Cricket flour (or cricket powder) is a protein-rich powder made from crickets, using various processes. Cricket flour differs from true flours made from grains by being composed mainly of protein rather than starches and dietary fiber.
Nutritional information
Cricket flour contains nutrients such as the nine essential amino acids, calcium, iron, potassium, vitamin B12, B2, and fatty acids.
Food safety and processing
When cultivated for human consumption in Western nations, insects are held to the same safety requirements as any other food.
Depending on the popularity in a given location, processing might be done commercially or locally. The procedure begins with the removal of the insect's insides, albeit this step is optional. They are then dispatched to be preserved or freeze-dried, which is accomplished using hessian or polypropylene. They are transported for storage once they have been entirely preserved/dried. Insects can be frozen or ground into powders.
Cricket flour is produced from freeze-dried crickets. The crickets are then cooked to facilitate processing. They are pulverised into extremely fine bits after being cooked. The freezing, baking, and drying results in a powdered dark brown flour.
Cost
Prices can vary depending on location, but the average cost of cricket flour is around $40 per pound (4,200 to 4,800 crickets). This price is inflated due to limited commercializing and processors.
Food products with cricket flour
Pulverized freeze-dried crickets are used in processed food products, such as:
- pasta
- bread
- cookies
- snacks (chips, nachos)
- smoothies
Cricket flour can be utilized as a complete replacement for flour. The taste is described as very nutty, and foods normally prepared with wheat flour may cook differently.
Insect energy bar made with processed crickets as ingredient
Insect snacks (bites) with cultivated cricket flour and oat
Potential Risks
The consumption of crickets and cricket flour may carry the risk of triggering an allergic reaction in people with shellfish and dust mite allergies. There is also a risk of exposure to pathogens if proper safety guidelines are not followed by manufacturers.
See also