Abstract

Insects account for the greatest amount of biodiversity in forests with over 1,400 species reportedly eaten as human food, but are the least studied of all fauna. Studies have shown that they may contribute significantly to livelihoods in both rural and urban areas. This study was carried out to assess the consumer acceptability and nutrient content of Cirina forda larva-enriched vegetable soups. Dry C. forda (CF) larva was purchased from a market in Burkina Faso and refrigerated at -4°C. Four vegetable soup samples (plain vegetable soup; Egusi soup; Vegetable soup+CF; and Egusi soup+CF) were prepared traditionally. Dry CF larva and the four vegetable samples were analysed using standard AOAC methods, while acceptability of the soup samples was carried out using 9-point Hedonic scale. Moisture content of CF was 3.98 g while that of soups ranged from 59.78 to 77.14 g /100 g. C. forda larva contained 54.38 g protein and 16.81 g fat which were rich in essential amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids respectively; and high in macro-minerals. Nutrient content of vegetable soups enriched with CF larva were significantly higher (p<0.05), and more acceptable than un-enriched ones; with Egusi soup+CF larva being the most acceptable. C. forda larva is rich in both macro and micronutrients and generally acceptable to consumers. C. forda larva consumption should be popularized as means of improving dietary diversity, nutrient intake and overall health of humans.

Key words: Cirina forda larva, edible insects, enriched vegetable soups, consumer acceptability, nutrient content.