Insects as food in China

The psychology of eating insects: A cross-cultural comparison between Germany and China

“…As expected, our results showed that the Chinese respondents indicated a higher willingness to eat all insect-based foods compared to the German respondents. Even though eating insects is not a common food practice in China anymore (Zhi-Yi, 1997), the vast majority of the Chinese respondents reported that they had already consumed insects in the past; hence, they seem to be much more familiar with the idea of eating insects. Independent of whether or not people had consumed insects in the past, food neophobia is a significant predictor for people's willingness to eat insects.…”

“…Following improvements to the economic conditions in China, people can now afford more varieties of different foods, so their nutrition has undergone a transition, especially in cities were people are exposed to a more diversified food culture. Nowadays, the consumption of insects can no longer be considered a common food practice in China (Zhi-Yi, 1997). Nevertheless, the Chinese respondents are likely to be more familiar with the idea of consuming insects because it is part of their culinary tradition and thus manifested in their cultural consciousness.…”

“…Germany China There are many species of edible insects (e.g., ants, termites and wasps) consumed in different developmental stages (e.g., larvae and eggs) (Chen et al, 2009;Zhi-Yi, 1997). In the present study, we focus on two edible insect species: crickets and silkworms.…”

“…The tradition of eating insects in China dates back more than 3000 years and has outlasted various dynasties (Chen, Feng, & Chen, 2009;Zhi-Yi, 1997). Various insect species, based on local preferences, were collected, prepared and used as a nutritive source, medicine and delicacy in mainly rural parts of China (Harris, 1998;Zhi-Yi, 1997).…”

“…Various insect species, based on local preferences, were collected, prepared and used as a nutritive source, medicine and delicacy in mainly rural parts of China (Harris, 1998;Zhi-Yi, 1997). In the present day, the knowledge and tradition of the consumption of insects has been lost; their regular consumption is now restricted to few regions in China such as the minority area of the Yunnan province (Chen et al, 2009).…”