Locusts - if you can't beat them, eat them

Link : http://uk.news.yahoo.com/041106/80/f63f7.html


NICOSIA (Reuters) - In their struggle to cope with an invasion of desert locusts, Cypriot farmers may do well to turn to a U.N. site that counsels if you can't beat them eat them.


Locusts are rich in protein and can be stir-fried, boiled or roasted, is one nugget of information provided by the Rome-based Food and Agriculture Organisation in a drive to help deal with locust swarms that have landed in Cyprus from Africa.


"Here are a few local recipes from locust-affected countries," a page on the FAO Web site says.


"Please send us yours!"


One recipe from a tribe in southern Africa advises grinding roast locust to a fine powder to eat on a journey. "The legs, when dried, are especially relished for their pleasant taste."


"Take several dozen locust adults, preferably females, slit the abdomen lengthwise and stuff a peanut inside," a Cambodian recipe suggested. "Then lightly cook the locusts in a wok or hot frying pan, adding a little oil and salt to taste. Be careful not to overcook or burn them."


Eating locusts has been documented from Biblical times. According to the Christian new testament, John the Baptist survived on locusts and honey when he was in the desert -- even though some question whether it was locusts he actually ate as the Greek name "acridae" can also mean the tips of plants.


The locusts reached eastern Mediterranean countries in early November after the worst infestation recorded in Africa for more than a decade. The FAO website is available at http://www.fao.org/news/global/locusts/LOCFAQ.htm#q19.