Ologies with Alie Ward Smologies #12: EATING BUGS with Julie Lesnik
Jun 1, 2022
In this lively discussion, Dr. Julie Lesnik, an entomophagy anthropologist and author, dives into the fascinating world of eating bugs. She reveals how consuming insects can be a sustainable alternative to traditional proteins. From grasshopper tacos to cricket wedding cakes, she shares culinary delights and nutritional benefits of bugs. The conversation covers cultural biases against entomophagy, challenges in changing Western diets, and even includes quirky tidbits like termite farts. Get ready to rethink your plate!
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From Tools to Termites
- Julie Lesnik initially studied tools used by early humans.
- Her research then shifted to insects after discovering bone tools used for digging into termite mounds.
Chimpanzee Tool Use
- Chimpanzees use refined tools, like frayed grass blades, to maximize termite collection.
- Different chimp populations have varying tool-use strategies, similar to regional cooking trends.
Western Insect Aversion
- More countries have cultures that eat insects than don't.
- Western cultures are the exception, likely due to the lack of insects in Europe during the ice age.
