Cape Town: Insects, at least some of them are good for you. Healthwise, that is. But in case you find them repulsive, here is new thing. Insect ice cream.
Yes you heard it right, the ice cream is made from fly larvae, which is high protein and a sustainable alternative to dairy made ice cream.
Many people are attracted towards this as they think it an environment friendly food source.
Also Read: Trump threatens to raise tariffs on Chinese goods to 25 per cent
Gourmet Grubb operates out of Cape Town University of Technology and uses black soldier fly larvae as a basis for ice cream.
"Insects are typically environmentally friendly and sustainable to farm because they use very little land, water and food to grow on," said Leah Bessa, Product Development head at Gourmet Grubb.
The company claims fly larvae is processed together with other natural ingredients which, however, are not divulged. Flavours such as cocoa and honey are added before being mixed with the larvae in an ice cream-making machine.
Dr Mike Picker, an insect ecologist and Professor Emeritus at the University of Cape Town agrees that fly larvae is nutritious, but says he's not sure it will appeal to everyone.
Also Read: At least 41 killed in Russian passenger plane fire
"You think 'insects' - and a lot of people have a mental barrier associated with that. But the ice cream has played a significant role in helping, especially the western consumers, overcome that mental barrier. At the moment we're here in Old Biscuit Mill in Cape Town. And we're opening up our first retail store very soon. And then the next step after that is Johannesburg. And soon after that hopefully Europe and the United States," said Thomas Bartleman, head of Business Development and Strategy at Gourmet Grubb.
The customers believe that the larvae produce a lot of protein and fat and minerals, by growing on what would typically be considered a waste product. So, it can gain popularity in the near future.
