Organic mealworms refer to mealworms that are raised using organic farming practices. This means that the mealworms are not exposed to synthetic pesticides, herbicides or other chemicals during their growth and development. Organic mealworms are also fed organic grains, vegetables or other natural food sources.
Raising organic mealworms is not difficult. If you have a mealworm farm, you will have a good idea of what to do. If not, the steps are still easy and I will walk you through them.
What are Mealworms?
Before you start raising organic mealworms, it’s essential to understand what they are and how they fit into the ecosystem. Mealworms are the larvae of darkling beetles (Tenebrio molitor). They are commonly used as food for reptiles, birds and also eaten by humans in certain parts of the world.
Mealworms go through four life stages: egg, larva (mealworm), pupa, and adult beetle. We will focus on the larval stage as that is what is used for animal feed and in farms. They are rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. They are a healthy addition to any diet for animals and humans.
Aside from animal feeds mealworms can be used in other ways. You can check out the guide below for more information.
Related. What Mealworms are Used For
Benefits of Organic Mealworms
Sustainable and environmentally friendly: Organic mealworms are an eco-conscious food choice. They are less expensive to cultivate compared to livestock. Mealworm farms are also eco-friendly because they need fewer resources.
Just to give you an idea of how affordable mealworm farms are, you can grow them in waste materials. You can also use cheap wheat bran, oats or other grains for their bedding.
Nutritious: Aside from protein and fats, mealworms contain dietary fiber, iron, magnesium and zinc. They provide all nine essential amino acids that our bodies need. Adding organic mealworms to an animal’s diet – or to yours – is going to lead to a better health.
Great for cooking: Mealworms are fit for human consumption, and there are many ways to eat them. They can be added to smoothies, energy bars or protein shakes for an extra nutritional boost. You can roast, bake or sauté them Mealworms can be used in various dishes, including salads, pasta, stir-fries or pizza topping. Mealworms have a mild, nutty taste which goes well with savory and sweet foods.
Allergy-friendly: Many individuals suffer from common food allergies like gluten, soy or dairy. Organic mealworms are gluten-free, soy-free, and have no known allergenic properties. If your dietary restrictions are limiting your protein intake, organic mealworms are a great alternative.
Reduced antibiotic use: One of the concerns with livestock farming is the excessive use of antibiotics, which eventually leads to resistance. Organic mealworms do not require antibiotics for growth or disease prevention. Their hard exoskeleton provides protection against microbial infections which makes them safer to eat.
How to Set up an Organic Mealworm Farm
Setting up an organic mealworm farm is easy. You can start with just a few mealworms and one container. Once you get used to this you can add more.
What You’ll Need
- Containers: You’ll need a few plastic containers with lids. These will serve as the primary housing for your mealworms. Make sure to poke small holes in the lids for ventilation.
- Substrate: The substrate or bedding is the material that mealworms live in and feed on. Common choices include wheat bran, oats, or a mix of grains. Fill your containers with about 2-3 inches of substrate.
- Location: Keep the containers in a warm room with a consistent temperature between 75-80°F (24-27°C). This range is ideal for mealworm growth and reproduction. Mealworms prefer dim areas, so store your containers in a dark area or cover them with a cloth to keep light out.
Buying Mealworms
You can find them at local pet stores, online suppliers or local farmers. Make sure to get a mix of larval stages including small, medium, and large mealworms to ensure a constant supply.
I recommend 800-1000 mealworms to start with. Some suggest at least 2000 but go with what you’re comfortable with. A 5 gallon container is fine for 1000 mealworms. If you want to start with just a few hundred that’s fine, though mealworms are cheaper when purchased in bulk.
Feeding
Mealworms eat their bedding, but you’ll need to give them more food for the best results. They thrive on a variety of organic materials such as vegetables, fruits and grains. Here’s how to feed your mealworms:
- Vegetables: Best options are carrots, potatoes and dark, leafy greens. Chop or grate them for easy consumption.
- Fruits: Apples, bananas and other fruit scraps are also suitable. Avoid overfeeding fruits as they contain higher moisture content. Too much moisture can cause mold to grow.
- Grains: Replenish the bedding regularly. Keep it at 2-3 inches so they can burrow.
- Water: As long as you provide moistened fruits, mealworms won’t need a dish of water. You can lightly mist the substrate too.
Mealworms are cheap and easy to raise. They are also as healthy -if not healthier – than other meats. With an organic mealworm farm, you can reduce your traditional meat consumption and cut on costs. Their grain bedding is cheeap and feeding them food scraps is fine.
The key to managing organic mealworms is to make sure they eat organic foods. This is why it is important to source their food carefully. As long as you avoid foods with harmful chemicals, your mealworms will be healthy.
Managing and Harvesting
Organic mealworms are not only affordable, they are also low maintenance. This is all you need to do to keep your farm in good condition.
- Separate life stages: As your mealworms grow, they will transition through various stages. To avoid problems, separate the pupae and adult beetles from the larvae. You can use additional containers for this purpose.
- Clean: Remove leftover food immediately. Replace the bedding regularly and dispose of mealworm frass (waste) to keep the container clean.
- Breeding: To maintain a sustainable colony, encourage adult beetles to breed. Store them in a separate container with grain bedding where they can lay eggs.
- Monitoring: Check your mealworm container regularly to ensure there is enough food. Add more when needed. Move mealworms to other containers if it is getting overcrowded.
Harvesting. Typically, mealworms are harvested in the larval stage. If you are going to use them for animal feed, gut load the mealworms first. Here’s how to harvest them:
Take the mealworms out of the container. You can pick them up with your hands or use a pair of tweezers. You can use the harvested mealworms immediately in your cooking, store them in the fridge for short-term use, or freeze them for long-term storage.
Can You Eat Organic Mealworms?
More and more people are getting interested in eating mealworms. If you’re among those and want to give it a try, here are some suggestions. You can eat mealworms raw, but cooking adds more flavor.
Roasted snack: One of the simplest ways to enjoy mealworms is by roasting them with your choice of seasonings. They make a crunchy, protein-packed snack.
Protein powder: If you’re not quite ready to munch on whole mealworms, grind them into a fine powder. Add this to smoothies, baking recipes or a protein boost for other dishes.
Tacos: You can use roasted mealworms as topping for tacos. I also like to mix them with vegetables and spices.
Mealworm Pasta: Grind mealworms into a protein-rich flour to make pasta dough. Cook as you normally would pasta and add your favorite toppings.
Mealworm Omelet: You can add mealworms to an omelet or scrambled eggs with fresh herbs and vegetables.
Troubleshooting Mealworm Farms
While raising organic mealworms is relatively straightforward, you may encounter some challenges. Here’s how to troubleshoot them:
- Mold: If mold forms on the substrate or food, remove them immediately. Clean the container and remove all traces of the mold. increase the ventilation.
- To prevent mealworms from eating the pupae and eggs, separate them. Make sure there is enough food.
- If pests invade your mealworm containers, move them to another container. Look for the source to prevent a repeat.
- :If you notice a growing number of dead mealworms, check for temperature fluctuations, overcrowding, or food issues.
Conclusion
Raising organic mealworms at home can be a rewarding and sustainable endeavor. Not only do mealworms provide a rich source of protein and other essential nutrients, but they also offer an eco-friendly way to reduce your environmental footprint. By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you can enjoy the benefits of organic mealworms while contributing to a more sustainable future for our planet.
