Evaluation of nutritional status of an edible grasshopper, O xya C hinensis F ormosana

This study was conducted to examine the nutritional status of the grasshopper (Oxya chinensis formosana, OCF) as human food, exploring it as an alternative edible resource. Analysis of free amino acid shows that there are various essential amino acids in addition to saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in OCF dried powder. Analysis of the mineral contents and vitamins of dried OCF indicates that it is rich in calcium, vitamin B6, and niacin. The heavy metal content of OCF recorded was low, making it safe for human consumption: OCF had plumbum at 0.01–0.03 mg/100 g, cadmium at 0.002–0.005 mg/100 g, arsenic at 0.07–0.17 mg/100 g, and mercury at 0.0003–0.0007 mg/100 g. In conclusion, given its high nutritive quality in terms of proteins and fats, coupled with lower heavy metal content, it would be recommended to use the grasshopper (OCF) as substitute to the traditional sources of protein.