Which flavor grouping includes commonly farmed staples like crickets and mealworms?
Answer
Nutty and earthy
The nutty and earthy flavor category serves as a primary entry point for those new to entomophagy and encompasses several widely cultivated species. Crickets, when consumed unseasoned, often exhibit an earthy umami quality, sometimes being likened to edamame, and potentially carrying a woodsy note related to their omega-3 content. Mealworms, which are the larvae of the darkling beetle, are generally milder when raw but develop a distinctly nutty flavor when subjected to roasting processes. This profile sometimes overlaps with mushroom-like flavors reported in other insects, distinguishing it from profiles dominated by aquatic associations or straightforward richness.

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