Flour has always been the main ingredient at the heart of every diet and the distinctive element of many sweet and savory preparations.
Although type 00 flour is still the most common and the most used one, there are many types of flour around the world, some of which made with quite original raw materials. Among the latter, for examples, you can find edible insects, which have been officially recognized as novel food since 2018 and are included in the list of edible foods in Europe. These animals are suitable for food consumption because they are bred in particularly sterile environments, in full compliance with all hygiene standards; then, they are cooked as main dishes or processed into flour and used as ingredients in the preparation of other products.
Here is some of the “most unusual” flour around the world.
CRICKET S FLOUR
The cricket is an animal with great nutritional properties and very little fat, and it is perfect for a low-calorie diet. Cricket flour is rich in calcium, vitamin B12 and iron and promotes bone growth. It is usually used for protein bar preparation, although many chefs add it in the preparation of focaccia bread, fresh pasta and traditional cakes. It is much more expensive than other flour and, to date, its use is completely unsustainable.
SILKWORM FLOUR
The silkworm is a widespread product, especially in China, where its production exceeds 500 thousand tons per year. The waste obtained from textile production is used for food purposes: it is left to dry and then finely ground. This flour is rich in fiber and has high protein content and it is usually used in the preparation of bakery products such as bread, pizza and focaccia.
SCORPION FLOUR
This flour is obtained by drying and grinding the black scorpion, which belongs to the family of edible insects. It is a 100% natural product, rich in vitamins and mineral salts. With its slightly crunchy and hard texture, its taste recall sea prawns and it is perfect for the preparation of main courses.
WAX MOTH LARVAE FLOUR
Generally also called wax worms, wax moth larvae are Lepidoptera that are commonly found in nature inside hives. Their taste recalls very much hazelnuts and prawns. This type of flour is usually used for making sweet snacks, thanks to huge protein properties.
MEALWORM (TENEBRIO MOLITOR) FLOUR
Also called flour moth, the mealworm is one of the most well-known food infesting beetles. This food is rich in nutrients and unsaturated fats, as well as numerous vitamins. Its taste is very mild, similar to roasted hazelnuts and pine nuts. Mealworm flour can be used in both sweet and savory preparations, in which it replaces about 10% of the common flour.
