When last did you sink your teeth into a plateful of edible insects? If ever. In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, we explore a fascinating realm where tradition meets innovation.
Phuti Kabasa, founder of Mopani Queens, reveals in the episode that there is much that we do not know about the cultural diversity of insect consumption and the nutritional benefits they offer.
Kabasa says whether you are consuming edible insects as a personal preference or as feed for your animals, there is much more to learn. “Worldwide two billion people eat insects every day and the next question is, what about the rest?”
Did you know that in South Africa, specifically in KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo, three million consume insects on a daily? According to Kabasa, a study revealed that throughout Mzansi people in the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and North West eat different insects.
The Limpopo-born founder of Mopani Queens started selling mopani worms in the streets in 2018. Her worms are packaged and available in different flavours. They are available in peri-peri, chutney, and barbecue flavours.
The episode also delves into historical contexts of insect consumption, and why insect eating is no strange phenomenon. Kabasa says there is a great need for investment in insect farming and there are many opportunities in processing.
In this episode, Kabasa also discusses:
- How edible bugs compare to traditional livestock feed;
- Nutritional value and its environmental impact;
- Challenges and opportunities as a food source.
Want to know more? Listen to the full episode of Farmer’s Inside Track.
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Option 3: Click here to listen on Google Podcast.
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