Using Edible Insects to Cook Food, Especially Soup In many parts of Africa, including Igbo land, edible insects are a traditional and nutritious food source. They are now becoming popular again because they are healthy, cheap, and good for the environment. Common Edible Insects Used for Soup in Nigeria Akpa Nkwu – Palm Weevil Larvae Very fatty and tasty. Often fried and added to egusi, oha, or bitterleaf soup. Grasshoppers Dried and ground into powder. Used as a protein spice in vegetable and melon soups. Urukpa / Crickets Roasted and pounded. Gives soup a nutty flavor and boosts protein. Aku Winged termites are fried and used to garnish soups or ground into soup thickeners. How to Use Edible Insects in Soup Clean and Process Remove legs, wings, and dirt. Wash well, then boil or roast to kill bacteria. Fry or Roast First Frying brings out flavor and makes them crunchy. This stops the soup from becoming watery. Add to Soup - Whole: Add palm weevils or grasshoppers into egusi or vegetable soup 5 minutes before it’s done. - Ground: Grind dried insects into powder and use like seasoning or thickener in okra, ogbono, and vegetable soups. Combine with Other Proteins Insects mix well with fish, meat, and stockfish. They add extra taste and nutrition. Why Use Edible Insects in Cooking High in Protein: Insects have more protein than beef and chicken per 100g. Rich in Nutrients: They contain iron, zinc, calcium, and healthy fats. Affordable: Cheaper than meat and fish, especially during dry season. Eco-friendly: Insects need less water and land to grow compared to livestock. Cultural: Our forefathers used them. It is part of Igbo and African food heritage. Health Tip Always buy from clean sources and cook thoroughly. People with shellfish allergies should be careful, because insects are related to shellfish. In short edible insects are “mini livestock” for soup. They make soup tastier, more nutritious, and more affordable. From palm weevils in egusi to ground crickets in vegetable soup, insects are a smart way to eat well. - @omalichaadaigbo01