Foods

Research

Jump to: Review

18 pages, 452 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Breaking the Taboo: Understanding the Relationship between Perception, Beliefs, Willingness to Eat Insects, and Food Neophobia among Polish Adults

by Julita Szlachciuk and Sylwia Żakowska-Biemans

Foods 2024, 13(6), 944; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13060944 - 20 Mar 2024

Viewed by 561

Abstract

Insects are a potential source of protein for direct human consumption or indirectly in processed foods. The research examined consumer perceptions and beliefs regarding the consumption of insects and food products containing insect proteins. The study aimed to identify beliefs about insect consumption, [...] Read more.

Insects are a potential source of protein for direct human consumption or indirectly in processed foods. The research examined consumer perceptions and beliefs regarding the consumption of insects and food products containing insect proteins. The study aimed to identify beliefs about insect consumption, assess the perception of food products containing added insect proteins, and gain a deeper understanding of the role of food neophobia in accepting insects as an alternative source of protein. The data were collected in 2023 through a cross-sectional quantitative online survey of a group that was representative of consumers by age, gender, and region sample (n = 1000) who were responsible for food purchasing decisions in their households. While many respondents viewed foods enriched with insect protein as innovative and environmentally friendly, others found the idea of consuming insects repulsive and expressed concerns about potential allergic reactions. Food neophobia was a determining factor in respondents’ beliefs and perceptions regarding the consumption of insects and food products containing insect proteins. Respondents were more inclined to consume products with added insect protein rather than visibly identifiable insects. The results highlight the need for targeted marketing strategies and product development approaches to align with the varied expectations of consumers in the rapidly expanding insect-based food market. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Foods: From Traditional Consumption to Innovative Food Sources and Production Processes for Safety, Quality and Consumer Acceptance of Future Foods)

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19 pages, 1575 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical, Nutritional and Mineral Content of Four Edible Flowers

by Ilaria Marchioni, Morena Gabriele, Giulia Carmassi, Barbara Ruffoni, Luisa Pistelli, Laura Pistelli and Basma Najar

Foods 2024, 13(6), 939; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13060939 - 20 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1160

Abstract

The growing interest in functional foods is driven by the exploration of new foods with positive health effects. Pleasant sensory features are essential for consumer acceptance. In this work, we investigated the composition of the bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, and aroma profiles of [...] Read more.

The growing interest in functional foods is driven by the exploration of new foods with positive health effects. Pleasant sensory features are essential for consumer acceptance. In this work, we investigated the composition of the bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, and aroma profiles of four edible flowers: Cucurbita moschata Duchesne, Dianthus chinensis L., Fuchsia regia (Vand. ex Vell.) Munz., and Viola cornuta L. For the first time, we quantified the water-soluble group of B vitamins. Significant variations in the content of soluble sugars, vitamins, and secondary metabolites were observed. V. cornuta showed the highest concentration of vitamin C and carotenoids, while C. moschata had the highest content of vitamin B and flavonoids. F. regia stood out for its exceptionally high content of total phenolics, while D. chinensis surpassed the other flowers in soluble sugar content. The aroma profile analysis revealed a diverse array of volatile organic compounds, with each species having its own unique composition. C. moschata was characterized by p-dimethoxybenzene and D. chinensis by non-terpene compounds; F. regia displayed high amounts of decanal and nonanal, while V. cornuta was rich in myrcene and α-farnesene. These findings provide valuable insights into the secondary metabolites and aroma profiles of these flowers, enhancing our understanding of their bioactive compounds and potential health benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Foods: From Traditional Consumption to Innovative Food Sources and Production Processes for Safety, Quality and Consumer Acceptance of Future Foods)

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17 pages, 1837 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Nutritional Potential of Microalgae in the Formulation of Bakery Products

by Israel Hernández-López, Maribel Abadias, Virginia Prieto-Santiago, Ángela Chic-Blanco, Jordi Ortiz-Solà and Ingrid Aguiló-Aguayo

Foods 2024, 13(1), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13010084 - 26 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1086

Abstract

Microalgae have positioned themselves as an innovative and sustainable source of bioactive compounds and high nutritional value. The selection of a suitable food carrier is important to ease its consumption, and to preserve bioactivity through food processing. The aim of this study was [...] Read more.

Microalgae have positioned themselves as an innovative and sustainable source of bioactive compounds and high nutritional value. The selection of a suitable food carrier is important to ease its consumption, and to preserve bioactivity through food processing. The aim of this study was to assess the suitability of different microalgae in baked products. Crackers and grissini were produced following a specific formulation, with percentages ranging from 1.5 to 3.5% of flour substituted with Spirulina, Chlorella, and Tetraselmis dry biomass in the formulas. Physico-chemical, nutritional, and sensorial characterization was carried out. The incorporation of microalgae led to increased nutritional values, including antioxidant capacity (AOX), total phenolic content (TPC) and protein content with an amino acids’ identification and quantification. Grissini with Chlorella at 3.5% and crackers with Spirulina at 1.5% levels, showed a higher overall acceptance within the panelists. For amino acid content, Spirulina crackers were shown to be rich in alanine, aspartate, and tryptophan, while Chlorella grissini stood out for being particularly rich in isoleucine, leucine, lysine, and valine. Thus, Spirulina and Chlorella could be a sustainable ingredient to formulate baked goods with an enhanced nutrimental matrix without altering their acceptability to consumers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Foods: From Traditional Consumption to Innovative Food Sources and Production Processes for Safety, Quality and Consumer Acceptance of Future Foods)

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18 pages, 1567 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Addition of Silver Nanoparticles to Composite Edible Films and Coatings to Enhance Their Antimicrobial Activity and Application to Cherry Preservation

by Angelos-Panagiotis Bizymis, Styliani Kalantzi, Diomi Mamma and Constantina Tzia

Foods 2023, 12(23), 4295; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12234295 - 28 Nov 2023

Viewed by 905

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the potential enhancement of the antimicrobial activity of edible films, composed of (i) chitosan (CH), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and beta-cyclodextrin (CD) (50%-37.5%-12.5%) and (ii) hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and beta-cyclodextrin (CD) (50%-37.5%-12.5%), with [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to examine the potential enhancement of the antimicrobial activity of edible films, composed of (i) chitosan (CH), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and beta-cyclodextrin (CD) (50%-37.5%-12.5%) and (ii) hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and beta-cyclodextrin (CD) (50%-37.5%-12.5%), with silver nanoparticle (AgNP) incorporationat levels 5, 10 and 15% v/v. According to the results, the AgNP addition led to very high antimicrobial activity of both films, reducing by more than 96% the microbial growth of the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli) in all cases. On the other hand, by adding AgNPs to films, their thickness as well as oxygen and water vapor permeability decreased, while their transparency increased. Furthermore, the contribution of these specific edible films to preserve cherries under cold storage was investigated. All edible coatings resulted in an improvement of the fruit properties under consideration, and especially the color difference, hardness and total microbial load. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Foods: From Traditional Consumption to Innovative Food Sources and Production Processes for Safety, Quality and Consumer Acceptance of Future Foods)

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23 pages, 5874 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Natural Food Resource Valorization by Microwave Technology: Purslane Stabilization by Dielectric Heating

by Marco Apicella, Giuseppe Amato, Pietro de Bartolomeis, Anna Angela Barba and Vincenzo De Feo

Foods 2023, 12(23), 4247; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12234247 - 24 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1085

Abstract

The application of microwave-assisted drying is a promising technique due to the features of process sustainability that are usable for responsible productions. It is largely applied for the stabilization of food products, especially in the agro-food sector. In this study, the weed Portulaca [...] Read more.

The application of microwave-assisted drying is a promising technique due to the features of process sustainability that are usable for responsible productions. It is largely applied for the stabilization of food products, especially in the agro-food sector. In this study, the weed Portulaca oleracea L. (purslane), with its richness in antioxidant components in addition to its recognized pharmacological properties, has been considered due to its potential to be a natural, well-accepted future food. Attention was focused on the role of the heat and mass transfer rates involved in the drying processes on the nutritional profile of the dried products. For this purpose, different drying protocols (convective, microwave irradiation, microwave-vacuum irradiation) were applied to different parts of purslane herb (apical, twigs, entire structures) and chemical characterizations were performed by a GC/MS analysis of the extracts of the dried products. The results show that microwave treatments can assure a better preservation of fatty acids such as SFAs, MUFAs, and PUFAs (which constitute over 90% of the total components in the apical part, 65% in twigs, and 85% in microwave-vacuum-dried entire purslane samples) and phytosterols (their highest preservation was found in microwave-dried twigs) compared with convective treatments. The chemical composition variability as well as treatment times depend on the drying rates (in microwave treatments, the times are on a minute scale and the rates are up to three orders of magnitude greater than convective ones), which in turn depend on the heating transport phenomena. This variability can lead towards products that are diversified by properties that transform a weed into a valorized food source. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Foods: From Traditional Consumption to Innovative Food Sources and Production Processes for Safety, Quality and Consumer Acceptance of Future Foods)

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12 pages, 725 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impacts of Standardized Flaxseed Meal (XanFlax) on the Physicochemical, Textural, and Sensory Properties of Muffins

by Ju Hui Lee, Youn Young Shim, Martin J. T. Reaney and Jin A Yoon

Foods 2023, 12(22), 4085; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12224085 - 10 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 754

Abstract

Flaxseed is becoming increasingly popular as a superfood due to its many health benefits. While flaxseed is considered an oilseed, flaxseed meal (the by-product of flaxseed oil extraction) also contains many nutritional compounds not found in the oil. This study explored the use [...] Read more.

Flaxseed is becoming increasingly popular as a superfood due to its many health benefits. While flaxseed is considered an oilseed, flaxseed meal (the by-product of flaxseed oil extraction) also contains many nutritional compounds not found in the oil. This study explored the use of a Canadian flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) meal product to fortify bakery foods and improve their nutritional properties. Muffins were made using a control recipe as well as four different formulations that included varying amounts of a standardized flaxseed meal supplement called XanFlax (5, 10, 20, and 40%). The physicochemical properties of the muffins, including their texture, color, sugar content, pH, specific gravity, loss rate, and moisture, were evaluated. Additionally, the sensory attributes contributing to muffin quality were thoroughly examined. The lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) of the muffins, which were highest in the control group at 82.22 and 34.69, respectively, decreased as the amount of XanFlax increased (p < 0.05). Additionally, the redness (a*) of the muffins increased as the amount of XanFlax increased (p < 0.05). The muffins’ sugar content (2.00 brix%) remained consistent across all treatments and controls except for those prepared with 20% XanFlax (2.17 brix%). As the amount of XanFlax powder increased, the pH of the muffins increased significantly. The moisture content in the muffins was highest at 23.71 ± 0.79% in the 10% XanFlax treatment and lowest at 22.06 ± 0.30% in the 40% XanFlax treatment. The muffins enriched with 5% XanFlax had an average height of 5.35 cm and volume of 131.33 mL, surpassing the results for the muffins made with other formulas (p < 0.05). Additionally, the cohesiveness and gumminess of the muffins tended to increase with the addition of XanFlax. The most favorable attributes, namely the appearance, flavor, taste, texture, and overall acceptance, were consistently associated with the 5% and 10% XanFlax treatments (p < 0.05). This study marks the first time a standardized flaxseed gum product, XanFlax, has been described in a functional baking application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Foods: From Traditional Consumption to Innovative Food Sources and Production Processes for Safety, Quality and Consumer Acceptance of Future Foods)

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20 pages, 634 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sweet-Tasting Natural Proteins Brazzein and Monellin: Safe Sugar Substitutes for the Food Industry

by Tamara S. Novik, Elena I. Koveshnikova, Anatoly A. Kotlobay, Lyudmila P. Sycheva, Karine G. Kurochkina, Olga A. Averina, Maria V. Belopolskaya, Petr V. Sergiev, Olga A. Dontsova, Vassili N. Lazarev, Igor V. Maev, Margarita G. Kostyaeva, Artem V. Eremeev, Svetlana I. Chukina and Maria A. Lagarkova

Foods 2023, 12(22), 4065; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12224065 - 08 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2626

Abstract

This article presents the results of a comprehensive toxicity assessment of brazzein and monellin, yeast-produced recombinant sweet-tasting proteins. Excessive sugar consumption is one of the leading dietary and nutritional problems in the world, resulting in health complications such as obesity, high blood pressure, [...] Read more.

This article presents the results of a comprehensive toxicity assessment of brazzein and monellin, yeast-produced recombinant sweet-tasting proteins. Excessive sugar consumption is one of the leading dietary and nutritional problems in the world, resulting in health complications such as obesity, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. Although artificial small-molecule sweeteners widely replace sugar in food, their safety and long-term health effects remain debatable. Many sweet-tasting proteins, including thaumatin, miraculin, pentadin, curculin, mabinlin, brazzein, and monellin have been found in tropical plants. These proteins, such as brazzein and monellin, are thousands-fold sweeter than sucrose. Multiple reports have presented preparations of recombinant sweet-tasting proteins. A thorough and comprehensive assessment of their toxicity and safety is necessary to introduce and apply sweet-tasting proteins in the food industry. We experimentally assessed acute, subchronic, and chronic toxicity effects, as well as allergenic and mutagenic properties of recombinant brazzein and monellin. Our study was performed on three mammalian species (mice, rats, and guinea pigs). Assessment of animals’ physiological, biochemical, hematological, morphological, and behavioral indices allows us to assert that monellin and brazzein are safe and nontoxic for the mammalian organism, which opens vast opportunities for their application in the food industry as sugar alternatives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Foods: From Traditional Consumption to Innovative Food Sources and Production Processes for Safety, Quality and Consumer Acceptance of Future Foods)

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17 pages, 2895 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combining Blue Light and Yellow Curcumin to Obtain a “Green” Tool for Berry Preservation against Bacterial Contamination: A Preliminary Investigation

by Ilaria Stura, Zunaira Munir, Lorenza Cavallo, Luisa Torri, Narcisa Mandras, Giuliana Banche, Rita Spagnolo, Raffaele Pertusio, Roberta Cavalli and Caterina Guiot

Foods 2023, 12(10), 2038; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12102038 - 18 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1573

Abstract

Background: According to recent studies, tens of millions of tons of fruit are wasted each year in Europe in primary production and home/service consumption. Among fruits, berries are most critical because they have a shorter shelf life and a softer, more delicate, [...] Read more.

Background: According to recent studies, tens of millions of tons of fruit are wasted each year in Europe in primary production and home/service consumption. Among fruits, berries are most critical because they have a shorter shelf life and a softer, more delicate, and often edible skin. Curcumin is a natural polyphenolic compound extracted from the spice turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) which exhibits antioxidant, photophysical, and antimicrobial properties that can be further enhanced by photodynamic inactivation of pathogens when irradiated with blue or ultraviolet light. Materials and methods: Multiple experiments were performed in which berry samples were sprayed with a complex of β-cyclodextrin containing 0.5 or 1 mg/mL of curcumin. Photodynamic inactivation was induced by irradiation with blue LED light. Antimicrobial effectiveness was assessed with microbiological assays. The expected effects of oxidation, curcumin solution deterioration, and alteration of the volatile compounds were investigated as well. Results: The treatment with photoactivated curcumin solutions reduced the bacterial load (3.1 vs. 2.5 colony forming units/mL (UFC/ml) in the control and treated groups; p-value = 0.01), without altering the fruit organoleptic and antioxidant properties. Conclusions: The explored method is a promising approach to extend berries’ shelf life in an easy and green way. However, further investigations of the preservation and general properties of treated berries are still needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Foods: From Traditional Consumption to Innovative Food Sources and Production Processes for Safety, Quality and Consumer Acceptance of Future Foods)

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21 pages, 1693 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Will It Cricket? Product Development and Evaluation of Cricket (Acheta domesticus) Powder Replacement in Sausage, Pasta, and Brownies

by Isaac Ho, Adelynn Peterson, Jack Madden, Evan Huang, Samir Amin and Amy Lammert

Foods 2022, 11(19), 3128; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11193128 - 08 Oct 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4271

Abstract

Insect powders used in food products may lower the overall quality when compared to conventional counterparts. This preliminary study was used to develop and evaluate insect-based food products and to utilize them in a future consumer test. Pork sausage, dried pasta, and chocolate [...] Read more.

Insect powders used in food products may lower the overall quality when compared to conventional counterparts. This preliminary study was used to develop and evaluate insect-based food products and to utilize them in a future consumer test. Pork sausage, dried pasta, and chocolate brownie formulations were developed to either contain NO cricket powder (Control) or have cricket powder (CP). The products were evaluated for proximate composition and product-dependent parameters. The protein content increased in the CP pasta and brownies (p < 0.05) while no changes were found in the sausage (p > 0.05). Fat content increased in both the CP pasta and brownies while it decreased in the CP sausage (p < 0.05). The CP sausage had a higher carbohydrate content than the Control (p < 0.05). Overall, this may be attributed to cricket powder being high in protein and fat while also containing dietary fiber. Cricket powder replacement may lead to noticeable color differences by increasing green and blue coloring in sausage and pasta (p < 0.05). Changes in textural properties (p < 0.05) may be attributed to cricket powder affecting protein solubility and emulsion stability in sausage while gluten formation may be interfered with in the brownies. Overall, cricket powder replacement had improved nutritional content with minor changes in quality parameters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Foods: From Traditional Consumption to Innovative Food Sources and Production Processes for Safety, Quality and Consumer Acceptance of Future Foods)

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Review

Jump to: Research

15 pages, 1500 KiB

Open AccessReview

Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis): Antiallergic Agent or Hidden Allergen? A Literature Review

by Weronika Gromek, Natalia Kołdej, Marcin Kurowski and Emilia Majsiak

Foods 2024, 13(7), 1052; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13071052 - 29 Mar 2024

Viewed by 956

Abstract

Presently, there has been an increase in the consumption of the blue–green microalga–spirulina (Arthrospira species), which dominates 99.5% of the total world production of microalgae. Primarily sold as a dietary supplement, it is also incorporated into snacks, pasta, cookies, and bread. Owing [...] Read more.

Presently, there has been an increase in the consumption of the blue–green microalga–spirulina (Arthrospira species), which dominates 99.5% of the total world production of microalgae. Primarily sold as a dietary supplement, it is also incorporated into snacks, pasta, cookies, and bread. Owing to its nutrient abundance, spirulina has a variety of potential applications. Extensive studies have been conducted on the health benefits of spirulina, but its safety in terms of allergy has received limited attention. Therefore, to bridge this knowledge deficit, this review aimed to evaluate the allergenic and antiallergic potential of spirulina. In the PubMed and Scopus databases using words related to allergy, we attempted to detect papers on hypersensitivity to spirulina. A total of 128 records were identified, of which 49 were screened. Ultimately, in this review, we analyzed four case studies, encompassing a total of five patients with allergies to spirulina. We assessed the severity of allergic reactions following World Allergy Organization (WAO) Anaphylaxis Guidance 2020, which varied from mild (grade 2) to severe (grade 4) based on the patient’s symptoms. Additionally, our findings indicate that allergy to spirulina is not commonly reported or diagnosed. However, most of the described cases (four of five) regarding allergy to spirulina according to WAO Anaphylaxis Guidance 2020 were classified as anaphylaxis. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that spirulina also possesses antiallergic properties, as evidenced by research studies. Our article delves into both the allergic and antiallergic potential of spirulina. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Foods: From Traditional Consumption to Innovative Food Sources and Production Processes for Safety, Quality and Consumer Acceptance of Future Foods)

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23 pages, 416 KiB

Open AccessReview

Edible Insects: A New Sustainable Nutritional Resource Worth Promoting

by Mengjiao Li, Chengjuan Mao, Xin Li, Lei Jiang, Wen Zhang, Mengying Li, Huixue Liu, Yaowei Fang, Shu Liu, Guang Yang and Xiaoyue Hou

Foods 2023, 12(22), 4073; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12224073 - 09 Nov 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2924

Abstract

Edible insects are a highly nutritious source of protein and are enjoyed by people all over the world. Insects contain various other nutrients and beneficial compounds, such as lipids, vitamins and minerals, chitin, phenolic compounds, and antimicrobial peptides, which contribute to good health. [...] Read more.

Edible insects are a highly nutritious source of protein and are enjoyed by people all over the world. Insects contain various other nutrients and beneficial compounds, such as lipids, vitamins and minerals, chitin, phenolic compounds, and antimicrobial peptides, which contribute to good health. The practice of insect farming is far more resource-efficient compared to traditional agriculture and animal husbandry, requiring less land, energy, and water, and resulting in a significantly lower carbon footprint. In fact, insects are 12 to 25 times more efficient than animals in converting low-protein feed into protein. When it comes to protein production per unit area, insect farming only requires about one-eighth of the land needed for beef production. Moreover, insect farming generates minimal waste, as insects can consume food and biomass that would otherwise go to waste, contributing to a circular economy that promotes resource recycling and reuse. Insects can be fed with agricultural waste, such as unused plant stems and food scraps. Additionally, the excrement produced by insects can be used as fertilizer for crops, completing the circular chain. Despite the undeniable sustainability and nutritional benefits of consuming insects, widespread acceptance of incorporating insects into our daily diets still has a long way to go. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the nutritional value of edible insects, the development of farming and processing technologies, and the problems faced in the marketing of edible insect products and insect foods to improve the reference for how people choose edible insects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Foods: From Traditional Consumption to Innovative Food Sources and Production Processes for Safety, Quality and Consumer Acceptance of Future Foods)

15 pages, 3314 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Use of Gonimbrasia belina (Westwood, 1849) and Cirina forda (Westwood, 1849) Caterpillars (Lepidoptera: Sarturniidae) as Food Sources and Income Generators in Africa

by Lufuno Ethel Nemadodzi, Gudani Millicent Managa and Gerhard Prinsloo

Foods 2023, 12(11), 2184; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12112184 - 29 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1577

Abstract

Gonimbrasia belina (mopane worm) and Cirina forda caterpillars (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) are mostly found in shrubs and trees, from where they are collected as larvae and are widely consumed across southern Africa by rural and increasingly urban populations. These caterpillars are among the most [...] Read more.

Gonimbrasia belina (mopane worm) and Cirina forda caterpillars (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) are mostly found in shrubs and trees, from where they are collected as larvae and are widely consumed across southern Africa by rural and increasingly urban populations. These caterpillars are among the most prominent, traded, and economically beneficial edible insects found in Western African countries, but also in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Over the years, these caterpillars have evolved from being part of the diet in various communities to playing a vital role in income generation. In addition, consumption of G. belina and C. forda caterpillars as potential food sources has gained momentum due to their potential for contributing to livelihoods and mitigating food security challenges across Africa while providing significant benefits to developing countries on a socio-economic and ecological level. Edible caterpillars serve as a good source of rich nutrients such as proteins, fatty acids, and micronutrients and can be used in formulating nutrient-dense complementary foods. However, limited information is available, specifically on different trees that serve as hosts to these caterpillars, as they depend on the leaves as their only source of food. In addition, the review aims to critique and document knowledge on the nutritional benefits, acceptance of the use of these caterpillars as food security, commercial value, and level of acceptance towards the utilization of caterpillars as food sources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Foods: From Traditional Consumption to Innovative Food Sources and Production Processes for Safety, Quality and Consumer Acceptance of Future Foods)

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29 pages, 2796 KiB

Open AccessReview

Innovation in Alternative Food Sources: A Review of a Technological State-of-the-Art of Insects in Food Products

by Pedro Paulo Lordelo Guimarães Tavares, Matheus dos Santos Lima, Luiggi Cavalcanti Pessôa, Roberta Barreto de Andrade Bulos, Thâmilla Thalline Batista de Oliveira, Larissa Farias da Silva Cruz, Denilson de Jesus Assis, Elba Santos da Boa Morte, Cláudio Vaz Di Mambro Ribeiro and Carolina Oliveira de Souza

Foods 2022, 11(23), 3792; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11233792 - 24 Nov 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3847

Abstract

Insects present great potential for the food industry due to their easier rearing conditions and high nutritional value, in comparison with traditional livestock. However, there is a lack of evaluation of the technological status of food products developed with edible insects. Therefore, this [...] Read more.

Insects present great potential for the food industry due to their easier rearing conditions and high nutritional value, in comparison with traditional livestock. However, there is a lack of evaluation of the technological status of food products developed with edible insects. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the emergent technological and scientific applications of edible insects in the food industry through a prospective study of patent documents and research articles. Espacenet was used as a research tool, applying the terms Insect, Pupa, Larva, or Nymph and the codes A23L33 and A23V2002. A total of 1139 documents were found—341 were related to the study. Orbit^® was used to evaluate technological domains and clusters of concepts. Scopus database research was performed to assess the prevalence of insect research, with the term “edible and insect*”. The main insects used were silkworms, bees, beetles, mealworms, crickets, and cicadas. Protein isolates were the predominant technology, as they function as an ingredient in food products or supplements. A diverse application possibility for insects was found due to their nutritional composition. The insect market is expected to increase significantly in the next years, representing an opportunity to develop novel high-quality/sustainable products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Foods: From Traditional Consumption to Innovative Food Sources and Production Processes for Safety, Quality and Consumer Acceptance of Future Foods)

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