The contribution of commonly consumed edible insects to nutrition security in the Eastern D.R. Congo

Abstract

Edible insects are perceived as an incredible opportunity to mitigate the major challenge of sustainably producing healthy foods for a growing world population in the face of climate change uncertainties over the coming decade. In this study, we assessed the nutrient composition and sensory properties of Acheta domesticus, Apis mellifera, Gnathocera trivittata, Gryllotalpa africana, Imbrasia epimethea, Imbrasia oyemensis, Locusta migratoria, Macrotermes subhylanus, Nomadacris septemfasciata, Rhyncophorus phoenicis, Ruspolia differens and Rhynchophorus ferrugineus consumed in Eastern D. R. Congo. The investigated edible insects are highly appreciated and nutritious, with proteins (20.67-43.93 g/100 g) and fats (14.53-36.02 g/100 g) being the major macro-nutrients, proving their potential to improve diets through food enrichment. The high potassium (24-386.67 mg/100 g), sodium (152-257.82 mg/100 g), magnesium (32-64 mg/100 g), iron (5.3-16.13 mg/100 g), calcium (25-156.67 mg/100 g) and zinc (11-19.67 mg/100 g) content make the assessed edible insects a useful mineral-containing ingredient for preventing undernutrition in countries which are plagued by micronutrient deficiencies. A scatter plot of matrices and Pearson's correlations between sensory attributes and nutritional composition showed a negative correlation (r = - 0.45) between protein and appearance. While no strong correlation was observed between nutritional attributes and sensory acceptance, a positive correlation was observed between potassium and aroma (r = 0.50), after-taste (r = 0.50) and acceptability (r = 0.52). Principal component analysis results indicated that the two axes accounted for up to 97.4% of the observed variability in the nutrient composition and sensory attributes of commonly consumed edible insects in the Eastern D. R. Congo. Given the significant delicacy and nutritional potential of edible insects highlighted in this paper, households can rely on the latter to meet their nutritional needs rather than conventional livestock, thus contributing to environmental and financial security through local business opportunities.

Keywords: Edible insects; Food insecurity; Nutritional potential; Sensory attributes.

Figure 1

Scatter plot of matrices (SPLOM), histograms, and Pearson correlations between sensory scores and nutrient composition.

Figure 2

Scatter plot of matrices (SPLOM), histograms, and Pearson correlations between sensory and mineral content.

Figure 3

PCA-Biplot of nutrient composition and sensory attributes.

Figure 4

Map showing the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the South-Kivu Province, and the study area.

Figure 5

(a) Acheta domesticus (House cricket); (b) Apis mellifera larvae (Honey bee); (C) Gnathocera trivittata (Nsike); (d) Gryllotalpa africana (Mole cricket); (e) Imbrasia epimethea (Caterpillar); (f) Imbrasia oyemensis (Caterpillar); (g) Locusta migratoria (Migratory locust); (h) Macrotermes subhylanus (Termite); (i) Nomadacris septemfasciata (Red locust); (j) Rhyncophorus phoenicis larvae; (k) Ruspolia differens (Grasshopper); (l) Rhynchophorus ferrugineus larvae known as Red palm weevil (Ishara et al.. Figure modified and reproduced with permission from Springer Nature http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).