Insects as a source of protein. What a few years ago would disgust any Westerner may become necessary to preserve our planet. Produce a kilo of meat it costs us 16.000 liters of water. On the other hand, for that same amount but of cricket a quantity is needed 2.000 times less. That is why entrepreneurs have already thrown themselves into the pool with businesses that revolve around the mass production of food that, rather than being disgusting, is very healthy.
Pure protein
Trillionborn as insect fit, was the first in Spain in the world of sport. No one had transformed the common cricket into flour before to get your protein. Actually diversify his production beyond the sports public of the beginning. It has a investment of 50.000 euros which will be extended to 150.000 en 2020. He wants to double the sales from when he was born. That year he sold 42.000 energy bars.
La startup Spanish, International becrit has already launched its line of insect protein shakes. One of the founders, Sergi Playa, he tasted crickets in Cambodia as a cook. His first concern was how to present these invertebrates in an attractive way in the West. Use insects as a source of protein it must be palatable.
La elaboration starts with the roast of insects raised in The Netherlands. These are then pulverized and turned into flour. This is mixed with the ingredients that provide flavor and a superfoods with Antioxidants y Vitamins. The result is a strawberry smoothie with white chocolate and a touch of baobab, vanilla with coconut and cinnamon or chocolate with maca.
The target audience for these shakes currently consists of athletes. Smoothies like the one just mentioned contain 22,5g protein for each 30g. A very high proportion. However, these insects fulfill other functions. The Salamanca company food it also sells them for animal feed, compost and sanitary use.
Craves to produce 15.000 annual tons of insects. Caixa Capital Risk and the collective investment company of the CDTI Innverts Sustainable Economy have joined with her. These two will bring a 40% of the project capital. They will invest 50 million of euros in the first phase, something that shows the commitment to be made for these products.
New Times
About us food specializes in breeding the miller beetle. Chitosan extraction is an example of sanitary use. The compound has properties antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal. It is used for water treatment and the creation of films protectors. Not to mention the making of sanitary dressings. Can fight the cholesterol.
The European Consortium valusect take advantage of recent dietary changes In the continent. Some of these have to do with consciousness for a eating healthy y sustainable financing model. An example is the reduced consumption of red meat. Now during the coronavirus, food safety also occupies a relevant place in public opinion. It can favor the consumption of insects as a source of protein.
This entity groups companies of 7 countries Europeans in the sector. This received 300 million in investment only in 2019. Offer bonuses of up to 40000 euros to insect protein producers. Your goal is to do more organic farming the production of insects as a source of protein.
En 2018, la European Union opened the market for insects in the world of food. That same year Carrefour launched his line of crickets y worms spicy. It markets them as products good gourmet food. Proof of this is that kilo of crickets salt to $500. It is likely that over time they will go from delicatessen a basic food due to their benefits. In Amazon they can also be purchased.
Insects as a source of protein: the future
According to the aforementioned becrit, the kilo of insect protein is much more sustainable financing model that veal. A kilo of crickets carries 2.000 times less water, 10 times less food y 13 times less space. The latter is good news for forests. They also boast of issuing 3.000 times less CO2 than the meat industry.
The data indicates that it is a business with great potential. In addition, another beneficiary may be our health. Excess of Red meat can lead Heart problems. Not to mention that it is declared by the WHO as probable carcinogen. Another possible consequence is the diverticulitis. This is the inflammation of the bags that cover the colon walls.
La FAO pointed at 2013 that these animals make up part of the diet of at least 2.000 million people all over the world. The proportion is likely to increase. Do not be surprised if in 10 years they put a lid on you beetles in the corner bar because insects as a source of protein they are the future.
