Bugs and Insects Top Menu Items at J.C. Ehrlich’s ‘Pestaurant on Pennsy’

To celebrate more than 85 years in business, J.C. Ehrlich hosted “Pestaurant on Pennsy” on June 4 at the Occidental Grill in downtown Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON — To celebrate more than 85 years in business, J.C. Ehrlich hosted “Pestaurant on Pennsy” on June 4 at the Occidental Grill in downtown Washington, DC.

At this unique, fun event, Ehrlich served an array of exotic cuisine, including a range of edible insects such as grasshopper burgers, crispy BBQ mealworms and scorpion lollipops. As part of the Rentokil family of pest control companies, Ehrlich took part in the Rentokil Pestaurant global event that happened the same day in 12 countries. Washington, D.C. is the only U.S. city to host this event.

The consumption of insects has been known to contribute positively to the environment and to health and livelihoods. More than 1,900 species have reportedly been used as food. Insects are high in protein, B vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc, and are low in fat. 100g of grasshopper can carry 20.6g of protein, 35.3mg of calcium and 5mg of iron. Eating insects can help boost nutrition and reduce our carbon footprint.