“Doesn’t taste bad”
Kretschmann considers eating insects “required”
1/24/2023 4:33 p.m
Whether as a powder or frozen: House crickets can now be used in food. What may sound strange to some, Winfried Kretschmann considers a “reasonable way”. The Prime Minister of Baden-Württemberg has even tried the little protein bombs himself.
In the view of Baden-Württemberg’s Prime Minister Winfried Kretschmann, worms, grasshoppers and crickets should play an important role in society’s food supply in the future. “From the point of view of the matter, it is absolutely necessary,” said the Green politician in Stuttgart. “This will play a major role in feeding humanity in the future.” It is a “reasonable way” that makes ecological sense to get proteins. In his view, a first step would be to produce animal feed from insects.
However, the head of government warned of high cultural barriers in Europe when it comes to eating insects. This reluctance should not be underestimated, but the path must be followed. He himself had already tried insects, Kretschmann reported at a celebration in the Baden-Württemberg state representation in Berlin. He couldn’t remember exactly what he ate – it wasn’t a special taste experience, but it didn’t taste bad.
From Tuesday, house crickets can be used in food. Then a new EU law comes into force, according to which the insects, also known as house crickets, can be frozen, dried or used as a powder. Two days later, this also applies to larvae of the grain mold beetle. Similar rules already exist for locusts and flour beetle larvae. Insects are considered nutritious and rich in protein and are part of the common diet in many countries. They can also contribute to a sustainable diet, since they can be bred in a relatively resource-saving manner.