Nutrient composition of the long-horned grasshopper Ruspolia differens Serville: Effect of swarming season and sourcing geographical area

Food Chem. 2019 Dec 15:301:125305. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2019.125305. Epub 2019 Jul 31.

Abstract

This research investigates the effect of swarming season and sourcing geographical area on the nutrient composition of R. differens. On a dry matter basis, protein (34.2-45.8%) and fat (42.2-54.3%) are the major macro-nutrients. Leucine (80. 9-88.5), lysine (54.0-69.8) and valine (59.2-61.8) are the most abundant essential amino acids (EAA) (mg/g protein). Tryptophan is the most limiting EAA. Its EAA composition is like the children and adults' reference protein. Its fat is highly unsaturated (63.5-64.7). Oleic (38.4-42.7), linoleic (19.0-23.0) and palmitic (26.6-27.8) fatty acids (FA) (g/100 g total FA) are the most abundant. Geographical area significantly influences its mineral content within seasons. Season significantly influences its fat, protein, ash and mineral content but not its AAs' and FAs' content. Both factors significantly influence its vitamin B12 content (0.73-1.35 µg/100 g).

Keywords: Amino acid score; Dietary requirements; Nutrient profiles; Ruspolia differens; Vitamin B12.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids, Essential / analysis
  • Animals
  • Dietary Proteins / analysis
  • Fatty Acids / analysis
  • Grasshoppers / chemistry*
  • Nutrients / analysis*
  • Nutritive Value*
  • Seasons
  • Trace Elements / analysis
  • Uganda
  • Vitamin B 12 / analysis

Substances

  • Amino Acids, Essential
  • Dietary Proteins
  • Fatty Acids
  • Trace Elements
  • Vitamin B 12