Bugfest 2011

Last weekend, we met up with some friends and went to a Free event at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science called: bugfest 2011!!! It was a really neat set up (and very kid friendly). Outside the museum, there was a small carnival around the area with bounce houses, all kinds of foods and drinks, live music, and info stations (some interactive) all encompassing the them of Bugs. Inside, there were a ton of interactive stations and info stations, as well as the usual exhibits too!
I learned a lot about spiders, beetles, worms, butterflies... Etc. And probably learned more then I cared to too! One of the craziest things we got to do, was EAT a bug! A cinnamon sugar covered meal worm to be specific!!! Now, I say I'll try anything once, I never want to regret an experience because I didn't try! Honestly, it was ok. It didn't taste like anything but cinnamon sugar for the most part, but the exoskeleton kind of didn't leave the mouth as easily. Ew. It wasn't my favorite experience, but I'm glad I did it! In another booth, a Chief was cooking up combos of grasshoppers and dragonflies... I didn't get a chance to try those.
What is really interesting about this whole bug eating thing, was just a month ago, I read a New Yorker article about Entomophagy and it was sooo interesting! I can't fond the exact one, but here's another: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/10/magazine/10wwln-essay-t.html
Basically, bugs are the best for humans. They supply protein (I think more protein per gram than any other meat!) and they regenerate rapidly (so no limited supply) and, they don't use a lot of resources to grow (think about cows and chickens... How much land they need and food...). Bugs really could be the solution to our food problems... If we could get over the fact that they are BUGS! Ew. I'm not saying I will easily convert, but it is a valid point. Interesting "food for thought".