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Bless I, Bastian SEP, Gould J, Yang Q, Wilkinson KL. Development of a lexicon for the sensory description of edible insects commercially available in Australia. Food Res Int 2024; 190:114574. [PMID: 38945565 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Sensory lexicons provide an important tool for describing the sensory properties of emerging, unfamiliar foods such as edible insects. This study sought to establish and validate a sensory lexicon for the description and differentiation of edible insects commercially available in Australia and prepared using common preservation and cooking methods (freeze-drying, hot-air drying, roasting, sautéing and deep-frying). Five species were evaluated, including house crickets (Acheta domesticus), yellow mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor), king mealworm larvae (Zophobas morio), tyrant ants (Iridomyrmex spp.) and green tree ants (Oecophylla smaragdina). Following generic descriptive sensory analysis methods, a trained panel (n=8) developed a sensory lexicon of 29 aroma and flavour descriptors, and 16 texture descriptors. Vocabulary were then categorised and ordered to generate a sensory wheel. Due to a lack of cross-over in sensory attributes between species, sub-categories of species-specific vocabulary were also generated for each insect. The lexicon enabled sensory profiling of commercially available edible insect samples which revealed large variation in aroma, flavour, and texture attributes due to both species and preparation method. This work provides a platform for development of a globally relevant edible insect sensory lexicon. International collaboration will enable expansion of the lexicon for use with other insect species and preparation methods, insect-derived ingredients (such as insect powder, defatted insect powder and textured insect protein) and in different cultural settings. As the industry grows, the applicability of vocabulary for differentiating within species and between competitive products should also be assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishka Bless
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, PMB 1, Glen Osmond, 5064 South Australia, Australia; School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Susan Elaine Putnam Bastian
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, PMB 1, Glen Osmond, 5064 South Australia, Australia
| | - Joanne Gould
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Qian Yang
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Kerry Leigh Wilkinson
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, PMB 1, Glen Osmond, 5064 South Australia, Australia.
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Li X, Guo M, Li K, Li S, Feng H, Fan J. Selection of host plants for production of Clanis bilineata (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae). PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303017. [PMID: 38913673 PMCID: PMC11195959 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Clanis bilineata Walker (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae), a burgeoning edible insect, is experiencing rising demand in China and other regions. Despite this interest, larval production is currently constrained by the limitations of artificial production technologies, particularly the selection of optimal host plants. This study rigorously evaluated the performance of C. bilineatha larvae on four main host plants: round-leaf soybean, pointed-leaf soybean, black locust, and kudzu. Preference tests demonstrated that the larvae were most attracted to black locust (34.76 ± 4.65%), with subsequent preferences for kudzu (25.00 ± 6.12%), round-leaf soybean (23.17 ± 2.79%), and pointed-leaf soybean (14.02 ± 4.74%). No significant preference differences were noted between round-leaf soybean and either black locust or kudzu. In feeding assays, the larvae exhibited a marked preference for round-leaf soybean (37.36 ± 0.81 g, total feeding amount for larvae), followed by kudzu (37.26 ± 0.82 g), pointed-leaf soybean (35.38 ± 1.31 g), and black locust (28.53 ± 0.81 g). When the larvae were fed on round-leaf soybean, they exhibited significantly higher survival rate (39.33 ± 0.90%), body weight (9.75 ± 0.07 g), total biomass (383.43 ± 7.35 g), pupation rate (87.78 ± 1.73%), and egg production (189.80 ± 1.06 eggs/female) compared to other hosts. These findings uncovered that round-leaf soybean significantly enhances larval performance, suggesting its potential for improving C. bilineata larval production and sustainability in cultivation systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Li
- Lianyungang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lianyungang, China
| | - Mingming Guo
- Lianyungang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lianyungang, China
| | - Kebin Li
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Song Li
- Yichang Agricultural Product Quality and Safety Supervision and Testing Station, Yichang, China
| | - Honglin Feng
- Department of Entomology, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America
| | - Jiwei Fan
- Lianyungang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lianyungang, China
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Advantages and disadvantages of using more sustainable ingredients in fish feed. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10527. [PMID: 36119893 PMCID: PMC9475308 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
As the population grows, demand for food increases. Fish is considered to be one of the most efficient sources of protein. But as demand increases, we need to think about the efficient and sustainable fish feed. There is a need to replace existing feed ingredients such as fishmeal and fish oil with more sustainable sources of protein and oil. In 1990, fish feed consisted mainly of fishmeal and fish oil, but today’s fish feed is dominated by vegetable protein and vegetable oil. Comparing the advantages and disadvantages of the alternatives is concluded that previously used fish feed ingredients such as fishmeal and fish oil are not the most efficient, sustainable, and economically viable resources. The comparison shows why the composition of fish feed has shifted from 1990 to 2020 towards the use of plant resources in fish feed, as plant resources are more efficient, sustainable, and economically viable.
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Wendin K, Berg J, Jönsson K, Andersson P, Birch K, Davidsson F, Gerberich J, Rask S, Langton M. Introducing mealworm as an ingredient in crisps and pâtés – sensory characterization and consumer liking. FUTURE FOODS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fufo.2021.100082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Nutritional Properties of Larval Epidermis and Meat of the Edible Insect Clanis bilineata tsingtauica (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae). Foods 2021; 10:foods10122895. [PMID: 34945446 PMCID: PMC8700354 DOI: 10.3390/foods10122895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Insects represent a sustainable, protein-rich food source widely consumed in Asia, Africa, and South America. Eating Clanis bilineata tsingtauica Mell is common in the eastern part of China. A comparative characterization of nutrients in the meat and epidermis of C. bilineata tsingtauica was performed in this study. The results showed this insect to be high in nutrients, particularly in the epidermis where protein total was 71.82%. Sixteen different amino acids were quantified in C. bilineata tsingtauica, and the ratio of essential to nonessential amino acids in the epidermis and meat was 68.14% and 59.27%, respectively. The amino acid composition of C. bilineata tsingtauica is balanced, representing a high-quality protein source. Eight minerals were quantified in C. bilineata tsingtauica, including four macro and four trace elements. Fe in the epidermis and Zn in the meat were abundant at 163.82 and 299.31 μg/g DW, respectively. The presence of phytic acid impacted the absorption of mineral elements in food. We also detected phytic acid in C. bilineata tsingtauica. The molar ratio of phytic acid to zinc (PA/Zn) in C. bilineata tsingtauica was very low (3.28) compared to Glycine max and Cryptotympana atrata, which indicated that mineral utilization was high. In conclusion, this study confirms that C. bilineata tsingtauica is a highly nutritious food source for human consumption, and the results provide a basis for further consumption and industrialization of this edible insect.
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Yellow Mealworm and Black Soldier Fly Larvae for Feed and Food Production in Europe, with Emphasis on Iceland. Foods 2021; 10:foods10112744. [PMID: 34829029 PMCID: PMC8625742 DOI: 10.3390/foods10112744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Insects are part of the diet of over 2 billion people worldwide; however, insects have not been popular in Europe, neither as food nor as a feed ingredient. This has been changing in recent years, due to increased knowledge regarding the nutritional benefits, the need for novel protein production and the low environmental impact of insects compared to conventional protein production. The purpose of this study is to give an overview of the most popular insects farmed in Europe, yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor, and black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens, together with the main obstacles and risks. A comprehensive literature study was carried out and 27 insect farming companies found listed in Europe were contacted directly. The results show that the insect farming industry is increasing in Europe, and the success of the frontrunners is based on large investments in technology, automation and economy of scale. The interest of venture capital firms is noticeable, covering 90% of the investment costs in some cases. It is concluded that insect farming in Europe is likely to expand rapidly in the coming years, offering new proteins and other valuable products, not only as a feed ingredient, but also for human consumption. European regulations have additionally been rapidly changing, with more freedom towards insects as food and feed. There is an increased knowledge regarding safety concerns of edible insects, and the results indicate that edible insects pose a smaller risk for zoonotic diseases than livestock. However, knowledge regarding risk posed by edible insects is still lacking, but food and feed safety is essential to put products on the European market.
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Meyer-Rochow VB, Jung C. Insects Used as Food and Feed: Isn't That What We All Need? Foods 2020; 9:foods9081003. [PMID: 32726913 PMCID: PMC7466229 DOI: 10.3390/foods9081003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This Special Issue of Foods explores different aspects of how insects can be used as a novel resource for food and feed. Some contributions deal with questions of acceptability and legality, others tackle problems related to innovative techniques in processing and marketing food, and yet another group of papers highlights the use of insects and their bio-active products in the context of promoting human health. The collective aim of the contributions by the researchers from at least 20 countries is to examine whether the use of insects—be it for food, feed, or therapeutic purposes—has a future. We conclude that positive aspects undoubtedly exist regarding the nutritional and pharmacological value of various insect species but that environmental and bio-functional issues could even outweigh the nutritional value of food insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Benno Meyer-Rochow
- Agricultural Science and Technology Research Institute, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Korea
- Department of Genetics and Ecology, Oulu University, SF-90140 Oulu, Finland
- Correspondence: (V.B.M.-R.); (C.J.)
| | - Chuleui Jung
- Agricultural Science and Technology Research Institute, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Korea
- Department of Plant medicals, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Korea
- Correspondence: (V.B.M.-R.); (C.J.)
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