The Contribution of Earthworms to Human Nutrition

Abstract

Written by an environmental engineer, this article examines the potential of earthworms, especially Eisenia foetida, as a food and agricultural resource in response to malnutrition in Colombia. The author reviews the historical recognition of this invertebrate from ancient Egypt to Charles Darwin's 1881 treatise, and describes its properties as a producer of high-quality humus, documenting cultivation experiences in Antioquia and their connection to programs such as Corantioquia's Ecological Homesteads. The text further details the earthworm's potential as direct human food, with a protein content of 60-80% in its flour, presenting procedures for making earthworm flour and recipes such as fortified crackers.