Culinary start-up Essento teamed with Zurich's Kunstkantine restaurant to serve a four-course meal of insect dishes. Specialising in edible insects, their menu includes fresh cheese with edible dirt and worms, hay and worm soup with fried peas and worms, among many other delicacies.
Serving something that is considered cringe-worthy by a lot of people is a very exciting task for the employees. They believe that insect protein will revolutionise food as we know it in the years to come.
Jana Schiffmann, Essento’s Marketing Manager, explained that not only are insects extremely delicious but they are also a healthy choice, making them the food of the future.
It is a protein, but it is sustainable. So, it needs fewer resources as you can use and eat the whole animal. I think they are delicious and you can really use them in sweets and as well as something salty.Jana Schiffmann, Marketing Manager, Essento
Intrigued by the choice of food, many customers are curious to try it. According to Angela, a local customer, crickets and insect balls are something everyone should try.
It will be a good alternative to meat, I think. It is going to take some time, but then if you get used to it then it’s just like normal food.Angela, Customer
There are many claims laid to the higher nutritional value of insect food as opposed to animal food products. Essento, based in Zurich, has also published a cookbook with various popular insect recipes. In a plan to expand, they are looking forward to serving in Basel and Bern soon.
Video Editor: Sandeep Suman
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