B-class gourmet

Insect eating, a hot topic in the SDGs, has a connection to Yamagata Prefecture! Introducing traditional foods such as locusts in soy sauce

As the world's population continues to grow, various problems are of concern, one of which is the food problem

Many people around the world suffer from hunger, and there are fears that as the population continues to grow, we Japanese may also find ourselves in a situation where we cannot obtain food

Japan in particular relies heavily on imports for many of its food ingredients, and there are many ingredients that can only be obtained by purchasing them from overseas. One of the SDGs that has been attracting attention as a way to solve this food problem eating insects .

When people first hear about eating insects, many may have a negative image of it, thinking it's disgusting. However, Yamagata Prefecture has a long-standing culture of eating insects, including locusts in soy sauce

We will introduce traditional foods such as locusts in soy sauce, as well as the recently launched cricket farming business and snacks made using these crickets. There will also be a vending machine where anyone can purchase items, so if you're interested, be sure to check it out

Locusts in soy sauce are an important protein source for people in rural areas

Locusts in soy sauce
Locusts in soy sauce

Yamagata Prefecture is not the only prefecture that eats locusts tsukudani. They have been eaten since ancient times in areas with little sea, such as Nagano Prefecture, Fukushima Prefecture, and Gunma Prefecture.

Locusts are rich in protein. Among the foods we eat on a daily basis, meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, etc. are high in protein. These foods were very valuable after the war, so it is said that people ate locusts as a source of nutrition.

Locusts are also pests to rice. They eat rice leaves and stems, hindering growth. Farmers have long been troubled by the damage caused by locusts. Therefore, catching them reduces damage to rice, and eating them provides nutrition, so it kills two birds with one stone

Tsukudani preserved the food for a long time and was a convenient way to get protein during the winter. It was a valuable preserved food in a time when home appliances were not as common as they are today

For these various reasons, people in Yamagata Prefecture have been eating locust tsukudani for a long time

Locust tsukudani used to be made at home. I've heard stories of people walking along the rice paddy paths, catching the many flying locusts, and bringing them home so their parents could make it for them. However, there are probably very few homes that make locust tsukudani these days. Even those living in Yamagata Prefecture may have never tried it

Some people may be interested but are a little hesitant to make it. Locust tsukudani can be purchased online. It tastes just like regular tsukudani and is delicious with no bitterness. Why not give it a try?

However, please note that this dish cannot be eaten by people who are allergic to shellfish such as shrimp.

Cricket farming has been successfully carried out! Can they be transformed into a delicious snack?

dried crickets
dried crickets

crickets are farmed in Shinjo City, Yamagata Prefecture

Higent Co., Ltd. which handles plating and ceramic products, has begun cricket farming as part of its SDGs initiatives

the Yamagata factory of Hygent Technology Co., Ltd. , and they have successfully cultivated two types of crickets. They are available for purchase in three forms: frozen, dried, and powdered.

You may be wondering how to eat crickets. In fact, there are ramen dishes available now, such as cricket ramen, which are made with cricket broth .

Many people are put off by the appearance of the crickets shown on top, but many people have said that they find them delicious when they try them, so the product is attracting attention

Aside from the crickets shown above, I think you can eat them without worrying too much if they are in powder form . The ingredients seem to be similar to those of shrimp and other crustaceans, so you can make a good stock.

"Yamagata Crickets" that uses Yamagata crickets and mushrooms from Yamagata Prefecture . This is a snack-like product made from dried crickets like chips, flavored with garlic and mushrooms. It is a dish that uses plenty of Yamagata ingredients, including mushrooms from Funagata Town and Mogami red garlic from Mogami Town.

It looks just like an insect and is quite striking, but to be honest, I'm not sure I'd want to eat it.

Some people may think it tastes bitter, but when you eat it, the mushroom and garlic flavors are delicious, and it makes a great snack to go with alcohol .

Because they are dried, they have a light texture and can be eaten like a snack. Two types of crickets are used, so you can enjoy comparing the taste

If you want to easily purchase edible insects, we recommend using a vending machine!

specializing in edible insects has been installed in Yamagata Prefecture .

The machine was installed in front of the outlet and discount store "Cocoico Aota Minami Store" along National Route 13 in Yamagata City. It is the prefecture's only insect food vending machine, and in addition to crickets, it also sells insects such as giant water bugs and tarantulas

If you're interested in weird food and insect eating but are afraid to buy it online, this is a great option as it's easy to purchase

Eating insects as a convenient way to ingest protein and potentially alleviate food shortages . Insects are not only rich in protein but also have nutritional value, allowing for efficient intake of nutrients, so they are also highly regarded as a nutritious food.

It has a striking appearance, so it's great for a little punishment game or to start a conversation! Why not give it a try?

Hygent Co., Ltd. <INFORMATION>

  • Name: Hygent Co., Ltd
  • URL: Hygent Co., Ltd. (Cricket Business)
  • Vending machine location: Cocoico Aota Minami store
  • Address: 5-26 Aota Minami, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture
  • Business hours: 10:00-19:00

GOOGLE MAP (Cocoico Aota Minami Store)

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