Evaluation of the nutritional potential of the edible insect, red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) from commercial farming facility in Thailand

Abstract

Red palm weevil larvae, a common local delicacy in Thailand, were collected from a commercial farm in Phatthalung, located in the southern part of the country, brought to the laboratory, and processed via freeze-drying. Using DNA barcoding, the larvae were identified and confirmed as Rhynchophorus ferrugineus. We assessed the nutritional composition of the larvae following the standard methodologies. The total protein and fat contents were found to be 32.7 g and 55.8 g per 100 g of dried insect, respectively. Altogether, 17 amino acids were estimated including 9 essential ones, amounting to 28.3 g per 100 g dry matter. Among the essential amino acids, leucine was the most abundant, followed by lysine. The amino acid profile was comparable to, and even exceeded, the ideal protein pattern for certain essential amino acids. In regard to fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids (52.6 %) were predominant, followed by saturated fatty acids (45.7 %). Palmitic acid and oleic acid were predominating among saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, respectively. Only n-6 linoleic acid was detected among the polyunsaturated fatty acids. The insect was also found to be a good source of minerals. Notably, the high potassium-to-sodium ratio, along with substantial calcium, zinc, and iron content, may offer significant health benefits for human consumption.