Nutritional aspects of Gryllus bimaculatus: an alternative traditional food in tribal communities in Assam, India

Edible insects are an affordable source of protein and a traditional super food for tribal communities in Northeast India and abroad. The insects like silkworm pupae, giant water bugs, grasshoppers, termites, and crickets are being popular delicacy which are eaten fried, roasted, or in form of chutney. Insect consumption as a substitute for conventional diets is linked to global food security. Insects, particularly crickets are rich in nutrients and can serve as alternative sources of proteins, lipids, and micronutrients. The present study recorded significantly higher (p0.05) were observed in values of protein and carbohydrate content in both male and female samples of the species. This study investigated the antioxidant properties of G. bimaculatus obtained from a local market in Assam, India. The results showed high antioxidant activity, with total phenolic content recorded as 65.32±1.28 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100g, total flavonoid content as 18.06±1.08 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/100g, and DPPH radical scavenging activity as 85.42±2.15%. The findings of this work support G. bimaculatus as a valuable and health-promoting alternative nutrient source for animal feed.