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Will Yellow Mealworm Become a Source of Safe Proteins for Europe?

Author

Listed:
  • Anna Bordiean

    (Department of Plant Breeding and Seed Production, Faculty of Environmental Management and Agriculture, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Plac Łódzki 3, 10-724 Olsztyn, Poland)

  • Michał Krzyżaniak

    (Department of Plant Breeding and Seed Production, Faculty of Environmental Management and Agriculture, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Plac Łódzki 3, 10-724 Olsztyn, Poland)

  • Mariusz J. Stolarski

    (Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Plac Łódzki 3, 10-727 Olsztyn, Poland)

  • Stanisław Czachorowski

    (Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Plac Łódzki 3, 10-727 Olsztyn, Poland)

  • Dumitru Peni

    (Department of Plant Breeding and Seed Production, Faculty of Environmental Management and Agriculture, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Plac Łódzki 3, 10-724 Olsztyn, Poland)

Abstract

Continued population growth could lead to protein deficiency in the human diet. To counteract this risk, attempts are being made to identify new edible sources of protein. The aim of this paper was to review the existing literature and to analyse the current state of yellow mealworm ( Tenebrio molitor ) rearing for food and feed, especially in Europe. The yellow mealworm is the most widely bred and traded insect species in Europe that has high feed conversion ratio; 3.4 to 6.1 kg of feed ingested per kg of harvested larvae. Mealworms could compete with livestock due to their high protein and fat content and low environmental impact. Mealworms have been extensively researched as a source of feed for animals, including poultry, fish, pets and birds. Its nutrient content depends on the processing method, where thermal processing is least desirable. Mealworms are characterised by a high and variable microbial load which has to be reduced before consumption. The antibiotics, pesticides and other substances should also be analysed to ensure that mealworms are a safe protein source for human consumption. The nutritional benefits of mealworms have to be communicated to European consumers who are generally averse to eating insects.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Bordiean & Michał Krzyżaniak & Mariusz J. Stolarski & Stanisław Czachorowski & Dumitru Peni, 2020. "Will Yellow Mealworm Become a Source of Safe Proteins for Europe?," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-30, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:10:y:2020:i:6:p:233-:d:372777
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Craig A. Barnett & John Skelhorn & Melissa Bateson & Candy Rowe, 2012. "Educated predators make strategic decisions to eat defended prey according to their toxin content," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 23(2), pages 418-424.
    2. Premalatha, M. & Abbasi, Tasneem & Abbasi, Tabassum & Abbasi, S.A., 2011. "Energy-efficient food production to reduce global warming and ecodegradation: The use of edible insects," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 15(9), pages 4357-4360.
    3. Vaclav Smil, 2002. "Eating Meat: Evolution, Patterns, and Consequences," Population and Development Review, The Population Council, Inc., vol. 28(4), pages 599-639, December.
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Odunayo A. Toviho & Péter Bársony, 2022. "Nutrient Composition and Growth of Yellow Mealworm ( Tenebrio molitor ) at Different Ages and Stages of the Life Cycle," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(11), pages 1-11, November.
    2. Odunayo A. Toviho & Moutia Imane & Pusztahelyi Tünde & Bársony Péter, 2023. "Effect of Duckweed ( Spirodela polyrhiza )-Supplemented Semolina on the Production Parameters and Nutrient Composition of Yellow Mealworm ( Tenebrio molitor )," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-15, July.
    3. Anna Nogalska & Sebastian Wojciech Przemieniecki & Sławomir Józef Krzebietke & Dariusz Załuski & Agnieszka Kosewska & Małgorzata Skwierawska & Stanisław Sienkiewicz, 2022. "The Effect of Mealworm Frass on the Chemical and Microbiological Properties of Horticultural Peat in an Incubation Experiment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(1), pages 1-16, December.
    4. Anna Bordiean & Michał Krzyżaniak & Mariusz J. Stolarski & Dumitru Peni, 2020. "Growth Potential of Yellow Mealworm Reared on Industrial Residues," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-12, December.

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