Taste like chicken?

             According to an article from National Geographic, I (an average human if not spectacular) eat one pound of insects in one year unintentionally. Common foods  such as chocolate and tomato sauce have been examined, and scientists reveal that, even in the most controlled, sanitary facilities, remains of insects can be found. This discovery begs the question, "How has this affected my health?" While the clean freaks take their sworn oaths never to eat again, I'd like to provide an answer to those who are more logically inclined.
               The FDA was the source of information for the article previously mentioned. This administration is devoted to setting standards and restrictions on all foods sold in the United States. Great amounts of time and effort have been poured into research to determine what is safe to eat and what is hazardous to our health. While I'm sure efforts could be made to increase the sanitation of our food, present limits placed on approved food have proved to fulfill their purpose and keep us safe from hazardous foreign contaminants. The amount of insect debris is kept at an acceptable level in which the public never has to worry about diseased JIF.
                Unintentional consumption doesn't bother me whatsoever. Attention should be focused on the proper handling of foods so the diseased humans can't contaminate my food. As long as measures are taken to guarantee safe consumption and I never find a cricket's leg in my chocolate bar, I will sleep like a baby.
               People of the States have been reluctant to embrace entomophagy, or the consumption of insects. Eighty percent of the rest of the world eat bugs. Americans have maintained a strong distaste (get it) for all the segment-legged. Several organizations are trying to encourage the public to taste the creepy crawlies. One of the founders of the Entomological Committee, Dr. Riley, had written several recipes for cooking the dreadful locust that were plaguing the nation at the time. Those who tried his recipes provided encouraging responses, but unfortunately, the recipes reached too few tastebuds to actually make an impression. Another entomophagy event occurs at Purdue University. A variety of insects are served to participants ranging from chocolate crickets to insect shish-kabobs. Similar events occur throughout the nation each year but the collective consensus of the U.S. appears to disapprove of entomophagy. The collective American resembles the llama in the clip below:
                                            http://youtu.be/zX-Mhc0osmE            
                I personally have nothing against entomophagy. I actually want to explore the possibilities for recipes insects can offer. This meal worm pie looks tasty...

Even these cicada and silkworm kabobs look like they would taste good... 

                Insects provide an excellent source of protein and other vitamins if not better than most meat products. According to an article from NPR, insect farming is a cost effective alternative to raising cattle or chicken. The environment will benefit from the reduction of input required to take care of more traditional livestock. Greater quantities of vitamins (including protein) are received from eating a serving of most insects than a serving of either beef or chicken. Insect farming is such a smart business endeavor in so many ways. Sadly, preconceptions will continue to hinder the development of this food market in America.

                  I'm open to trying most new things especially food. Would I ever rely on insects to be my main source of protein? Most likely no. I haven't tasted an insect yet but I can say without a doubt that I love steak and fried chicken too much to give it up. Don't mistake me for an idiot, though. I will live within my means. If meat becomes an expensive commodity, I wouldn't desert my body's needs for the savory taste of beef. Without hesitation, I would adopt an entomophagist's diet. This is unlikely, so I'll continue to eat hamburgers and chicken wings to my heart's discontent.