Nutritional, functional, and safety characterization of the edible larva of the South American palm weevil (chontacuro) Rhynchophorus palmarum L. from Amazonian Ecuador

Edible insects represent a viable option to address the current need for nutritious, safe, and eco-friendly foods. People native to the Amazon region have a long-standing tradition of consuming edible insects that are relatively unknown elsewhere. This research aimed to characterize the chemical, nutritional, and microbiological composition of the edible larva of the palm weevil Rhynchophorus palmarum L. (chontacuro) from the Amazonian lowlands of Ecuador. The larvae proved to be rich in lipids (∼50 %), proteins (∼20 %), fiber (∼6 %), and oleic acid, one of their predominant fatty acids along with palmitic acid. The larvae are also rich in vitamins (B6, B9, A, and E) and are a source of β-carotene, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. No evidence of toxic elements (metals) or pathogenic microorganisms was observed. In general, chontacuro larvae proved to be a safe and nutritious food, managing to fully or partially cover several of the Dietary Reference Intakes for several nutrients.