Proximate composition and mineral content of five edible insects consumed in Korea

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the nutritional value of edible insects with a focus on minerals. Proximate analysis and mineral content were analyzed for five types of dried edible insects currently sold in Korean markets including Tenebrio molitor, Oxya chinensis sinuosa, Bombyx mori, Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis, and Verlarifictorus aspersus. On a dry weight basis, the highest content of fat was in Tenebrio molitor and of protein in Oxya chinensis sinuosa. Energy content was highest in Tenebrio molitor at 23.9MJ/kg dry weight. Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis had the highest concentration of calcium (349.2-2282.0mg/kg dry weight), of phosphorus (5105.0-8875.1mg/kg dry weight), and of magnesium (502.2-2522.9mg/kg dry weight). Zinc and copper concentrations were highest in Verlarifictorus aspersus. Iron, manganese, and molybdenum concentrations were highest in Oxya chinensis sinuosa. Last, the concentration of boron was highest in Tenebrio molitor. Edible insects may be a source of mineral nutrition.