Effect of Demineralization on Gelatin Production from Grasshopper (Valanga nigricornis) as an Alternative of Halal Gelatin

Abstract

Gelatin is a protein derivative product resulting from the collagen breakdown in a material. The protein content in dried grasshoppers, which are halal insects, reaches 40%. Hence, they have the potential to be produced as a substitute for non-halal gelatin. This study aims to determine the effect of various acid and base solvents and soaking time in the demineralization process on the characteristics of the gelatin. This study used a completely randomized design. The treatment of solvent types in the demineralization process used 6% HCl, 1% citric acid, 3% acetic acid, pineapple extract, and NaOH; while soaking times for treatment were 24 hours, 36 hours, and 48 hours. Each soaking time and solvent type in the demineralization process gave a significant effect on the yield value (P < 0.05). Demineralization treatment using 6% HCl for 48 hours showed gelatin with the best yield than other treatments, i.e., gelatin with a moisture content of 9.93%, ash content of 1.11%, and pH 5. The characteristics of gelatin in this study are under SNI 06-3735 of 1995.