Bush tucker trial held at Llandovery College

Pupils at Llandovery College had the opportunity to sample some unusual cuisine as the Holroyd Howe catering team laid on a ‘Bush Tucker Trial’ tasting event at the school. This was a fun event and a new concept for pupils, challenging their palates and their resolve. In typical I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here style there was a whole range of creepy crawlies to tackle and taste – the only element missing was Ant and Dec!

Holroyd Howe Regional Development Chef Scott Harrison-Jones joined the Llandovery College catering team for the event and pupils were encouraged to sample a whole range of new culinary delights such as a high-protein banana smoothie with cricket powder, grass hoppers pan-fried in garlic butter and incorporated into a delicious salad, all finished off with chocolate brownies and flapjacks made with mealworms and buffalo worms.

Nick Phillips, a Year 13 pupil, said: ‘It was great to try different food. I was a little freaked out as it is similar to the food I give my pet lizard, but once I got past the initial reaction it tasted fine, similar to the taste of nuts. I really liked the grasshopper salad. It has been great to try this in the safety and comfort of school in preparation for future travels and encountering different cuisines overseas.’

High in protein and low in fat and carbohydrates, insects such as those sampled are sustainably farmed and specially produced for consumption. It is estimated that up to 80% of the world's population includes insects within their diet – and that figure may well rise following this eye-opening event!