Mrs. David's Garden Seeds®

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Acheta Powder Or Acheta Protein
AKA Crickets

Have you noticed a food ingredient called acheta powder or acheta protein in some of your favorite packaged foods from the grocery store? Take a look at the ingredients lists on the packages in your pantry. Acheta powder or acheta protein is made from the insect known as the cricket. Yum! Sounds appetizing, right? No, thank you.

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Acheta Powder - 8/5-8/11/2024

Monday, August 5, 2024

Good Monday morning! I had to take some Tylenol around 1:10am because my leg was still aching after yesterday afternoon's bee sting. It didn't kick in until around 2am. Now at 8am, it is throbbing again. There is no swelling but this is crazy. I have had many bee stings during my life but never has one hurt like this for so long. It feels like I have been violently kicked in the leg over and over on the shin.

It is now 5pm. It is 98°, hot and nasty out. No rain in sight. We had no customers again today. Of course, school starts here this week and I understand that it costs a lot of money to buy school supplies and clothes to send the kids back to school. I spent the entire day pulling and filling orders.

Once we closed, someone came by and bought a hanging plant so we did have one sale.

So get this. Last week, I made a Walmart.com order. I got the new puppy a bag of Hill Science Diet puppy food that you can't get in the store. They said it would arrive here this past Saturday. Well, this past Saturday, it was delivered to a parcel locker at the Poteet post office. I do not have a parcel locker. I thought maybe it would be brought to me today. It was not. The mailman said he would look into it. My correct address is on Walmart.com.

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Acheta Powder

Have you heard about acheta powder? It's a protein powder made from ground-up crickets that is being added to various food products, often without clear labeling. As someone who eats food (which is pretty much everyone), you might be consuming acheta powder without even realizing it.

Acheta powder, also known as cricket powder or cricket flour, is made by farming crickets, freezing them, and then roasting and grinding them into a fine powder. This powder is high in protein, as well as nutrients like iron, calcium, and vitamin B12. Some people see it as a more sustainable protein source compared to traditional livestock.

However, many consumers are not aware that acheta powder is being used as an ingredient in foods they regularly eat. It can be found in protein bars, chips, crackers, pasta, and even some baked goods. The powder is often not prominently disclosed on ingredient lists, simply listed as "acheta domesticus" or "cricket powder".

This lack of transparency is concerning for people who have allergies to insects or who follow certain diets for religious or ethical reasons. Muslim, Jewish, and vegan consumers in particular may object to eating foods containing crickets. Even those without specific dietary restrictions may feel uncomfortable eating insects without their knowledge or consent.

From a nutritional standpoint, acheta protein is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids. It's lower in fat and cholesterol than many animal proteins. However, there are also potential drawbacks. Crickets, like other insects, can accumulate heavy metals and pesticides from their environment. There are also concerns about the safety and regulation of cricket farming practices.

So what can you do if you want to avoid consuming acheta powder or cricket protein? The most important step is to read ingredient labels carefully, looking for "acheta domesticus", "cricket powder/flour", or other insect-based ingredients. Opt for whole, minimally-processed foods as much as possible. If you do eat packaged foods, contact the manufacturer to ask if they use acheta powder in their products.

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Tuesday, August 6, 2024

Happy Tuesday. Well, this morning, David and I went into Jourdanton to meet with an insurance agent to sign me up for Medicare. Yes, in three months, I will turn that magical age wherein I have to have Medicare. I cannot believe I am this old but I am. Where on earth did the time go? This wonderful agent got me all signed up. I have to go back in October and pick a specific plan. I am thinking Medicare Advantage would probably work out the best for me.

After that, we went to Walmart for some groceries. Got home and put it all away. Then went to Fulfillment to work on orders. The mailman came. He said my package is at the Poteet Post Office with my name on it but the wrong address is on it so they put it someone else's postal locker and will not give it to me. Can you believe that crap? They won't give it to me. To me, this is stealing. They know good and well the package is mine. The mailman told me I would have to call Walmart. I went on the app and finally found the number to call. I called and spoke to a foreigner whom I could barely understand. She finally refunded me. I know this because I got both a text and an email saying I am being refunded.

I will NEVER order anything from Walmart again. Plus, I am seriously thinking about getting a PO box in a different town to have my things sent to since the post office cannot bring me my things. I have received Walmart items before so I think it is bull that my address is not right. I guess we will find out on Thursday because I am supposed to get chlorine for my pool from Walmart that I ordered on the same day that I ordered the puppy food. I am so disgusted.

It is now 2pm. I am behind because of this morning's fun. I worked on orders for the rest of the day. There were no customers. The heat is horrible. No possibility of rain for the next two weeks. Everything is dry and starting to turn brown.

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Acheta Powder

The use of acheta powder and cricket protein in foods raises important questions about transparency, informed consent, and food safety. As this alternative protein source becomes more common, it's crucial that consumers educate themselves and demand clear labeling and disclosure from food manufacturers. Only then can we make fully informed choices about what we put into our bodies. Eating insects may be the way of the future for some, but others have the right to know if there are crickets lurking in their crackers.

Now, let's dive deeper into what exactly acheta powder is and how it's made. Acheta domesticus is the scientific name for the house cricket, which is the most common species used for cricket farming and acheta powder production. These crickets are raised in controlled environments, typically fed a diet of grains and vegetables.

Once the crickets reach maturity (around 6-8 weeks old), they are harvested and processed. The first step is usually freezing, which kills the crickets humanely and helps preserve their nutrients. Next, the crickets are roasted or baked to remove moisture and improve flavor. Finally, the dried crickets are ground into a fine powder using industrial milling equipment.

The resulting acheta powder has a mild, nutty flavor and a texture similar to traditional grain flours. It can be used as a partial replacement for wheat flour in recipes, or added to smoothies, shakes, and other foods as a protein boost. Some companies also use acheta powder to create cricket-based snacks and protein bars.

One of the main selling points of acheta powder is its sustainability compared to traditional livestock farming. Crickets require significantly less land, water, and feed than cows, pigs, or chickens. They also emit fewer greenhouse gases and can be raised on organic byproducts that would otherwise go to waste.

However, the environmental benefits of cricket farming are still being studied and debated. Some experts argue that the energy and resources required to raise crickets in controlled environments may offset some of their sustainability advantages. There are also concerns about the welfare of farmed crickets and the potential for disease outbreaks in high-density cricket facilities.

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Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Good morning.  It is another hot day. The stock market plummeted by 1,000 points on Monday. How many thousands of dollars did you lose? We lost plenty. This is a tough time of year for everyone. This year, the prices of everything have gone up so everyone is having a hard time paying for things and buying food and gas. It is scary. Our orders are way down. We understand it is time for back to school and it takes a lot of money to buy clothes and school supplies for the kids. Meanwhile, prices continue to go up. Things are not looking good.

We are learning to do business in a different way, to adjust to how things are now. Part of that is having to let more and more of our staff go because there just isn't money to pay them anymore. We have already cut our salaries by a lot. The biggest check goes to our staff, not us. This is happening to small businesses everywhere across the USA. Some will go under. Others will do what they have to do to stay afloat. Thank God that we are not in debt so we don't have to worry about that. Debt is usually why small businesses don't make it within the first few years. Don't go into debt.

On September 1, we will celebrate our 15th anniversary of being in business. By then, there will probably be just the three of us unless business picks up but we are going to make it. We are debt free and determined.

The trash man came and switched out the dumpster for a much smaller one, maybe one that is too small.

David made a delicious rotisserie chicken for dinner. Gordon Ramsay was a replay tonight because of the Olympics. Next week, he will be back with a two hour show! Yay!

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Acheta Powder

Another consideration is the nutritional value of acheta powder compared to other protein sources. As mentioned earlier, acheta protein is a complete protein with a good balance of essential amino acids. It's also rich in nutrients like iron, calcium, and B vitamins.

However, the bioavailability of these nutrients (how well our bodies can absorb and use them) may be lower in acheta powder compared to other animal proteins. This is because crickets, like other insects, have tough exoskeletons made of chitin that can be difficult for humans to digest. Some studies suggest that processing methods like roasting and grinding can improve the digestibility of cricket protein, but more research is needed.

There are also potential food safety risks associated with acheta powder and other insect-based ingredients. Crickets can harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, as well as parasites and fungal toxins. Proper processing and quality control measures are essential to ensure the safety of cricket products for human consumption.

In terms of regulation, the use of insects as food ingredients is still a relatively new and evolving area. In the United States, the FDA considers insects to be "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) for human consumption, but there are no specific regulations governing the production or labeling of insect-based foods.

This lack of clear regulatory guidance has led to inconsistencies in how acheta powder and other cricket products are labeled and marketed. Some companies prominently display the presence of crickets on their packaging, while others use vague terms like "sustainable protein" or "alternative protein source".

For consumers who want to make informed choices about what they eat, this can be frustrating and confusing. It's important to read ingredient lists carefully and look for specific terms like "acheta domesticus" or "cricket powder". If a product's labeling is unclear, don't hesitate to contact the manufacturer directly to ask about their use of insect ingredients.

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Thursday, August 8, 2024

This morning, at 7am, David and Matt left for Bay City, TX to pick up more rice for sale and rice hulls to mix in with our garden soil. They finally returned at 3:30pm, safe and sound, thank God.

During their absence, the mailman, the UPS man, the FedEx man, the Amazon man, one customer, and a dear friend all came to see me. I got a lot done today and had such a fun visit with my friend. Trump, my puppy, was with me the whole time and he had a good time out here helping me work.

Right after they took off this morning, I went out front and watered all of the new and existing plants before the awful heat hit today. It is now 4pm and Matt is watering them all again. It is currently 102° and the heat advisory is continued through tomorrow. It is just awful. The grass is now turning brown. We have not had any rain but we continue to bake in this heat.

This evening, I think I got food poisoning from what I ate last night and again today. It was probably the peppers from the grocery store that were roasted. David said they tore his stomach up last night. Today, he was fine. Matt also ate with us last night and he was completely fine. I ate the leftovers today for lunch while David was gone. I started having some bad stomach pain followed by fun times in the bathroom tonight.

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Acheta Powder

Now, let's talk about what foods acheta powder is being added to. As the alternative protein market grows, cricket powder is popping up in an increasing variety of products. Here are some common examples:

1. Protein bars and snacks: Many companies are using acheta powder to boost the protein content of their snack bars, energy bites, and other grab-and-go products. Examples include Exo protein bars, Chirps chips, and Bitty Foods cricket cookies.

2. Baked goods: Acheta powder can be used as a partial replacement for wheat flour in recipes for bread, muffins, crackers, and more. Some companies, like Craft Crickets and Crik Nutrition, sell cricket flour blends that can be used in home baking.

3. Pasta and noodles: High-protein, gluten-free pastas made with acheta powder are becoming more common. Brands like Bugsolutely and Jiminy's offer cricket-based pasta products. I love pasta. It is my favorite but not with bugs in it. Gross!

4. Smoothies and shakes: Acheta powder can be added to smoothies and protein shakes as a nutrient boost. Some companies, like Entomo Farms and Cricket Flours, sell pure cricket powder that can be used for this purpose.

5. Pet food: Believe it or not, acheta powder is also being used in some pet foods as a novel protein source. Brands like Jiminy's and Chippin offer cricket-based dog treats and food toppers.

While the use of acheta powder is still niche compared to traditional protein sources, it's clear that it's becoming more mainstream. As consumer demand for sustainable and alternative proteins grows, we can expect to see even more cricket products on store shelves in the coming years.

But is eating crickets and acheta powder actually good for you? The answer is not entirely clear-cut. There are both potential benefits and drawbacks to consider.

On the plus side, acheta protein is a high-quality, complete protein source that can help support muscle growth and repair. It's also rich in nutrients like iron, calcium, and vitamin B12, which are important for overall health.

Some studies have suggested that cricket protein may have unique benefits compared to other animal proteins. For example, a 2018 study found that cricket powder improved gut health and reduced inflammation in healthy adults. Another study suggested that cricket protein may be easier to digest than some plant proteins like soy.

However, there are also some potential negatives to consider. As mentioned earlier, crickets can accumulate toxins and heavy metals from their environment, which could potentially make their way into acheta powder. While reputable companies should have safety testing and quality control measures in place, there is always some risk with any novel food ingredient.

There are also concerns about the allergenicity of acheta powder and other insect-based foods. Crickets, like other arthropods, contain chitin and tropomyosin, which are known allergens. People with shellfish allergies may be at higher risk of reactions to cricket products.

Some studies have suggested that cricket protein may have unique benefits compared to other animal proteins. For example, a 2018 study found that cricket powder improved gut health and reduced inflammation in healthy adults. Another study suggested that cricket protein may be easier to digest than some plant proteins like soy.

However, there are also some potential negatives to consider. As mentioned earlier, crickets can accumulate toxins and heavy metals from their environment, which could potentially make their way into acheta powder. While reputable companies should have safety testing and quality control measures in place, there is always some risk with any novel food ingredient.

There are also concerns about the allergenicity of acheta powder and other insect-based foods. Crickets, like other arthropods, contain chitin and tropomyosin, which are known allergens. People with shellfish allergies may be at higher risk of reactions to cricket products.

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Friday, August 9, 2024

Well, the food poisoning is real. I was sick all day long until 10:30pm tonight with fun times in the bathroom. Good thing we had zero customers all day long because I was in the house more than out.

We did have some San Antonio radio celebrities out here this morning, David Rodriguez and Karen Clauss who do a radio show on WOAI out of San Antonio. They toured our place and want us to start advertising on their show. That would be great but right now is our slow time and orders and money are at a minimum.

It was a very hot and painful day.

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Acheta Powder

So, what can you do if you want to avoid consuming crickets or other insects in your food? The most important step is to become an avid label reader. Take the time to carefully review the ingredient lists of the foods you buy, especially packaged snacks, protein products, and baked goods.

Look for terms like "acheta domesticus," "cricket powder," "cricket flour," or any other unfamiliar insect-related ingredients. If you're unsure about an ingredient, don't hesitate to look it up or contact the manufacturer for more information.

Another option is to focus on eating more whole, minimally processed foods. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds are all nutrient-dense options that are unlikely to contain insect ingredients. When you do choose packaged foods, opt for products with short, simple ingredient lists that you recognize and understand.

Unfortunately, current labeling regulations for insect-based foods are somewhat murky and inconsistent. While the FDA considers insects to be generally safe for human consumption, there are no specific requirements for how they must be disclosed on ingredient lists.

This means that companies can use vague or unfamiliar terms like "acheta domesticus" or "cricket powder" without explicitly stating that their products contain insects. For consumers who are not familiar with these terms, it can be easy to overlook or misunderstand what they mean.

Some experts have argued that insect-based ingredients should be required to be labeled more clearly and prominently, similar to how common allergens like peanuts and shellfish are disclosed. Others have suggested that companies should go above and beyond legal requirements and provide even more detailed information about their use of insects, such as the species used, the farming methods employed, and the processing techniques applied.

Ultimately, the goal should be to empower consumers to make informed decisions about what they eat. Whether you choose to embrace acheta powder as a sustainable protein source or avoid it for personal reasons, you have the right to know what's in your food.

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Saturday, August 10, 2024

Good morning! Much to my surprise, I feel so much better today. No problems so far. I got up early and fed and watered all of the animals myself. I watered plants and then came out to the front to water and found the kitchen door open on the business. Matt was here. He helped me water and then came in and helped me close the orders so I can send them all with the mailman today. He left at noon so he could go by Morales Feed before they close but they closed at noon so no feed and hay for us today. I guess we will have to send him on Monday to pick up what we need. Who gets to close at noon?

It is now after 1pm and the mailman has not yet shown up. My stomach is still good. I ate part of a piece of toast and part of an egg for breakfast. For lunch, I had a few pretzel sticks. I am nervous about getting sick again...

The weather is hot and miserable again. No rain, no clouds, just sun and hazy blue skies with crazy dry heat. We have not seen one customer. It is tax free weekend. That means there is no tax on plants or seeds this weekend in Texas but not one person has taken advantage of that. I figured that is how it would be. All of the orders are out so I put up a new page on the website about growing pumpkins that are resistant to powdery mildew.

Two sets of customers just came at 1:10pm from San Antonio. They bought a lot of seeds, but no plants. They said they would be back for plants. I hope there are still some left when they come. While I was with them, the mailman came because the mail bag is gone.

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Acheta Powder

Of course, for some people, the idea of eating insects is not a concern at all. In fact, many cultures around the world have a long history of consuming insects as a regular part of their diet. From chapulines (grasshoppers) in Mexico to mopane worms in South Africa to fried crickets in Thailand, insects are enjoyed as a tasty and nutritious food source by millions of people.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in entomophagy (the practice of eating insects) as a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional livestock. Insects require significantly less land, water, and feed than cows, pigs, or chickens, and they emit fewer greenhouse gases. Some experts believe that increasing insect consumption could help address global food security and environmental challenges.

However, there are also valid concerns about the mass production of insects for food, including questions about animal welfare, disease transmission, and the environmental impact of large-scale insect farming. As with any new and emerging food trend, it's important to approach insect consumption with a critical and well-informed perspective.

If you have a severe insect allergy or are strictly avoiding insects for religious or ethical reasons, you may need to be even more diligent. Consider contacting manufacturers directly to ask about their use of insect ingredients, and look for products that are certified kosher, halal, or vegan, as these are less likely to contain insects.

It's also a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian about your dietary needs and concerns. They can help you identify potential sources of insect exposure and develop a personalized plan for avoiding them.

Remember, while acheta powder and other insect-based ingredients are becoming more common, they are still a niche product. With a little bit of label savvy and some careful shopping, it is possible to avoid them if desired.

Additionally, the long-term health effects of consuming acheta powder and other insect-based foods are not yet well understood. While insects have been consumed by humans for centuries in some parts of the world, they are a relatively new addition to the Western diet. More research is needed to fully understand their impact on human health over time.

This is especially important for people with food allergies, religious dietary restrictions, or ethical concerns about eating insects. No one should have to worry about accidentally consuming an ingredient that goes against their beliefs or could potentially harm their health.

So, what's the bottom line? Acheta powder and cricket protein can be a nutritious and sustainable choice for some people, but they are not necessarily right for everyone. If you have food allergies, digestive issues, or other health concerns, it's best to talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before adding cricket products to your diet.

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Sunday, August 11, 2024

Well, I was up sick every hour last night except for the 5am hour. I just stayed on the couch for most of the day. Late in the day, I pulled some orders and filled the pond. David went to church and I watched online. Matt was kind enough to do the morning watering and to feed and water all of the animals. I don't know what I would have done without his help.

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Then in the afternoon, I thought about a little church we used to attend and how they pretty much tossed us out by treating us like dirt and then changed the locks. God cannot bless a church when the people are disobedient and treat good people like that. It was just like we were back in ministry again, making $125 a week and the people treated us like crap. Only this time, we never took a dime from the church. In fact, we paid for many repairs and new equipment, only to be treated horribly. God knows the truth and one day, those involved will answer for it.

The pastor left many months ago and they do not have a new one. They had asked David to handle things until they got a pastor but then they changed their minds before he even preached one sermon. They would not speak to us, even when we asked what was going on. Instead of trying to work things out, they refused to talk and changed the locks.

We know a lady who keeps telling us that it is a good church and we should be there. She says we gave up too soon. What she doesn't understand is that the three Sundays she was there, they were putting on a good act because she was giving a concert. If she were treated the way we were treated, she would have left as well.

After much thought, I realized that it is not my problem. It is God's problem and when He has had enough, He will turn out the people whom He deems evil and restore the church if that is His plan. I have noticed that in smaller towns, there are fights and problems with small churches that have no leadership. Once the pastor left back in February, a few of the women took over and ran things, shutting us out. The pastor never made provision for leadership among the people. He said no one was worthy to be a deacon so he did not establish any type of leading body should he leave. Then all of a sudden, he announced that it was his final Sunday and he left.

Meanwhile, we need to find another church but it is hard to start over. We have visited several churches since then but we no longer attend regularly. I read this verse this morning:

“The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.”

Proverbs 15:3

That should put some fear into all of us, especially into those who mistreat others, right?

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I went out around 5pm to pull a huge stack of orders. I also fed the fish, filled the pond, and watered the plants out front because they were drooping.

David made enchiladas this evening. I shouldn't have, but I ate some. They were tasty but mine are better.

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Acheta Powder

If you do decide to try acheta powder or other cricket-based foods, be sure to choose products from reputable companies that prioritize quality, safety, and transparency. Look for products that have been third-party tested for contaminants and that clearly disclose their use of insect ingredients on the label.

It's also important to keep in mind that acheta powder and cricket protein are not magic bullets for health or sustainability. They should be consumed as part of a balanced and varied diet, along with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other nutrient-dense foods.

Ultimately, the conversation around acheta powder and other insect-based foods is part of a larger dialogue about the future of our food system. As we grapple with the challenges of feeding a growing global population while also protecting the planet, we will need to think creatively and critically about all of our food choices.

Insects may very well play a role in this future, but they are not the only solution. A truly sustainable and equitable food system will require a diversity of approaches, including plant-based diets, regenerative agriculture, and a reduction in food waste. It will also require a commitment to transparency, ethics, and consumer empowerment at every level of the supply chain.

So, whether you choose to embrace acheta powder as a sustainable protein source or avoid it for personal reasons, remember that you have the power to shape the future of food with your choices and your voice. By staying informed, asking questions, and advocating for transparency and accountability, we can all play a role in building a food system that is healthy, sustainable, and just for all.

At the end of the day, the decision to eat insects or not is a highly personal one that is influenced by a variety of factors, including cultural background, personal beliefs, and individual health needs. What's most important is that consumers have the information and resources they need to make informed choices about their food.

This means that companies have a responsibility to be transparent and forthcoming about their use of insect ingredients, and to provide clear and accurate labeling that empowers consumers to make decisions that align with their values and needs. It also means that regulators have a role to play in ensuring that insect-based foods are safe, properly labeled, and held to the same standards as other food products.

As consumers, we also have a responsibility to educate ourselves about the foods we eat and to advocate for transparency and choice in the marketplace. This may mean taking the time to read labels carefully, asking questions of manufacturers and retailers, and supporting companies that prioritize transparency and consumer empowerment.

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Return from Acheta Powder to Our Sixth Year On The Farm

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