Tessaratoma javanica and Coridius singhalanus in the practice of entomophagy in Nagaland: an assessment of their nutritional quality

Abstract

Background A survey was executed to estimate the extent of entomophagy practiced by the tribal population in Nagaland. From the survey, two consumed stink bugs, namely Tessaratoma javanica and Coridius singhalanus, were assessed. Nutrient contents were assessed following the AOAC guidelines and elements were quantised using ICP-OES. Results About 55% of the people surveyed consumed T. javanica, and 49% were consumers of C. singhalanus. The survey also indicated that the non-consumer respondents did not have any aversion towards the consumption of these insects. Biochemical analysis revealed that except for carbohydrate and moisture contents, all the other evaluated parameters (ash, crude fats, crude protein, and fibre content) were found to be comparatively higher in C. singhalanus, although the difference was significant (p ≤ 0.05) only for crude fat, carbohydrate, and fibre content. Trace elements analysis revealed that calcium (107.74 ± 0.213 mg/100 g), iron (22.17 ± 0.080 mg/100 g), and sodium (120.34 ± 0.214 mg/100 g) contents were significantly higher in T. javanica, whereas magnesium (76.06 ± 0.166 mg/100 g) content was significantly higher in C. singhalanus. Conclusions Both the bugs show good nutritive contents and are liked for their distinctive smell and flavour.