brood in particular constitute an untapped source of delicious, nutritious and potentially sustainable food. Currently, it is removed by many beekeepers as part of a strategy to lower the population of the destructive Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) in the hive, but most often it is disposed of. A descriptive sensory analysis of drone brood was conducted, using larvae and pupae from four hives, three in Denmark and one in Norway, from locations spanning a range of urban/rural and monocultural/polycultural surroundings. Data were collected with a panel of 10 subjects using fast sensory methods, and were analysed with analysis of variance-partial least squares regression. The first dimension accounted for 40% of the variance, and correlated closely with differences in developmental stage between larvae and pupae; the seco...
This paper discusses the current state and priorities of Europe-based research on insects as food... more This paper discusses the current state and priorities of Europe-based research on insects as food and feed, based on presentations at a workshop held in December 2015, and discussions that followed. We divide research into studies that focus on farming, health and nutrition, and those that prioritise psychological, social and political concerns. Edible insects are not necessarily universally beneficial. However, certain food insects can convert organic waste material, and provide nutrient-rich protein for humans and animals. Recent research is not concordant when trying to identify social and psychological barriers to insects as food in Europe, indicating the complexity of the issue of consumer acceptance. Innovative means of marketing insects as food include 3D printing, scientific comics, and the promotion of rural food culture in an urban setting. Edible insects are intimately connected to strong cultural and regional values, and their increasing commercialisation may empower and...
Edible insects are being framed as a panacea for health, resource and climate challenges, and the... more Edible insects are being framed as a panacea for health, resource and climate challenges, and the ‘entomophagy movement’ is growing rapidly. Yet as the insect ‘solution’ is scaled up, there is a greater focus on technical innovation and less on the structural inequalities that govern who produces within, who controls, and who benefits from the edible insect trade. We ask: To what extent is the promotion of ‘entomophagy’ challenging or reproducing power relations in global food systems? Drawing on evidence from academia, industry, and the local insect trade in Southeast Asia we critically investigate the rising interest in insects as food. We conducted a systematic literature review, a systematic company and product review of products available online, and fieldwork in Thailand where the edible insect market is growing. Our analysis suggests that the emerging edible insects movement is – generally but not exclusively – reinforcing the existing power relations that many of its actors ...
Laos and Thailand show a decline of their diverse insect-eating traditions. Despite an urban “ent... more Laos and Thailand show a decline of their diverse insect-eating traditions. Despite an urban “entomophagy” revival, respective rural practices are disappearing. In the context of a growing global interest in insects as food, this trend is being problematised as “Westernisation,” supposedly leading to food culture homogenisation. In this paper, I criticise that narrative as being over-simplified and eurocentric. In reporting qualitative empirical data, I argue that the current decline of insect-eating is rooted in local forms of “modernity,” rather than Western-dominated globalisation. In interpreting undeniable homogenisation tendencies, I also highlight the relevance of economically-driven processes, concluding that food culture transformation cannot be explained by one aspect or theory alone.
Laos and Thailand show a decline of their diverse insect-eating traditions. Despite an urban "ent... more Laos and Thailand show a decline of their diverse insect-eating traditions. Despite an urban "entomophagy" revival, respective rural practices are disappearing. In the context of a growing global interest in insects as food, this trend is being problematised as "Westernisation," supposedly leading to food culture homogenisation. In this paper, I criticise that narrative as being oversimplified and eurocentric. In reporting qualitative empirical data, I argue that the current decline of insect-eating is rooted in local forms of "modernity," rather than Western-dominated globalisation. In interpreting undeniable homogenisation tendencies, I also highlight the relevance of economically-driven processes, concluding that food culture transformation cannot be explained by one aspect or theory alone.
This paper discusses the current state and priorities of Europe-based research on insects as food... more This paper discusses the current state and priorities of Europe-based research on insects as food and feed, based on presentations at a workshop held in December 2015, and discussions that followed. We divide research into studies that focus on farming, health and nutrition, and those that prioritise psychological, social and political concerns. Edible insects are not necessarily universally beneficial. However, certain food insects can convert organic waste material, and provide nutrient-rich protein for humans and animals. Recent research is not concordant when trying to identify social and psychological barriers to insects as food in Europe, indicating the complexity of the issue of consumer acceptance. Innovative means of marketing insects as food include 3D printing, scientific comics, and the promotion of rural food culture in an urban setting. Edible insects are intimately connected to strong cultural and regional values, and their increasing commercialisation may empower and/or disenfranchise those who hold such values. We conclude with a discussion about the future priorities of edible insect research in Europe. We acknowledge the political nature of the ‘entomophagy’ movement. With legislative change, the insect food industry potential presents an opportunity to challenge the dynamics of current food systems. We identify the following priorities for future research: the need to better understand environmental impacts of insect procurement on both a regional and global scale, to investigate factors affecting the safety and quality of insect foods, to acknowledge the complexity of consumer acceptance, and to monitor the social and economic impacts of this growing industry.
Honeybee (Apis mellifera) brood is enjoyed as food in many regions of the world. The Nordic regio... more Honeybee (Apis mellifera) brood is enjoyed as food in many regions of the world. The Nordic region of Europe is not currently one of them, but it could be. The drone brood in particular constitute an untapped source of delicious, nutritious and potentially sustainable food. Currently, it is removed by many beekeepers as part of a strategy to lower the population of the destructive Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) in the hive, but most often it is disposed of. A descriptive sensory analysis of drone brood was conducted, using larvae and pupae from four hives, three in Denmark and one in Norway, from locations spanning a range of urban/rural and monocultural/polycultural surroundings. Data were collected with a panel of 10 subjects using fast sensory methods, and were analysed with analysis of variance-partial least squares regression. The first dimension accounted for 40% of the variance, and correlated closely with differences in developmental stage between larvae and pupae; the second dimension accounted for 16% of the variance, and most closely grouped samples from three of the locations apart from those of the fourth. Developmental stage was thus found to be the primary determinant of sensory profile, followed by variations in locality, possibly related to local forage. Further studies should investigate the different parameters of sensory profile in more detail to develop a more complex picture of drone brood’s taste and culinary potential – an important part of developing strategies to diversify our food sources and realise certain insects’ ecological, culinary, and economic potential for local food systems.
Edible insects are being framed as a panacea for health, resource and climate challenges, and the... more Edible insects are being framed as a panacea for health, resource and climate challenges, and the ‘entomophagy movement’ is growing rapidly. Yet as the insect ‘solution’ is scaled up, there is a greater focus on technical innovation and less on the structural inequalities that govern who produces within, who controls, and who benefits from the edible insect trade. We ask: To what extent is the promotion of ‘entomophagy’ challenging or reproducing power relations in global food systems? Drawing on evidence from academia, industry, and the local insect trade in Southeast Asia we critically investigate the rising interest in insects as food. We conducted a systematic literature review, a systematic company and product review of products available online, and fieldwork in Thailand where the edible insect market is growing. Our analysis suggests that the emerging edible insects movement is – generally but not exclusively – reinforcing the existing power relations that many of its actors suggest it could challenge. We conclude our paper with recommendations for further research to investigate the disparity between the claims and consequences of this ‘quick-fix’ approach to food systems. Beyond relying on solely technical and market-based solutions, we recommend more ‘power-aware’ approaches in academia and business, accountability and transparency in research and trade, more detailed critical research in different contexts, and the inclusion of marginalised actors in the discourse, as means to realise the potential of edible insects in a democratic way.
Thailand: Insekten werden als nachhaltige und gehaltvolle Nahrung der Zukunft gepriesen. Am Beisp... more Thailand: Insekten werden als nachhaltige und gehaltvolle Nahrung der Zukunft gepriesen. Am Beispiel von Thailand zeigt sich jedoch, dass diese Versprechungen angesichts sozialer Ungleichheit und nicht-nachhaltiger Praktiken irreführend sind.
Honeybee (Apis mellifera) brood is enjoyed as food in many regions of the world. The Nordic regio... more Honeybee (Apis mellifera) brood is enjoyed as food in many regions of the world. The Nordic region of Europe is not currently one of them, but it could be. The drone brood in particular constitute an untapped source of delicious, nutritious and potentially sustainable food. Currently, it is removed by many beekeepers as part of a strategy to lower the population of the destructive Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) in the hive, but most often it is disposed of. A descriptive sensory analysis of drone brood was conducted, using larvae and pupae from four hives, three in Denmark and one in Norway, from locations spanning a range of urban/rural and monocultural/polycultural surroundings. Data were collected with a panel of 10 subjects using fast sensory methods, and were analysed with analysis of variance-partial least squares regression. The first dimension accounted for 40% of the variance, and correlated closely with differences in developmental stage between larvae and pupae; the seco...
This paper discusses the current state and priorities of Europe-based research on insects as food... more This paper discusses the current state and priorities of Europe-based research on insects as food and feed, based on presentations at a workshop held in December 2015, and discussions that followed. We divide research into studies that focus on farming, health and nutrition, and those that prioritise psychological, social and political concerns. Edible insects are not necessarily universally beneficial. However, certain food insects can convert organic waste material, and provide nutrient-rich protein for humans and animals. Recent research is not concordant when trying to identify social and psychological barriers to insects as food in Europe, indicating the complexity of the issue of consumer acceptance. Innovative means of marketing insects as food include 3D printing, scientific comics, and the promotion of rural food culture in an urban setting. Edible insects are intimately connected to strong cultural and regional values, and their increasing commercialisation may empower and...
Edible insects are being framed as a panacea for health, resource and climate challenges, and the... more Edible insects are being framed as a panacea for health, resource and climate challenges, and the ‘entomophagy movement’ is growing rapidly. Yet as the insect ‘solution’ is scaled up, there is a greater focus on technical innovation and less on the structural inequalities that govern who produces within, who controls, and who benefits from the edible insect trade. We ask: To what extent is the promotion of ‘entomophagy’ challenging or reproducing power relations in global food systems? Drawing on evidence from academia, industry, and the local insect trade in Southeast Asia we critically investigate the rising interest in insects as food. We conducted a systematic literature review, a systematic company and product review of products available online, and fieldwork in Thailand where the edible insect market is growing. Our analysis suggests that the emerging edible insects movement is – generally but not exclusively – reinforcing the existing power relations that many of its actors ...
Laos and Thailand show a decline of their diverse insect-eating traditions. Despite an urban “ent... more Laos and Thailand show a decline of their diverse insect-eating traditions. Despite an urban “entomophagy” revival, respective rural practices are disappearing. In the context of a growing global interest in insects as food, this trend is being problematised as “Westernisation,” supposedly leading to food culture homogenisation. In this paper, I criticise that narrative as being over-simplified and eurocentric. In reporting qualitative empirical data, I argue that the current decline of insect-eating is rooted in local forms of “modernity,” rather than Western-dominated globalisation. In interpreting undeniable homogenisation tendencies, I also highlight the relevance of economically-driven processes, concluding that food culture transformation cannot be explained by one aspect or theory alone.
Laos and Thailand show a decline of their diverse insect-eating traditions. Despite an urban "ent... more Laos and Thailand show a decline of their diverse insect-eating traditions. Despite an urban "entomophagy" revival, respective rural practices are disappearing. In the context of a growing global interest in insects as food, this trend is being problematised as "Westernisation," supposedly leading to food culture homogenisation. In this paper, I criticise that narrative as being oversimplified and eurocentric. In reporting qualitative empirical data, I argue that the current decline of insect-eating is rooted in local forms of "modernity," rather than Western-dominated globalisation. In interpreting undeniable homogenisation tendencies, I also highlight the relevance of economically-driven processes, concluding that food culture transformation cannot be explained by one aspect or theory alone.
This paper discusses the current state and priorities of Europe-based research on insects as food... more This paper discusses the current state and priorities of Europe-based research on insects as food and feed, based on presentations at a workshop held in December 2015, and discussions that followed. We divide research into studies that focus on farming, health and nutrition, and those that prioritise psychological, social and political concerns. Edible insects are not necessarily universally beneficial. However, certain food insects can convert organic waste material, and provide nutrient-rich protein for humans and animals. Recent research is not concordant when trying to identify social and psychological barriers to insects as food in Europe, indicating the complexity of the issue of consumer acceptance. Innovative means of marketing insects as food include 3D printing, scientific comics, and the promotion of rural food culture in an urban setting. Edible insects are intimately connected to strong cultural and regional values, and their increasing commercialisation may empower and/or disenfranchise those who hold such values. We conclude with a discussion about the future priorities of edible insect research in Europe. We acknowledge the political nature of the ‘entomophagy’ movement. With legislative change, the insect food industry potential presents an opportunity to challenge the dynamics of current food systems. We identify the following priorities for future research: the need to better understand environmental impacts of insect procurement on both a regional and global scale, to investigate factors affecting the safety and quality of insect foods, to acknowledge the complexity of consumer acceptance, and to monitor the social and economic impacts of this growing industry.
Honeybee (Apis mellifera) brood is enjoyed as food in many regions of the world. The Nordic regio... more Honeybee (Apis mellifera) brood is enjoyed as food in many regions of the world. The Nordic region of Europe is not currently one of them, but it could be. The drone brood in particular constitute an untapped source of delicious, nutritious and potentially sustainable food. Currently, it is removed by many beekeepers as part of a strategy to lower the population of the destructive Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) in the hive, but most often it is disposed of. A descriptive sensory analysis of drone brood was conducted, using larvae and pupae from four hives, three in Denmark and one in Norway, from locations spanning a range of urban/rural and monocultural/polycultural surroundings. Data were collected with a panel of 10 subjects using fast sensory methods, and were analysed with analysis of variance-partial least squares regression. The first dimension accounted for 40% of the variance, and correlated closely with differences in developmental stage between larvae and pupae; the second dimension accounted for 16% of the variance, and most closely grouped samples from three of the locations apart from those of the fourth. Developmental stage was thus found to be the primary determinant of sensory profile, followed by variations in locality, possibly related to local forage. Further studies should investigate the different parameters of sensory profile in more detail to develop a more complex picture of drone brood’s taste and culinary potential – an important part of developing strategies to diversify our food sources and realise certain insects’ ecological, culinary, and economic potential for local food systems.
Edible insects are being framed as a panacea for health, resource and climate challenges, and the... more Edible insects are being framed as a panacea for health, resource and climate challenges, and the ‘entomophagy movement’ is growing rapidly. Yet as the insect ‘solution’ is scaled up, there is a greater focus on technical innovation and less on the structural inequalities that govern who produces within, who controls, and who benefits from the edible insect trade. We ask: To what extent is the promotion of ‘entomophagy’ challenging or reproducing power relations in global food systems? Drawing on evidence from academia, industry, and the local insect trade in Southeast Asia we critically investigate the rising interest in insects as food. We conducted a systematic literature review, a systematic company and product review of products available online, and fieldwork in Thailand where the edible insect market is growing. Our analysis suggests that the emerging edible insects movement is – generally but not exclusively – reinforcing the existing power relations that many of its actors suggest it could challenge. We conclude our paper with recommendations for further research to investigate the disparity between the claims and consequences of this ‘quick-fix’ approach to food systems. Beyond relying on solely technical and market-based solutions, we recommend more ‘power-aware’ approaches in academia and business, accountability and transparency in research and trade, more detailed critical research in different contexts, and the inclusion of marginalised actors in the discourse, as means to realise the potential of edible insects in a democratic way.
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