Bee-LT Sandwich, Anyone? Why We Could Be Eating Bee Larvae by 2050

published Dec 1, 2016

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With Earth’s population set to reach nine billion by 2050, scientists and experts have been searching for alternative food sources to feed our growing population. Honey bee brood — or the larvae and pupae of drone bees — could be one of the world’s next great sustainable food sources, according to an essay published by the Journal of Apicultural Research.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, insects already make up a portion of the diet of many people around the globe — from Latin America to Africa to Asia — where insects can be a vital source of nutrients. Bee larvae apparently has a nutty taste and a crunchy texture. It is nutritionally dense, with protein quality that can be compared to beef.

(Image credit: Nordic Food Lab)

Adventurous cooks in North America and Europe have already taken the lead in developing honey bee brood recipes designed to entice the western palate. Writer Daniella Martin recommends trying her Bee-LT sandwich, with honey bee brood, lettuce, and tomato sandwiched between two slices of bread. But if you can’t bear the thought of leaving the bacon off your sandwich, try some bee larvae granola, which capitalizes on honey bee brood’s characteristically nutty flavor.

Are edible insects and honey bee brood really the future of food? What do you think? Is this something you would try?