#edibleinsects — Public Fediverse posts

#Scientists revive old #Bulgarian #recipe to make #yogurt with ants

Ants carry lactic and acetic acid bacteria that help coagulate milk, as well as formic acid to acidify it.

by Jennifer Ouellette – Oct 3, 2025

"Fermenting milk to make yogurt, cheeses, or kefir is an ancient practice, and different cultures have their own traditional methods, often preserved in oral histories. The forests of #Bulgaria and #Turkey have an abundance of #RedWoodAnts, for instance, so a time-honored Bulgarian yogurt-making practice involves dropping a few live ants (or crushed-up ant eggs) into the milk to jump-start fermentation. Scientists have now figured out why the ants are so effective in making edible yogurt, according to a paper published in the journal iScience. The authors even collaborated with chefs to create modern recipes using ant yogurt."

https://arstechnica.com/science/2025/10/how-ants-can-kick-start-fermentation-to-make-yogurt/

#SolarPunkSunday #TraditionalFermentation #AntYogurt #Fermentation #EdibleInsects #AnimalProducts

#Australian #WitchettyGrub Recipe

April 28, 2023

"A witchetty grub is the larva of the witchetty bush cricket, considered a delicacy by some Indigenous Australians. It is high in protein and is usually eaten either raw or cooked. The raw grubs have a nutty flavor, while the cooked grubs taste like scrambled eggs [I think they taste a bit like scallops].

"The traditional way of cooking witchetty grubs is to roast them on hot coals, although they can also be boiled or fried. Witchetty grubs are still consumed by Indigenous communities in Australia today, and are sometimes served as a novelty dish in restaurants or available for purchase in specialty food stores.

Origin & Cultural Significance

"Witchetty grubs have been a staple food source for #IndigenousAustralians for thousands of years. The witchetty bush cricket is found in arid regions of Australia, and its larvae are an important food source for many Indigenous communities. The grubs are high in protein and provide a valuable source of nutrition in an environment where food can be scarce.

"In Indigenous culture, the witchetty grub holds great cultural significance and is considered a sacred food source. The grubs are often gathered by women and children and are a crucial part of many traditional hunting and gathering practices. The grubs are also an important part of Indigenous storytelling and cultural practices, and have been passed down from generation to generation as a symbol of cultural heritage and tradition.

"Today, witchetty grubs continue to be an important part of Indigenous culture, and are sometimes served as a novelty dish in restaurants or available for purchase in specialty food stores. However, the use of witchetty grubs as a food source has declined in recent years as Indigenous communities have been exposed to a wider range of foods and Western diets. Nevertheless, the witchetty grub remains an important symbol of Indigenous culture and heritage, and its cultural significance continues to be recognized and celebrated."

Read more (includes recipe):
https://travelfoodatlas.com/australian-witchetty-grub-recipe

#WitchettyGrubs #WichettyGrubs #IndigenousFood #NativeAustralians #BushTucker #EdibleInsects #SolarPunkSunday

Some good recipes here! I've made acorn bread (mixed with corn flour), and have had a lot of the ingredients listed below -- but not Catawba / Catalpa worms (really caterpillars). I have eaten many other insects though (more about those in later posts).

#Ojibwe Recipes: Explore Traditional Dishes and Flavors of the Ojibwe People
by Doughnut Lounge

"The Ojibwe people have a rich culinary tradition that reflects their deep connection to nature and the land. With a focus on seasonal ingredients and sustainable practices, Ojibwe recipes celebrate the flavors of the Great Lakes region. From wild rice harvested in traditional ways to fresh fish and game, these dishes tell the story of a vibrant culture that thrives on community and tradition.

"As we explore Ojibwe recipes, we’ll discover not only delicious meals but also the history and significance behind them. Each dish is a reminder of the importance of honoring our food sources and embracing the natural bounty around us. Join us on this culinary journey as we dive into the heart of Ojibwe cooking, sharing recipes that are both nourishing and steeped in heritage.

Key Takeaways

- Rich Culinary Tradition: Ojibwe recipes are deeply rooted in their cultural heritage, emphasizing a strong connection to nature and #sustainable practices.
- Seasonal Ingredients: The use of local, seasonal ingredients like #WildRice, freshwater fish, and berries is fundamental to Ojibwe cooking, showcasing the flavors of the Great Lakes region.
- Traditional Cooking Techniques: Key cooking methods such as slow cooking, foraging, and smoking are used to create authentic dishes that honor ancestral practices.
- Diverse Dish Variations: Ojibwe cuisine includes a range of dishes from hearty main courses like Wild Rice and Smoked Fish to delightful desserts like Blueberry Pudding, highlighting the adaptability of their culinary tradition.
- Focus on Community and Heritage: Each recipe serves not only to nourish but also to celebrate community bonds and the importance of respecting food sources and traditions.
- Cooking Tools and Preparation: Utilizing appropriate tools and ingredient prep strategies enhances the cooking experience, ensuring the authenticity and flavors of Ojibwe dishes are preserved.

Common Ingredients in Ojibwe Cuisine

- Wild Rice: A staple grain that is harvested from natural bodies of water, offering a nutty flavor and chewy texture.
- Fish: Freshwater fish such as trout, lake whitefish, and northern pike are frequently featured, providing protein and rich flavors.
- Game: Venison and other wild meats are often used, honoring the Ojibwe’s connection to the land.
- Berries: Seasonal berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries bring natural sweetness and vibrant flavors to dishes.
- Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener is harvested in the spring and adds depth to both savory and sweet recipes.
- Herbs and Spices: Common herbs include sage, cedar, and sweetgrass, which contribute unique aromas and flavors to our dishes.
- Acorn Flour: Ground from dried acorns, this flour adds a nut-like flavor and is used in various traditional baked goods.
- Dandelion Greens: Foraged in spring, these greens provide a peppery taste and are often incorporated into salads or cooked dishes.
- Catawba / Catalpa Worms: Used in some traditional feasts, these larvae add a unique protein source and are prepared with care and respect.
- Honey: Sourced from local beekeepers, honey enriches recipes with its sweetness and is often used in traditional desserts.
- Chokecherries: These tart fruit are transformed into jams or jellies, enhancing dishes with their distinctive tangy flavor."

Read more (includes recipes):
https://doughnutlounge.com/ojibwe-recipes/

#IndigenousFood #NativeAmericanFood
#OjibweRecipes #TraditionalFoods #TraditionalDiets #IndigenousPeoplesDay #EdibleInsects #AnimalProducts

Some good recipes here! I've made acorn bread (mixed with corn flour), and have had a lot of the ingredients listed below -- but not Catawba / Catalpa worms (really caterpillars). I have eaten many other insects though (more about those in later posts).

#Ojibwe Recipes: Explore Traditional Dishes and Flavors of the Ojibwe People
by Doughnut Lounge

"The Ojibwe people have a rich culinary tradition that reflects their deep connection to nature and the land. With a focus on seasonal ingredients and sustainable practices, Ojibwe recipes celebrate the flavors of the Great Lakes region. From wild rice harvested in traditional ways to fresh fish and game, these dishes tell the story of a vibrant culture that thrives on community and tradition.

"As we explore Ojibwe recipes, we’ll discover not only delicious meals but also the history and significance behind them. Each dish is a reminder of the importance of honoring our food sources and embracing the natural bounty around us. Join us on this culinary journey as we dive into the heart of Ojibwe cooking, sharing recipes that are both nourishing and steeped in heritage.

Key Takeaways

- Rich Culinary Tradition: Ojibwe recipes are deeply rooted in their cultural heritage, emphasizing a strong connection to nature and #sustainable practices.
- Seasonal Ingredients: The use of local, seasonal ingredients like #WildRice, freshwater fish, and berries is fundamental to Ojibwe cooking, showcasing the flavors of the Great Lakes region.
- Traditional Cooking Techniques: Key cooking methods such as slow cooking, foraging, and smoking are used to create authentic dishes that honor ancestral practices.
- Diverse Dish Variations: Ojibwe cuisine includes a range of dishes from hearty main courses like Wild Rice and Smoked Fish to delightful desserts like Blueberry Pudding, highlighting the adaptability of their culinary tradition.
- Focus on Community and Heritage: Each recipe serves not only to nourish but also to celebrate community bonds and the importance of respecting food sources and traditions.
- Cooking Tools and Preparation: Utilizing appropriate tools and ingredient prep strategies enhances the cooking experience, ensuring the authenticity and flavors of Ojibwe dishes are preserved.

Common Ingredients in Ojibwe Cuisine

- Wild Rice: A staple grain that is harvested from natural bodies of water, offering a nutty flavor and chewy texture.
- Fish: Freshwater fish such as trout, lake whitefish, and northern pike are frequently featured, providing protein and rich flavors.
- Game: Venison and other wild meats are often used, honoring the Ojibwe’s connection to the land.
- Berries: Seasonal berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries bring natural sweetness and vibrant flavors to dishes.
- Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener is harvested in the spring and adds depth to both savory and sweet recipes.
- Herbs and Spices: Common herbs include sage, cedar, and sweetgrass, which contribute unique aromas and flavors to our dishes.
- Acorn Flour: Ground from dried acorns, this flour adds a nut-like flavor and is used in various traditional baked goods.
- Dandelion Greens: Foraged in spring, these greens provide a peppery taste and are often incorporated into salads or cooked dishes.
- Catawba / Catalpa Worms: Used in some traditional feasts, these larvae add a unique protein source and are prepared with care and respect.
- Honey: Sourced from local beekeepers, honey enriches recipes with its sweetness and is often used in traditional desserts.
- Chokecherries: These tart fruit are transformed into jams or jellies, enhancing dishes with their distinctive tangy flavor."

Read more (includes recipes):
https://doughnutlounge.com/ojibwe-recipes/

#IndigenousFood #NativeAmericanFood
#OjibweRecipes #TraditionalFoods #TraditionalDiets #IndigenousPeoplesDay #EdibleInsects #AnimalProducts

First-ever permanent bug based restaurant launching in London

#edibleinsects #entomophagy #alternativeprotein #food #sustainability #crickets

https://londonlovesbusiness.com/first-ever-permanent-bug-based-restaurant-launching-in-london/

"Insects find their way onto Italian plates despite resistance"

#entomophagy #edibleinsects

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66022857