Making Connections
The definition of a diatom is that it is “any of numerous microscopic, unicellular, marine or freshwater algae of the phylum Chrysophyta, having cell walls containing silica”[1]. The definition of cicadas is “any large homopterous insect of the family Cicadidae, the male of which produces a shrill sound by means of vibrating membranes on the underside of the abdomen”[2].
These two seemingly different organisms actually share a very similar property of being edible and fit for human consumption.
Seaweed is multi-cellular algae that can found in various bodies of water ranging from lakes to oceans. The use of these plants as food is mainly focused in parts of Asia especially Japan, China and Korea.[3] Seaweed is known for having a high mineral content, as well as for being rich in calcium and magnesium. Many people eat seaweed because it contains a large amount of unrefined salt.[4]
Cicadas are insects that are eaten as a popular delicacy in Greece, China, Malaysia, Burma, Latin America and the Congo. Cicadas are full of vitamins and minerals and are considered to be good source of protein. A pound of Cicadas contains the same amount of protein as a pound of red meat.[5]
In regards to these findings I have created a menu featuring both of these nutritional organisms and have included a list of the recipes referenced on a separate page.
[1] "diatom." Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. 20 Sep. 2008. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/diatom>.
[2] "cicada." Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. 20 Sep. 2008. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/cicada>.
[3] Guiry, Michael . "Welcome to Michael Guiry's Seaweed Site." 2008 . 20 Sep 2008 <http://www.seaweed.ie/>.
[4] Patenaude, Frederic . ""Seaweed: Food or Slimy Green Stuff?"." www.fredericpatenaude.com . 2007 . Frederic Patenaude. 20 Sep 2008 <http://www.fredericpatenaude.com/articles/seaweed.html>.
[5] Roach, John . "Cicadas as Food: Summer's Low-Fat Snack?." National Geographic News. May 22, 2007. National Geographic News. 20 Sep 2008 <http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/05/070522-cicadas-eat.html>.