EFFECT OF CRICKET (Acheta domesticus) FLOUR ADDITION IN MIXTURES POWDER TO OBTAIN A TRADITIONAL BEVERAGE (CHUCULA) ON PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS.

Since ancient times, the chucula has been prepared in Colombia, consumed as a traditional dairy beverage made with cacao powder, cacao, panela, milk and mixed flours of legumes and cereals. Insects are a nutritionally interesting material, and inclusion in the human diet can be a good proposal. Edible insects were found as good sources of proteins, energy, vitamins, and minerals. The aim of this study was to add cricket (Acheta domesticus) flour to dried mixtures of chucula to obtain a mixture with higher protein content without altering the typical properties of the traditional product. An experimental design with 3 factors (cricket flour, cacao and other flours) was performed. From this, 27 experiments were carried out. The water and protein content, particle size, water solubility and water absorption index, and colour of samples were determined. All samples presented water content values less than or equal to 3%, typical of this type of product. Crude protein content increased significantly with increasing cricket flour content. The particle size of the samples with lower cocoa contents were higher, however those with lower cricket flour contents were lower. The water absorption and solubility indices were not affected by the 3 factors in the ranges studied. The sample with lower content of the generic flours presented lower luminosity values, that is, they were darker. The sample with the highest cocoa content in its formulation showed more orange-reddish tones compared to the rest. The addition of cricket flour can be an alternative to increase the protein content in powdered chucula without altering its traditional characteristics. According to results, 7% of cricket flour, 25% of cacao and 68% of general flour was recommended to improve the final product.