Introducing rearing crickets (gryllids) at household levels: adoption, processing and nutritional values

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 203-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.A. Ayieko ◽  
H.J. Ogola ◽  
I.A. Ayieko

Edible insects, particularly crickets, are becoming popular due to their nutritional value and efficiency in foodconversion. An increasing number of farmers in Kenya are seeking information on rearing crickets (Orthoptera:Gryllidae) for food and feed. The locals are gradually embracing Acheta domesticus and Gryllus bimiculatus as the species of choice. This paper discusses how cricket farming was introduced to farmers in Bondo and Kabondo in Kenya. The initial crickets were picked from their natural habitat and carefully selected for domestication. Theselected crickets were fed on vegetables and chicken mash and bulked in plastic cages. The insects were carefully nurtured to lay eggs and a large colony was formed for multiplication purposes. Upon maturity, proximate analysiswas done to determine their nutritional value. Some were processed into different dishes for human consumption. Products were subjected to microbial tests at the Kenya Bureau of Standards to verify safety for human consumption. Consumers were invited to taste the processed products. After 3 years into the project, about 50 farmers haveembraced cricket farming around the Lake Victoria region. A. domesticus proved easy for rearing at household levelconditions. Food nutrients identified on dry weight were: 47% protein, 10% carbohydrates, and 25% fat. Minerals included sodium (8,502 µg/g), copper (29.4 µg/g), calcium (3,147.7 µg/g), potassium (9,797.5 µg/g), iron (51.8 µg/g), phosphorus (331.3 µg/g), manganese (58.7 µg/g) and zinc (21.8 µg/g). Vitamins included vitamin A (retinol; 0.35 µg/g), vitamin B2 (riboflavin; 6.3 µg/g), vitamin B1 (thiamine; 15.2 µg/g), and vitamin E (331 µg/g). Children were particularly attracted to biscuits and the fried foods such as fritters, samosa and pancakes. Cricket farming can be embraced as a mini-livestock by farmers in varied agro-ecological conditions in the lake region in Kenya. However, increased consumption of crickets to ensure food security is yet to be observed.

Author(s):  
Jonas Sommer ◽  
Andreas Kunzmann ◽  
Lara E. Stuthmann ◽  
Karin Springer

AbstractThe interest in edible sea grapes (Caulerpa lentillifera) is increasing due to their potentially beneficial effect on human health. This macroalga, already used for direct and indirect human consumption, is grown in aquacultures in Vietnam and The Philippines. Here, the edible fronds of sea grapes were examined for their antioxidant activity (AOA) at light intensities from 140 to 300 µmol photons m−2 s−1 and compared to commercially dehydrated C. lentillifera and the renowned highly antioxidative fruits Pomegranates (Punica granatum), Goji (Lycium barbarum and L. chinense) and Aronia (Aronia melanocarpa) berries, using an ABTS+-assay for all samples. AOA of fronds exposed to 300 µmol photons m−2 s−1 for 14 days increased by about 320% from the initial value of 72.2 ± 5.6 to 232.2 ± 34.2 Trolox Equivalents (TE) mmol 100 g−1 dry weight (DW) onto the level of Pomegranates (272.8 ± 23.0 TE mmol 100 g−1 DW). This application could be used as a post-cultivation treatment in sea grape cultures to increase the quality and nutritional value of the product.


Amaranth is a valuable food and feed crop that can solve the problem of vegetable protein in animal husbandry. The aim of the research was to study elements of amaranth cultivation technology: the dose of nitrogen fertilizers (without fertilizers, N15, N20, N25) and the row spacing (15, 30, 45 cm). The work was carried out on sod-podzolic medium loamy gleyic soil on the experimental field of FSBEI HE Yaroslavl State Agricultural Academy in 2018. The studied parameters were determined according to generally ac-cepted methods. The use of nitrogen fertilizers contributed to a significant increase in leaf area and pho-tosynthetic potential of amaranth crops at the highest values of the background N20 – 4.7 thousand m2 / ha and 324.08 thousand m2 / ha × days, respectively. Increase in row spacing when sowing amaranth raised the leaf surface area value, accumulation of dry aboveground mass, photosynthetic potential, ger-mination and safety at maximum values in the variant with a row spacing of 45 cm. abundance of weed flea, cereal aphid and sunflower fire. Sowing amaranth with a width of 45 cm between rows caused a sta-tistically significant decrease in the number of studied pests, as well as the number and dry weight of young and perennial weeds. The use of nitrogen fertilizers in a dose of 25 kg AI / ha contributed to a sig-nificant decrease in the yield of amaranth green mass from 145.12 q / ha on the «no-fertilizer» variant to 127.93 q / ha, with maximum values for the background N20 – 156, 55 kg / ha. Thus, the greatest effi- 128 ciency was shown by the introduction of nitrogen fertilizers at a dose of 20 kg ai / ha when sown with a row spacing of 45 cm.


Author(s):  
Christl Li ◽  
Sean B. Cash ◽  
Julie Lesnik ◽  
Timothy S. Griffin ◽  
Joel Mason ◽  
...  

Abstract Although research has demonstrated the positive nutritional value and environmental benefits associated with edible insect consumption, several factors challenge the growth and development of the edible insect industry for human consumption in the US and Canada. Cultural and psychological factors account for much of the aversion US and Canadian consumers display. The absence of specific regulation also constitutes a structural barrier to more widespread production and sale of edible insects. Compared to the US, the European Union has a more developed edible insect industry and has enacted legislation that removes some of the barriers. As consumer awareness of the putative health benefits of edible insects increases, more comprehensive regulations may emerge to keep pace with the growth of this industry. Overall, a multi-disciplinary approach that addresses both benefits and barriers to consumption is needed to facilitate a robust market for edible insects in the US and Canada.


Author(s):  
Elisa Serviere-Zaragoza ◽  
Salvador E. Lluch-Cota ◽  
Alejandra Mazariegos-Villarreal ◽  
Eduardo F. Balart ◽  
Hugo Valencia-Valdez ◽  
...  

In the Gulf of California; mineral deposits have contributed to high metal contents in coastal environments. This study examined cadmium; lead; copper; zinc; and iron contents in three fish species; Kyphosus vaigiensis (herbivore), Stegastes rectifraenum (omnivore), and Balistes polylepis (carnivore) at two mining sites. Metal concentrations were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and stable nitrogen and carbon isotopes were estimated using mass spectrophotometry. Also, we assessed the risk to human health from the consumption of these three species based on permissible limits; although only two of them (Kyphosus and Balistes) are consumed as food. Metal concentrations differed among fish species; except for iron. The highest concentrations of metals were not always recorded in the species at the highest trophic level; i.e., Balistes. The highest concentrations (dry weight) recorded were cadmium (0.21 ± 0.03 µg g−1) and lead (1.67 ± 0.26 µg g−1), in S. rectifraenum; copper (1.60 ± 0.49 µg g−1) and zinc (67.30 ± 8.79 µg g−1), in B. polylepis; and iron (27.06 ± 2.58 µg g−1), in K. vaigiensis. Our findings show that each element accumulates differently in particular marine organisms; depending on the physiology of the species and the biogeochemistry of its habitat; which in turn is affected by the anthropogenic activities in adjacent areas. No risk of heavy metals toxicity is expected from the human consumption of the species and sites studied


Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (15) ◽  
pp. 4543
Author(s):  
Alexandre Lima ◽  
Florinda Gama ◽  
Viana Castañeda-Loaiza ◽  
Camila Costa ◽  
Lisa M. Schüler ◽  
...  

The nutritional composition and productivity of halophytes is strongly related to the biotic/abiotic stress to which these extremophile salt tolerant plants are subjected during their cultivation cycle. In this study, two commercial halophyte species (Inula crithmoides and Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum) were cultivated at six levels of salinity using a soilless cultivation system. In this way, it was possible to understand the response mechanisms of these halophytes to salt stress. The relative productivity decreased from the salinities of 110 and 200 mmol L−1 upwards for I. crithmoides and M. nodiflorum, respectively. Nonetheless, the nutritional profile for human consumption remained balanced. In general, I. crithmoides vitamin (B1 and B6) contents were significantly higher than those of M. nodiflorum. For both species, β-carotene and lutein were induced by salinity, possibly as a response to oxidative stress. Phenolic compounds were more abundant in plants cultivated at lower salinities, while the antioxidant activity increased as a response to salt stress. Sensory characteristics were evaluated by a panel of culinary chefs showing a preference for plants grown at the salt concentration of 350 mmol L−1. In summary, salinity stress was effective in boosting important nutritional components in these species, and the soilless system promotes the sustainable and safe production of halophyte plants for human consumption.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-36
Author(s):  
Raquel P. F. Guiné ◽  
Paula Correia ◽  
Catarina Coelho ◽  
Cristina A. Costa

Abstract This review is focused on the utilization of insects as a new opportunity in food and feed products, including their commercialization both in traditional and new markets. It has been suggested that insects are considerably more sustainable when compared with other sources of animal protein, thus alleviating the pressure over the environment and the planet facing the necessity to feed the world population, constantly increasing. Many chefs have adhered to the trend of using insects in their culinary preparations, bringing insects to the plan of top gastronomy, highlighting their organoleptic qualities allied to a recognized high nutritional value. However, in some markets, insects or insect-based products are not readily accepted because of neophobia and disgust. Moreover, the insect markets, farming, and commercialization are experiencing a huge growth, in which the domain of animal feed is undoubtedly a very strong component. The future of insects as human food and animal feed seems promising in view of the recent trends and challenges.


2017 ◽  
Vol 67 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 287-300 ◽  
Author(s):  
María I. Deserti ◽  
Karina S. Esquius ◽  
Alicia H. Escalante ◽  
Fabián H. Acuña

Hydra is a genus of common, sessile, solitary freshwater cnidarians, which are defined as carnivorous and efficient predators. The purpose of this study was to obtain information on the feeding habits and diet of Hydra vulgaris collected from its natural habitat in Nahuel Rucá Lake (Buenos Aires Province, Argentina). We found three categories of food items in the coelenteron: algae, fungi, and small invertebrates. Algae dominated the diet in terms of abundance and frequency of occurrence, but their volumetric contribution was almost negligible, as was their possible nutritional value. Invertebrate prey captured, using active predation, represented the major volumetric contribution, with four different taxa found. The detection of phytoplankton in the gastral cavities reveals the input of some organisms present in the surrounding waters in addition to the invertebrates. This information is novel, since studies on the natural diet of Hydra are very scarce.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Célia Regina Barbosa de Araújo ◽  
Karla Danielly da S Ribeiro ◽  
Amanda Freitas de Oliveira ◽  
Inês Lança de Morais ◽  
João Breda ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to characterise the availability, the nutritional composition and the processing degree of industrial foods for 0–36-month-old children according to the neighbourhoods affluence. Design: A cross-sectional exploratory study. Setting: All food products available in retail stores for children aged 0–36 months were analysed. Data collection took place in two neighbourhoods, comparing two different sociodemographic districts (high v. low per capita income), Campanhã and Foz do Douro in Porto, Portugal. Participants: A total of 431 commercially processed food products for children aged 0–36 months which are sold in 23 retail stores were identified. Food products were classified according to their processing degree using the NOVA Food Classification System. Results: For NOVA analysis, of the 244 food products that were included 82 (33·6 %) were minimally processed, 25 (10·2 %) processed and 137 (56·1 %) ultra processed. No food product was classified as a culinary ingredient. The products included mostly cereals, yogurts, prevailed in high-income neighbourhoods for the 0–6-month-old group. It was observed that some categories of ultra-processed food (UPF) presented higher amounts of energy, sugars, saturated fat and salt than unprocessed/minimally processed products. Conclusions: The high availability of UPF offered for 0–36-month-old children should be considered when designing interventions to promote a healthy diet in infancy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 180
Author(s):  
Edy Kustiani ◽  
Mariyono Mariyono ◽  
Bela Citra Ayuningtyas

Red spinach (Amaranthus gangeticus) is one of the most popular vegetables because of its high nutritional value and easy cultivation. Efforts to increase the production of red spinach are to fertilize to meet the needs of both macro and micronutrients. This study aimed to determine the effect of ZA fertilizer dose on the growth and yield of red spinach. The environmental design used was a non-factorial, completely randomized design with four replications. The factors tested were the dose of ZA fertilizer which consisted of 6 levels, namely: without ZA fertilizer (D0); 0.4 gr/polybag (D1); 0.8 gr/polybag (D2); 1.2 gr/polybag (D3); 1.6 gr/polybag (D4); 2 gr/polybag (D5). The data obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance, and if the results were significantly different, the BNT test was continued at a 5% level. The growth and yield of red spinach showed significant differences due to the ZA fertilizer dose treatment. The ZA fertilizer dose treatment of 1.2 g/polybag (D3) resulted in the highest plant height, the number of leaves, and leaf area of red spinach at 14, 21, and 28 days after planting. The ZA fertilizer dose treatment of 1.2 g/polybag (D3) resulted in the highest wet and dry weight plants of 49.15 and 4.38 grams, respectively. The ZA 1.2 gr/polybag dose is the ideal dose to increase the productivity of red spinach.Bayam merah (Amaranthus gangeticus) termasuk sayuran penting yang disukai masyarakat karena bernilai gizi tinggi dan mudah pembudidayaannya. Upaya peningkatan hasil bayam merah salah satunya dengan pemupukan untuk menambah nutrisi yang dibutuhkan tanaman. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah mempelajari respon pertumbuhan dan hasil tanaman bayam merah pada perlakuan dosis pupuk ZA. Pelaksanaan penelitian ini menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) satu faktor. Faktor yang diujikan adalah dosis pupuk ZA, terdiri 6 taraf, yaitu: tanpa pupuk ZA (D0); 0.4 gr/polybag (D1); 0.8 gr/polybag (D2); 1.2 gr/polybag (D3); 1.6 gr/polybag (D4); 2 gr /polybag (D5). Percobaan dilakukan dengan ulangan sebanyak 4 kali. Analisis data menggunakan analysis of variance (ANOVA), apabila berbeda nyata dilanjutkan uji Beda Nyata Terkecil (BNT) taraf 5%. Perlakuan dosis pupuk ZA berpengaruh nyata terhadap pertumbuhan dan hasil tanaman bayam merah. Perlakuan dosis pupuk ZA 1.2 gr/polybag (D3) menghasilkan tinggi, jumlah dan luas daun tanaman bayam merah tertinggi pada pengamatan umur 14, 21, dan 28 HST. Dosis pupuk ZA 1.2 gr/polybag (D3) juga menunjukkan berat basah dan berat kering tanaman tertinggi sebesar 49.15 dan 4.38 gram. Dosis ZA 1.2 gr/polybag merupakan dosis ideal untuk meningkatkan produktivitas tanaman bayam merah.


2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-62
Author(s):  
Hilda Novianty ◽  
Emienour Muzalina Mustafa ◽  
Suratno Suratno

The use of brown-macroalgae (Phaeophyceae) as an alginate source is very broad, covering the food and non-food industry, because of that it is necessary to know the safety of these natural resources, one of which is safe from heavy metal contamination. The purpose of this study was to determine heavy metals concentrations accumulated in several types of Phaeophyceae (brown macroalgae) as an alginate source from Malang Rapat waters, Bintan. The method used was descriptive non-experimental. The determination of the location of sampling was done by purposive sampling method. Samples were taken through free collection, identified species and measured of metal contamination concentrations for As, Cd, and Pb. The data obtained were analyzed descriptively. The results showed that Phaeophyceae found in Malang Rapat waters were Turbinaria conoides, Sargassum aquifolium, Padina australis, Hormophysa cuneiformis with each metal concentration contamination of As 13.95 to 23.30 µg.g-1 dry weight; Cd from 0.33 to 1.08 µg.g-1 dry weight and Pb from 4.72 to 9.92 µg.g-1 dry weight. This study showed that all metal contamination ranges in all Phaeophyceae were on the verge of the maximum limit set by the National Standardization Agency of Indonesia Indonesian (SNI) No 7387 of 2009 and National Agency of Drug and Food Control of RI (BPOM) Regulation No 5 of 2018 for dried macroalgae product so that Phaeophyceae from Malang Rapat waters - Bintan was not safe to be used as raw material for alginate source or other processed products of brown-macroalgae.


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