PHOENIX — Craving edible insects in Arizona? You’re in luck, according to a new study.
LawnStarter, an outdoor home improvement services company, released a study Thursday on the states with the best conditions for eating edible insects and wildlife.
Arizona ranked 15th in the study.
Why Arizona is a good place for insectivores, according to a study
To evaluate Arizona, the researchers examined a total of eight metrics.
These included the availability of wild animal species for consumption and different climates. Public interest in these unique culinary experiences, measured by Google searches, also influenced the rankings.
Other metrics included the number of edible wild species in the state and the number of restaurants that serve insects.
The researchers also examined the regulations in each state.
According to LawnStarter’s study, Arizona ranks 12th nationwide in interest in edible insects and other wildlife-related culinary experiences as identified in Google searches.
Additionally, researchers found that Arizona ranks 18th in the number of food establishments that serve edible insects.
Restaurants in Arizona offer edible insects
Various restaurants in the valley serve chapulines, edible grasshoppers. These crispy fried insects are a common food in Oaxaca, a southern Mexican state.
One place Phoenicians curious about insect food can try is Las 15 Salsas. This restaurant at Seventh Avenue and Hatcher Road serves authentic Oaxacan food, which includes fried crickets. One Southwestern cuisine influencer said the restaurant’s chapulines are crispy and seasoned with lemon and salt.
However, this is one of many restaurants that offer fried crickets. Curious eaters can search for other restaurants that serve chapulines on Yelp.
Why are foodies in Phoenix interested in more than just insects and wildlife?
LawnStarter’s study identified edible insects as the largest edible protein source in the world.
The company’s press release included quotes from several experts, including Reza Ovissipour, assistant professor of sustainable food systems at Texas A&M University.
“Many people believe that insects are inherently dirty or carry disease,” Ovissipour said in the press release.
However, if raised properly, they are just as safe to eat as pork, beef, chicken and fish, he added.
“Insects have been part of the traditional diet of various cultures for centuries without causing any negative effects,” Ovissipour said. “Even in the United States, strawberry yogurt contains a red color derived from carmine, a natural dye obtained from the dried shells of female cochineal beetles.”
