Hailed by some as a solution to the world’s growing food shortages, insects are an efficient and sustainable source of protein. Every 100g of dried insects provides 53g of protein, a higher proportion than beef and fish. According to a recent report from the United Nations (UN), the prospect of farms processing insects for feed might soon become a global reality due to the growing demand for sustainable food sources.

Designer Mansour Ourasanah is encouraging people to grow their very own nutritious creepy crawlies at home. The San Francisco-based designer has collaborated with US domestic appliance company KitchenAid to develop Lepsis – an insect breeder that enables consumers to farm, harvest and kill grasshoppers before turning them into food. Designed to save space and energy, the vessel is small enough for a kitchen counter top.

“In order to move toward a sustainable future, we must do away with our culinary hang-ups and redefine the paradigm of food,” explains Ourasanah.

Although still in the prototype phase, Lepsis has already been nominated for this year’s Index Award.