Children experienced catching and eating insects as part of an event to learn about the benefits of the low-cost and nutritious food source held in Kyoto Oct. 23.
About 50 participants, also including parents, first listened to an expert talk about consumption of insects, with many of them seemingly surprised to hear that some 2,000 types of insects are eaten worldwide by about 2 billion people.
Then they experienced catching insects such as locusts at a nearby mountain, and tried them fried. They also tasted some familiar Japanese dishes prepared beforehand by a chef using cricket powder.
"I like insects, but this is the first time I've eaten them. It was sweet and delicious," said an 8-year-old.
The organizer, Rotary Club of Kyoto-East, says it wants more people to know about human consumption of insects.
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