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Physico‐chemical characterisation of a non‐conventional food protein source from earthworms and sensory impact in arepas
Author(s) -
Cayot Nathalie,
Cayot Philippe,
BouMaroun Elias,
Laboure Hélène,
AbadRomero Beatriz,
Pernin Karine,
SellerAlvarez Nuria,
Hernández Ayary V.,
Marquez Elil,
Medina Ana L.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
international journal of food science and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.831
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1365-2621
pISSN - 0950-5423
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2621.2009.02074.x
Subject(s) - organoleptic , hexanal , chemistry , food science , sensory analysis , solubility , organic chemistry
Summary This study aimed to characterise a non‐conventional protein source: a powder made from earthworms, and to evaluate its potential use as human food. The way it was prepared led to low solubility and wide particle size distribution. Sensory analysis was used to assess the acceptability and the organoleptic properties of maize‐based pan‐cakes fortified with this novel protein powder. Satisfying products were obtained with a substitution level of 5.5% (w/w) earthworm powder in pan‐cakes. GC‐MS allowed the identification of more than seventy volatile compounds that may be responsible for the off‐odour of the powder. The most abundant chemical groups found in the volatile fraction were ketones with undecan‐2‐one, alcohols with pentan‐1‐ol, and aldehydes with hexanal. Partial delipidation was tested as a way to improve the organoleptic quality of the powder. It clearly led to less intensely coloured samples but delipidation must be optimised to have an impact on odour.