Small-scale drying methods for Black Soldier Fly Larvae

Kaizen Management Solutions Pty Ltd

  • Project code: PRO-015759

  • Project stage: Closed

  • Project start date: Sunday, February 27, 2022

  • Project completion date: Saturday, April 1, 2023

  • National Priority: NEI - New and Emerging Industries - M4

Summary

There is a growing interest in the valorisation of food waste using black soldier fly (Hermetia Illucens) larvae. This is largely due to its omnivorous diet, short lifecycle and low environmental footprint when compared to other protein production methods. Black soldier fly larvae are attractive as a source of protein and fat for stock, aquaculture and pet feed. The food safety of black soldier fly larvae as a feed ingredient may be influenced by a range of factors including the postharvesting processing methods i.e., sanitising, drying and defatting. A sound understanding of these technologies is required to ensure safe and easy storage, transport and sales to end customers/consumers.

Program

New and Emerging Industries

Research Organisation

Kaizen Management Solutions Pty Ltd

Objective Summary

This project will compare three black soldier fly larval drying methods including, hot air drying, freeze-drying and microwave drying, and their potential impacts on nutrition, product safety and storage. 
Specifically, the objectives of this project include:

  • validating the efficacy of different drying technologies for the purpose of drying black soldier fly larvae
  • bringing attention to the product safety and quality impacts of different processing and handling processes for black soldier fly larvae products
  • improving the broader understanding of the risks/benefits of different drying technologies on the quality, safety and shelf-life of black soldier fly larvae.