Insect Academy

🔬 Scientific study unveils innovative protein extraction methods for mealworms, showcasing remarkable health benefits A team of researchers at Korea University in Seoul has recently conducted a pioneering study on mealworms as a sustainable food source. Their findings reveal exciting possibilities for the future of nutrition and health. 🔍 The study explored 4 distinct protein extraction methods: 1. Alkali Extraction 2. Enzyme Treatment 3. Screw Press Extraction 4. Salt-Assisted Extraction Each method demonstrated unique advantages, opening up new avenues for food production and functional ingredients: • Alkali Extraction: Significantly boosts protein yield • Enzyme Treatment: Enhances antioxidant properties • Screw Press Extraction: Retains valuable bioactive compounds • Salt-Assisted Extraction: Offers anti-inflammatory benefits 📊 Notably, both enzyme and salt extraction methods produced protein concentrates with promising anti-diabetic properties. This discovery could lead to the development of innovative functional foods for diabetes management and prevention. The researchers emphasize the need for further investigation into larval protein extraction techniques. They also suggest extending similar studies to other edible insect species in the rapidly growing insect production sector. 🪰 What are your thoughts on applying these findings to other insects, such as the black soldier fly (BSF)? We have left the Korean University study in the comments. ⤵️ *** 📌 The news and trends in the Insects as Food and Feed Sector are on Insect Academy #Mealworm #TenebrioMolitor #InsectProtein

💻 FREE WEBINAR: “Insects as Part of One Health” I'll be talking about the insect industry's connection to biotechnology. The webinar's subtitle is "Recognizing the Fundamental Connection Between Human, Animal, and Environmental Health." This discussion will explore how insect biotechnology can provide sustainable solutions for: • Reducing organic waste • Using insect waste as fertilizer • Producing proteins and other valuable ingredients Among many other topics, which we will cover along with: → Sofia Katzin, expert consultant in BSF → Clara Solari, Senior Scientist at ByBug Moderated by Gerardo Bluske, Co-Founder and CBO of ByBug. All the information is available in the banners, but feel free to leave any questions in the comments. 👉 Register for free via this link: https://lnkd.in/dXStUQJf Special thanks to Martha Haase Malig for coordinating this webinar. #InsectProtein #InsectIndustry #BlackSoldierFly

10 potential health benefits of including locusts in the human diet: 1. A protein powerhouse, with more than 50% on dry matter 2. High content of essential amino acids 3. Vitamin B12 levels comparable to beef 4. Iron, zinc, magnesium and manganese 5. Cholesterol lowering effects 6. Polyunsaturated fatty acids 7. Low carbohydrate content 8. Anti-microbial compounds 9. High in antioxidants 10. Antiaging effects 🦗 *** 📌 I share more information about insects as food and feed at Insect Academy

👨🔬 European researchers have developed a more precise method for measuring greenhouse gas emissions in black soldier fly larvae production Insects, like black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) are known to produce fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than traditional livestock. However, according to the authors of a new research, previous studies often used closed static chambers for measurements. This method doesn't accurately reflect real insect rearing conditions, potentially distorting the understanding of their true environmental impact. ▶️ The authors introduced an open gas exchange system to improve accuracy in measuring GHG emissions from insect farming. Key findings from tests on BSFL raised on moistened chicken feed: → CO₂ emissions: Peaked in the first week, then rapidly declined → Low GHG levels: Minimal N₂O and CH₄ detected during larval growth This innovative system offers a quick and more reliable way to estimate the environmental impact of insect farming. To build on these insights, researchers recommend: • Testing other substrates, such as organic waste • Developing methods for ammonia measurement • Increasing the number of chambers for more parallel tests • Implementing continuous monitoring tools for greater accuracy This research provides evidence for BSFL's potential environmental benefits. And suggests their possible role in future sustainable food systems. The agri-food sector accounts for approximately 30% of global GHG emissions. Incorporating edible insects into the food system may contribute to addressing this environmental challenge. 🔗 The study cited can be found in the comments below. *** 📌 Information, news and trends about the Insect Industry → Insect Academy #BlackSoldierFly #InsectProtein #InsectIndustry

❗ Europe's most important congress on insects as food and feed is coming! The IPIFF (International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed) represents the EU's insect production industry for food and feed use. Their annual event gathers Europe's top researchers, executives, and stakeholders in the insect industry. This year’s event is titled “Science meets Agriculture”. Among the topics that will be discussed are: • The European insect producing sector policy priorities for 2024-2029 • Opportunities for creating circular and bio-based economies • Cooperation between different EU policies 👉 You can get early bird passes until 31 October, which include: → Networking dinner on November 20 → On-site lunch on November 21 → All organizational expenses → Coffee breaks 🔗 Register here today! https://lnkd.in/e2Be59xd *** 📌 Follow Insect Academy for the latest news on the Insects as Food and Feed Industry #InsectIndustry #BlackSoldierFly #InsectProtein

🐛 Ever heard of the palm weevil larva? We're continuing our celebration of World Edible Insect Day with a crowd favorite. • Rich in protein • Contains beneficial fatty acids • Packed with vitamins and minerals Palm weevil larvae are consumed in various tropical regions, particularly in: → Western and Central Africa (e.g., Congo, Cameroon) → Southeast Asia (e.g., Thailand, Indonesia) → Latin America (e.g., Peru, Brazil) Discover how this insect can benefit local populations beyond its nutritional value! 📽️ Watch our new video. Have you ever tried palm larvae dishes? 👇 *** 📌 Information, news and trends about insects as food and feed → Insect Academy #EdibleInsect #InsectProtein #InsectFarming

🐛 As we celebrate World Edible Insect Day, I want to reflect on the importance of the Insect Industry. This day reminds us of the potential insects hold in providing sustainable and efficient sources of food and products. And it highlights their role in addressing the growing demand for alternative proteins and eco-friendly solutions. The Insect Industry provides: → Food for humans → Feed for pets, fish, poultry, and other animals → Ingredients for diverse industries like agriculture, cosmetics, and medicine → Solutions to problems such as organic waste management and resource efficiency The success of the Insect Industry depends on collaboration among scientists, entrepreneurs, businesses, and governments, with a focus on human and environmental well-being. This day is also an opportunity to congratulate all the actors who already collaborate within this industry. 👌 Happy World Edible Insect Day! #EdibleInsect

We couldn't decide which insect to showcase So we chose the most representative ones from the world of edible insects. Today, October 23rd, marks World Edible Insect Day. A celebration to raise awareness about the benefits of insects as sustainable sources of food, feed, and non-food ingredients. 🐛 What insects appear in the images and why are we featuring them? → First, meet the superstar of the edible insect world: the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens). Its larvae excel at devouring organic waste and converting it into various valuable ingredients: • Protein for animals • Fertilizer for crops • Compounds for cosmetics → Second, a classic of ancestral entomophagy or insect consumption: the palm weevil larva (including various beetle species). This larva is considered a delicacy in tropical regions of Latin America, Africa, and Asia. The most popular preparation method is frying, which imparts a flavor reminiscent of grilled meat. → Third, a sampling of three insects both traditionally appreciated and valued in the modern edible insect industry: • Yellow mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) • House crickets (Acheta domesticus) • Locusts (Locusta migratoria) These are favorites among Western audiences and are also used as ingredients in sustainable, nutritious animal feed. World Edible Insect Day aims to highlight the role edible insects can play in addressing global challenges such as: ✅ Food security ✅ Environmental sustainability ✅ The need for alternative protein sources While this day doesn't have an official start date or governing body, it has been embraced by many companies, universities, and sustainability advocates. The exact origin remains unclear, though unconfirmed sources suggest it was introduced in 2015. Regardless, let's seize this opportunity to remind ourselves of the value of edible insects. To researchers, business people, entrepreneurs, and insect enthusiasts… 🪰 Happy World Edible Insect Day! *** 📌 Let's keep spreading the word about edible insects! → Insect Academy #EdibleInsect

🪰 Curious about the insect industry? These upcoming events are for you⁠: 1 WEBINAR: "Production and use of edible insects in Latin America" • October 23, 2024 • Organized by Karol B. Barragán-Fonseca 👉 More information → https://lnkd.in/dRaKNeXU 2 WEBINAR: “Insects as Part of One Health: Recognizing the Fundamental Connection Between Human, Animal, and Environmental Health” • October 30, 2024 • Organized by ByBug 👉 More information → https://lnkd.in/dXStUQJf 3 CONGRESS: “Science meets Agriculture: IPIFF Annual Congress” • November 21, 2024 • Organized by IPIFF (International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed) 👉 More information → https://lnkd.in/dZCqW9rg 💡 The events will cover various topics related to the insect production sector, such as: → Black soldier fly larvae production → Biotechnological applications with insects → The European Union's insect protein industry For more details on each event, check out the links provided above. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask in the comments section. *** 📌 Every day I share news and information about the insect industry on Insect Academy #InsectProtein #BlackSoldierFly #EdibleInsect

🪰 October 23rd is World Edible Insect Day 5 reasons to celebrate this date. ⤵️ 1) SUSTAINABILITY Insects can require fewer resources (land, water, feed) than traditional livestock, making them an eco-friendly protein source. 2) NUTRITIONAL VALUE Edible insects are packed with protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. 3) GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY As the world's population grows, insects offer a viable alternative protein source to help meet future food demands. 4) CULTURAL HERITAGE Many cultures worldwide have a rich history of consuming insects. This day recognizes and promotes these traditional practices. 5) INNOVATION The celebration highlights modern applications of insects in food, feed, fertilizers, cosmetics, and even energy production. 📆 Origin of World Edible Insect Day World Edible Insects Day on October 23 doesn't have an official start date. Though there is no official governing body for this day, it has been embraced by many companies, universities, and sustainability advocates. The date's exact origin is unclear, though unconfirmed sources suggest it was introduced in 2015. 👉 Have information about this date's origin? We'd love to hear from you! *** 💻 At Insect Academy we'll celebrate World Edible Insect Day with 2 free webinars! 🔗Links in the comments.