Effect of processing methods on nutrient and anti-nutrient composition of grasshopper and termites

Different processing methods could impact on the nutritional and anti-nutritional composition of edible insects. This study involved the analysis of nutrients and anti-nutrients in fresh and processed grasshopper (Ruspolia differens) and winged termites (Nasutitermes spp) in Kenya. Proximate analysis was done using AOAC methods, minerals analysis using AAS and anti-nutrients analysis using UV-VIS and titration. Moisture content reduced significantly to less than 10% on processing, while ash content increased significantly by more than 50% on processing. Processing did not affect the crude fibre content but it led to a 0.2-90% decrease in crude fat. Processing increased significantly the protein content but did not significantly influence mineral levels; however calcium content was reduced considerably. Anti-nutrient levels decreased significantly on processing by 2%-70% with oxalates and phytates having the highest decrease. These results show that oven-drying and defatting methods retained higher nutrient composition in the edible insects.