Eating edible insects to survive in wilderness
Edible insects are the most common animals on earth. They abound in natural environments and are therefore easy to find. In addition, they are rich in protein and other nutrients. They are then an excellent source of food in case we find ourselves stuck in a hostile environment …
Survive in nature
Nature as a resource
To lose oneself in nature and to have no resources makes us lose all our means. On the other hand, everything changes when we perceive that nature itself is the resource. Thanks to this new vision, natural environments are no longer as hostile as before. In general, eating, drinking and warming summarize our main concerns. If a good fire and a spring or river solve the problems considerably, finding some things to eat is not so obvious.
Find food
In imagining such an adventure, we imagine ourselves trapping or catching a rabbit. However, in its natural environment, this kind of prey is as suspicious as Paul Léautaud and as fast as Usain Bolt. So why do not we focus on other more abundant and above all more accessible food sources? Edible insects are among them. In fact, the forest covers a large quantity of edible insects. And at a time when our survival is in question, we will not take care of the taste. However, this kind of event can surely turn us into entomophage.
How to find edible insects in the wild?
Pick the locusts
Edible insects are abundant in their natural environment. However, some tips are needed to find easily. For example, you have to get up before dawn to pick up grasshoppers and locusts on stems and grass. Indeed, the cold and the dew numb them and facilitate the operation. On the other hand, they are very difficult to catch after sunrise.
Hunt insects
On the other hand, there are places to pick insects. Apart from leaves and stems, they also enjoy darker and wetter places. Thus, white grubs can be found behind the bark of a tree or in decaying layers. In addition, do not hesitate to return or lift stones where we can find crickets and other beetles. Finally, mounds often betray the presence of insects. So, let’s try our luck if we find one. Finally, by hunting edible insects, we become the competitors of entomovorous animals such as snakes and scorpions. So, be careful and do not take unnecessary risks.
Precautions to take
Recognize edible insects
It is quite easy to find insects in the wild. On the other hand, it is more difficult to distinguish those that are edible, especially for neophytes. In the first place, avoid taking brightly colored insects because they are usually venomous. Indeed, such colors are the signs of danger. Similarly, let’s not eat worms on the back of the leaves because most of them are poisonous. Finally, never eat insects found in the excrement.
The preparations
Some edible insects are eaten raw. This is the case of white grubs. However, a minimum of preparation is required for most insects. Indeed, a little cooking is necessary to make them more digestible and especially to remove any traces of germs that may be fatal. Do not forget to remove the wings and legs before eating a locust or grasshopper.
To boil
In addition, the insects we have gathered in the water will have to be scalded before eating them. Indeed, rivers are subject to pollution. Such a precaution will remove any substances that may contaminate them. In addition, edible ants may contain venom. So, if we can not do without it, let’s boil them for 10 minutes to remove the toxins.