Dung beetles are an important part of a healthy ecosystem. They recycle animal waste and help break down the nutrients, which makes them a food source for other animals as well as humans. Dung beetles eat dung from herbivores, such as buffalo and cattle, to get their protein. They also eat dead insects and decaying matter from plants.
If you find some dung beetles, you may wonder if you can eat this insect.
The answer is yes! You can eat dung beetles and it’s not something that just any old person can do. They’re actually a delicacy in some parts of Africa, where they are eaten by those who enjoy eating bugs.
Are There Any Risks To Eating Dung Beetles?
So, are there any risks to eating dung beetles? As far as we know, you don’t have to worry about getting sick from them. They’re a safe and healthy food source that’s also an excellent source of protein. Dung beetles contain calcium, potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins like thiamine and riboflavin (vitamin B12).
Suppose you’re worried about parasites on your dinner plate (commonly referred to as trichinosis). In that case, the good news is that the meat of these insects is generally free from these critters because they can’t survive in dry environments like their habitat under rocks and logs.
And because dung beetle larvae eat only solidified feces (dung patty) instead of fresh poop from other animals—like cows or elephants—there’s less chance of contamination by viruses or bacteria.
What Do Dung Beetles Taste Like?
Dung beetles taste like chicken, according to many who have tried them. They’re an acquired taste that most people don’t acquire because they find them so revolting!
How To Clean and Prepare Dung Beetles
To clean your dung beetle, wash it in cold water and remove the head, legs, wings, and any other parts that don’t look appetizing. Dry the beetle on a paper towel. If you’d like to cook the beetle, this is where you would cut off its wings because they are really crispy when fried up with some salt and pepper (or whatever spices you like).
Dried dung beetles can be eaten raw or cooked. To cook them, put them in boiling water for about 10 minutes or until they are crunchy/soft enough for how you want to eat them: softer if eating whole; crunchier if trying to get every last bit of flavor out of those legs!
You can also chop up dried dung beetles into small pieces that resemble croutons or mince them into more fine particles that mimic feta cheese on crackers (this sounds gross but maybe it’s actually delicious—we haven’t tried it yet).
Conclusion
So, can you eat dung beetles? The answer is yes! They are one of the most nutritious insects in the world and have a high protein content. If you have ever tried eating crickets or locusts then dung beetles will be a piece of cake for you. The flavor is similar to that of chicken but with an earthy taste that makes it unique.
Kate has been in the food business for over 20 years. Worked as a cook at several buffets which include Old Country Buffet, Five Star Buffet, and Ichiban Buffet. Now, I’m mostly at home cooking for my family, caring for chickens and ducks, and tending the garden.
