It’s a bug’s life

We taste some delicious and nutritious treats in the form of edible bugs from GreenBee Entomology.

For some of us the thought of eating an insect or a bug makes us feel squeamish but insects are actually eaten routinely by people all over the world. Edible bugs are packed with protein, vitamins and minerals and we’ve discovered a thriving ‘bug’ farm right here in Devon. Founded by entomologist Dr Heather Gibbard, GreenBee’s vision is to give customers access to British grown insects that can be enjoyed in delicious treats or as ingredients to experiment with at home.

“even fussy children and adults were able to over-ride the ‘yuck-factor’ and tune into their inner curious child and try something new… and love it!”

Heather discovered entomophagy, the use of insects as food, when she tried her first edible insect seven years ago – a chocolate-covered cricket! “They were pretty good,” says Heather, “a bit like chocolate crispies. I went on to try chapulines (Mexican grasshoppers) in a taco and they tasted amazing, I immediately ordered another one.”

Heather goes on to explain that with growing populations, there is a need to start looking at additional protein sources: “Our YumBugs range of products enables us to expand our protein sources and give access to delicious food that our ancestors and other cultures around the world have been enjoying for years.”

We learn that eating insects is great for children too as they contain a large amount good quality, digestible protein and are a great source of vitamins, minerals and linoleic acids such as Omega 3 and Omega 6. GreenBee’s YumBug products have been developed to give children a nutritious alternative to high sugar snacks. Heather adds: “In our trials, even fussy children and adults were able to over-ride the ‘yuck-factor’ and tune into their inner curious child and try something new… and love it!”

The insects are brilliant animals to farm as they breed very quickly, like to snuggle together and require only a tiny amount of water, space, and energy. Heather has strived to build a cyclic farming system at GreenBee that minimises waste and ensures sustainable products. “Our bug barn is highly energy efficient and we are aiming to incorporate solar panels soon to make production even more green,” says Heather proudly. “And to round it all off, we only use compostable packaging and recycled boxes in which to post your YumBug goodies to you.”

DISCOVER MORE

Try GreenBee’s Rooty Tooty marble cake, which has three different types of insects in and three different root vegetables, or the Pirate Island Flapjack, sweetened with tropical fruit and covered in gold dust.

Did you know?

GreenBee’s range of bug-tastic cakes and flapjacks are available to order online and include gluten and dairy-free options.