Jolee Keplinger | Post Graduate Teaching Intern| Principia Center for Sustainability

Did you know eating crickets is one of the most sustainable complete protein sources? It may sound a bit weird, but powdered crickets can actually be a tasty nutrient powerhouse!

When raising 1 pound of crickets, only 1 gallon of water and 0.55 pounds of grain are needed. Just 0.15 pounds of carbon dioxide is produced.

In contrast, a pound of beef requires 1799 gallons of water, 6.6 pounds of grain, and produces 15 pounds of CO2!

You may be wondering how to start incorporating this highly sustainable protein source into your diet. Below is a recipe created with cricket powder from a local company called Mighty Cricket. The startup has existed for just a few years, but is growing fast! Currently, you can find Mighty Cricket products in various restaurants throughout the St. Louis metro area, and in a few specialty grocery stores, such as Local Harvest.

Visit mightycricket.co to learn more. Below is a recipe I created for the company. Stay tuned for more!

Savory Oatmeal Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp cricket powder
• 1-2 cups spinach
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Directions

1. Cook oatmeal according to package.

2. While oatmeal is cooking, heat olive oil in pan on medium heat.

3. Add spinach, tomatoes, and mushrooms. Sauté until spinach is wilted and mushrooms are golden brown.

4. Place oatmeal in a large bowl and mix in cricket powder. 

5. Top the oatmeal with sautéed veggies.

6. Add salt and pepper to taste (and your favorite herbs/spices).