Common edible insects and their utilization in China

Abstract

This paper reviews the common edible insects and their use in China. One-hundred and seventy-eight insect species from 96 genera, 53 families and 11 orders are commonly eaten in China. Preparation of edible insects includes frying, braising, stewing, stewing after frying, boiling and roasting. The insect forms eaten range from eggs to adults; however, in restaurants most are larvae and pupae. More than 50 species have been analyzed for their nutritive elements and nutritional value and these data are reviewed here. Insect health foods sold in the Chinese market are also briefly discussed.

A Comprehensive Look at the Possibilities of Edible Insects as Food in Europe – A Review

“…Female insects contain more fat than male insects [Finke, 2004]. The content of essential fatty acids is higher as compared with animal fats [Chen et al, 2009]. Similarly, the fatty acid composition of related species is different, as there are many factors playing a role, too.…”

“…Chitin is a macromolecular compound that has a high nutritional and health value [Burton & Zaccone, 2007]. As a form of low-calorie food, chitin also has a medicinal value [Chen et al, 2009]. In most cases, the hard cover polysaccharide chitin of insects accounts for 5-20% of the dry weight.…”

“…[Pennino et al, 1991], habitat and diet [Raksakantong et al, 2010]. For example, the fat content is higher in the larva and pupa stages; at the adult stage, the fat content is relatively lower [Chen et al, 2009]. Female insects contain more fat than male insects [Finke, 2004].…”

Entomophagy: A Viable Opportunity for Food Security

“…The feeding stages of insects vary from order to order for example both adults and larvae of the beetles (Coleoptera) are eaten, Lepidopterans mostly consumed as caterpillars and rarely pupae also consumed and Hymenopterans are consumed mostly in their larval or pupal stages. While mature stages of Orthoptera, Homoptera, Isoptera orders are mostly eaten (Cerritos, 2009 (Elorduy et al, 2008), China 170 (Chen et al, 2009) edible insect species were reported. Paoletti and Dufour (2005) were reported 428 edible insect species from Amazon.…”

More than just fish food: ecosystem services provided by freshwater insects

“…The two most frequently referred to aquatic orders in the context of entomophagy are the Ephemeroptera and Odonata, and it is perhaps no coincidence that these are the most profitable in terms of size and nutrition. For example, by dry weight, the mayfly Ephemerella jinghongensis Xu et al, 1984 (Ephemeroptera, Ephemerellidae), which is commonly eaten in China, contains the highest raw protein content of any edible insect at around 66% (Chen et al, 2009). Bergeron et al (1988) showed that mayflies are not only high in protein but also in minerals, B vitamins, and essential amino acids while their low fat and moisture content contributes to a long shelf life.…”