Imagine eating cockroaches (Eww, I want to puke).
Some Chinese farmers are currently cultivating millions of cockroaches as part of a profitable business venture. As the Los Angeles Times reports, there are about 100 farms in China, raising more than 10 million cockroaches .
According to the farmers, the Chinese government is aware of their existence and is allowing them to operate freely as long as they don’t become high profile.
As it turns out, there’s much more demand for cockroaches than some would like to admit. For example, cosmetic companies reportedly use them as a source of protein and for a “cellulose-like substance” on their wings.
In May, the United Nations itself encouraged more people to consume insects for food, saying they are an inexpensive source of protein and could be a viable solution to world hunger.
Also cockroaches have also been used for ages in Chinese medicine.
In fact, medical researchers in China are conducting tests on cockroaches, saying they could be used in treatments ranging from cancer to AIDS and even for hair loss.
Cockroach farmer Wang Fuming, 43, says of the bugs there is "nothing to be afraid of." Farmers like Wang tend to cultivate the American cockroach, which the Times says can fetch up to $20 per pound.
"I thought about raising pigs, but with traditional farming, the profit margins are very low," Wang said. "With cockroaches, you can invest 20 yuan ($3.25) and get back 150 yuan ($11)."
Would you ea this?
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