Maximizing the protein and fat recovery in black soldier fly larvae: a comparative study of drying methods

The black soldier flies (BSF, Hermetia illucens ) have become a novel and sustainable source of micronutrients, lipids, protein, and chitin. Because they are voracious eaters, larvae turn a variety of organic waste into useful resources like protein feed for fish, pigs, and chickens. Larvae of black soldier flies can be composted in addition to being used as animal feed. The purpose of this study was to compare several drying techniques for black soldier fly larvae in order to provide high-quality results. A microwave oven, solar tunnel dryer, tray drier, sun drying, and drum roasting were the five methods used to dry the adult larvae. Different time and temperature interactions are used in each method. According to the results, the drum roasting method recovered more crude protein and crude fat (32.72 and 48.52%, respectively). Following fat extraction, the maximum amount of fat was removed, increasing the crude protein level to 49.17%. Given that the crude protein recovery was lower under both normal and defatted conditions (26.48 ± 0.36% and 42.97 ± 0.74%); the solar tunnel drying method was the least popular of all the drying techniques. Thus, without compromising the nutritional value of BSFL meant for use as animal feed, our study indicates that the drum roasting process is superior to conventional drying techniques.