Nutritional Potential of Selected Insect Species Reared on the Island of Sumatra

Abstract

Inhabitants of the Indonesian island of Sumatra are faced with the problem of insufficient food supplies and the consequent risk of undernourishment and health issues. Edible insects as a traditional and readily available food source could be part of the solution. The nutritional value of insects depends on many factors, e.g., species, developmental stage, sex, diet, and climatic conditions. However, edible insects bred in Sumatra for human consumption have never before been assessed with regard to their nutritional value. Our study involved analyses of crude protein, chitin, fat and selected fatty acid contents of giant mealworm larvae (Zophobas morio), larvae of the common mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) and nymphs of the field cricket (Gryllus assimilis). Crude protein content in the samples ranged from 46% to 56%. Highest (35%) and lowest (31%) amounts of fat were recorded in giant mealworm larvae and larvae of the common mealworm, respectively. Chitin amounts ranged from 6% to 13%. Based on these values, which are comparable to those known from other food insects reared in different regions of the world, the edible species bred in Sumatra could become food sources with a potential to help stave off hunger and undernourishment.

Extraction of chitin and chitosan from larval exuvium and whole body of edible mealworm, Tenebrio molitor

“…The average yield of chitosan from the larval exuvium was 9.20% of DW. The chitin content of edible insects is 6% in giant mealworm larvae, 12% in common mealworm pupa, and 13% in common mealworm larvae (Adámková et al 2017). The chitin and chitosan content from exoskeletons of two-spotted field crickets is 2.42 and 1.65% of DW, respectively (Kim et al 2017a).…”

“…; Adámková et al . ) have been studied in the common mealworm. Among other edible insect species, chitin and chitosan content have been investigated in the exoskeletons of two‐spotted field crickets (Kim et al .…”

“…The nutritional composition of edible mealworm larvae is protein (47-49%), fat (38-43%), fiber (6-7%), nitrogenfree extract (0.26%), and ash (2-3%) based on dry matter (Ramos-Elorduy Blasquez et al 2012;Ramos-Elorduy et al 2007). Protein content in larvae (Rumpold & Schlüter 2013) and chitin content in larvae and pupa (Kramer et al 1995;Adámková et al 2017) have been studied in the common mealworm. Among other edible insect species, chitin and chitosan content have been investigated in the exoskeletons of two-spotted field crickets (Kim et al 2017a).…”

“…They are a beneficial resource for insect-based treats for domestic dogs and cats. Chitin composition has been well studied in T. molitor larva, pupa, and adult (Adámková et al 2017). However, the extraction of chitosan from T. molitor larva whole body and exuvium has not been extensively studied.…”

Development and microbiological load of composite flours from locusts, grasshoppers and malted finger millet

“…The urgency to find alternative sustainable animal protein sources, hunger solutions (low reproduction, farmland) and low-cost farming technology has led to the recognition of insect protein (Adámková et al, 2017). The development of insects such as grasshoppers, locusts, crickets, termites, stink bugs, beetles, caterpillars, flies, and ants as food or feed is an emerging strategy considered to potentially contribute to food security and as a sustainable method for food production (FAO, 2013; Mutungi et al, 2017; van Huis, 2013).…”