[[ p1 ]]Mealworm larvae offer a culinary experience that is relatively unexplored in western society. Through the practice of entomophagy – human consumption of insects – insect proteins foster the sustainable growth of human populations all over the world. Globally around 2 billion people eat insects as part of their daily diet (Van Huis, et al. 2013).

[[ p1 ]]With an umami flavor reminiscent of almonds or buttered bread, our larvae provide ideal potential as a protein-packed addition to any of your favorite dishes.

[[ p1 ]]One fascinating characteristic of edible insects is how their taste profiles are profoundly shaped by their diet. We take advantage of this by curating several different dietary blends using produce and grains from local farmers. Resulting in a rich variety of flavor among our mealworm larvae.

[[ p1 ]]Entomophagy, the practice of eating insects, is a daily routine for two billion people globally (van Huis et al., 2013). The acceptance of insects in the Western food system would catalyze a significant transformation in the protein supply chain, shifting its scale from international to predominantly local.

[[ p1 ]]The current food systems place emphasis on the large terrestrial animals to supply the majority of protein. These animals are inefficient in their use of land, water, and feed. Chickens, pigs, and cattle have feed conversion ratios ranging from 2-2.5, 5-5.5, and 8-10 respectively (Smil, 2002). Feed conversion ratio refers to the quantity of feed required to produce 1 kg of livestock. The feed conversion ratio of mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) ranges from 1.5-2 (Bordiean et al., 2020).

[[ p1 ]]With minimal infrastructure, Invertebration’s innovative mealworm production and processing system turns locally sourced grain and produce byproducts into valuable protein.

[[ p1 ]]The production of insect proteins has the potential to produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than any meat product and many plant based proteins. Insect protein production also demands far less water and land use than plant and animal proteins.

[[ image ]] Global Warming Potential

[[ image ]] Land Use

[[p4]]mealworm data: Oonincx & de Boer, 2012, non-mealworm data: de Vries & de Boer, 2018

[[ p1 ]]Our mealworm larvae are nourished with a diet of wheat middlings and organic produce seconds. ‘Middlings’ refers to the product of the wheat milling process which is not flour. We procure our wheat middlings directly from Maine Grains, a gristmill located in Skowhegan, ME known for sourcing all their grains exclusively from certified organic Maine farmers. Our organic produce seconds are generously donated by our friends at Moodytown Gardens in Palmyra, Maine.