User:Elijzell/sandbox

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Mealworms have historically been consumed in many Asian countries, particularly in Southeast Asia. They are commonly found in food markets and sold as street food alongside other edible insects. (ADDED)

Nutrient composition
Mealworm larva contain significant nutrient content, a feature that has made them viable as food and feed. For every 100 grams of raw mealworm larva, 206 calories and anywhere from 14 to 25 grams of protein are contained. This makes mealworms popular as pet and livestock feed. Mealworm larva contain levels of potassium, copper, sodium, selenium, iron and zinc that rival that of beef. Mealworms contain essential linoleic acids as well. They also have greater vitamin content by weight compared to beef, B12 not included.

Historic relationship to humans
Mealworms have generally been considered pests because the larvae feed on stored grains. Mealworms probably originated in the Mediterranean region, but are now present in many areas of the world as a result of human trade and colonization. The oldest archaeological records of mealworms can be traced to Bronze Age Turkey. Mealworms are also found in mummies and they have been observed to be carnivorous in nature. Flour beetles, a close relative of Tenebrio molitor, were discovered in an ancient Egyptian grain jar believed to be roughly 4,500 years old. It is likely that mealworms could have stowed away in grains or other dried goods and followed trade routes.

Mealworms are edible to humans and are commonly consumed in a practice known as entomophagy. Mealworms have historically been consumed in many Asian countries, particularly in Southeast Asia. They are commonly found in food markets and sold as street food alongside other edible insects, baked or fried and heavily seasoned. Baked, fried or ground mealworms have been marketed as a healthy snack food in recent history, though the consumption of mealworms goes back centuries. They may be easily reared on fresh oats, wheat bran or grain, with sliced potato, carrots, or apple as a moisture source. The small amount of space and minimal inputs required to raise mealworms have made them a popular food source in many parts of Asia.

Mealworm consumption methods and attitudes vary drastically based on time and region. Exact historical records of insect and mealworm relationships with humans are scarce due to the fact that much interaction with insects has been informal and undocumented. Much of what is known with regards to the human interaction with edible insects is gleaned from current cultural standards and practices.

Markets
Mealworm markets are generally regional and localized, with mealworms traveling short distances to their point of consumption. Recently, there has been a rise in mealworm rearing in Europe and the Americas as demand has increased. Mealworms are normally sold in street markets in Asia, while much mealworm business in Europe and the Americas is done in boutique eateries or online. Mealworms are farmed in the Americas and Europe mostly for reptile and other pet feed due to their nutrient composition, protein, and fat content of 33%.

Food security implications
Mealworms, as well as other insects have significant food security potential. Insects can be raised in much less space than conventional endothermic animal food sources such as poultry, beef and swine. Emissions from raising mealworms are negligible in comparison to conventional animal food stocks. The low pollution factor as well as small space requirements, coupled with low startup costs for farming mealworms makes them a viable source of protein and nutrients for individuals in many parts of the world that may not have access to more expensive and land-intensive food sources. It is also a known and useful practice to consume insects that affect agricultural crops, so the larvae of many insects are taken both for pest reduction and as a food source.

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