No.
The slimy creatures known as mealworms, just like their name suggests, can be turned into grub. South Korean scientists have cooked mealworms, or beetle larvae, along with sugar to create "meat" — and they claim it tastes authentic.
"Recently, eating insects has become of interest because of the increasing cost of animal protein, as well as the associated environmental issues," said Dr. Hee Cho, the project leader from Wonkwang University, in a press release.
No.
Climate change is partially fueled by cow emissions — due to the methane they produce — hence the need for beef substitutes.
"Insects are a nutritious and healthy food source with high amounts of fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, fiber and high-quality protein — which is like that of meat," Cho said.
"Mealworm is one of the most widely used edible insects in the world. However, edible insects are not universally accepted in our food cultures due to their repellant appearance and unique flavor characteristics," added Cho, whose solution is to grind the worms into a seasoning that can be added to various food products.
"As a result of this study, 10 of the reaction flavors were optimized based on consumer preferences," said co-author and graduate student Hyeyoung Park, who presented the findings at an American Chemical Society convention in Chicago.
The results, which marked the first time beetle larvae had been repurposed as faux beef, will hopefully be used to influence the mass production of worm meat, according to researchers.
The UN's Food and Agriculture Organization even referred to the insects as "a healthy and highly nutritious food source with a high content of fat, protein, vitamins, fibers and minerals."
NO.
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