From super foods to organic wine, The 5/2 Diet to juicing, London loves a food fad. The next big thing to hit our over-stimulated tastebuds is entomophagy — or eating insects.
The practise of munching bugs is already very popular, with over 2 billion people globally indulging in a cuisine that is high in protein, low in saturated fat and environmentally friendly to produce. In fact, it's a much more environmentally-friendly source of protein than our current animal sources.
A special event at the Natural History Museum on Friday will explore this practise — giving you the chance to crunch a cricket, or munch a meal worm.
We asked Mimi Avery from wine experts Averys to pair up London tipples with some of the insects that could be coming to a menu near you.
Meantime London Pale Ale and... Queen Weaver Ant
Has a hint of almonds that would suit a pale ale.
The Collins and... Silk Worms
They have a fishy flavour so the lemon should really complement this — like lemon on grilled sole.
London Dry Gin and... Crickets
It depends on the tonic but crickets are pretty flavourless so they should not overpower the gin.
Fuller's Chiswick Bitter and... Sago Worms
The worms have a hint of smoky coffee mocha — almost like a pork scratching.
Black Velvet and... Black Ants
The ants taste a bit like Bovril — very nutty, very fatty. Just remember to remove the legs.
Camden Hells Lager and... Curried Crickets
Not quite a lamb Madras, but close — the flavours match well.
Vesper Martini and... Grasshopper
The lemon in this cocktail along with the Lillet (or whichever aperitif wine is used) should not overpower the Earl Grey and fried seaweed notes of the grasshopper.
London Distillery Whiskey and... Meal Worms
A complementary bar snack for a snifter on the rocks.
London Porter and... Chocolate Covered Silkworms
Slathered in melted chocolate the silkworms can’t be tasted and will perfectly complement London’s favourite stout.
The Insect and Wine Tasting evening with Averys and leading entomophagists takes place on 31 July at the Natural History Museum. Tickets are £30 available from the box office.
