Abstract

Five locally available seasonal delicacies in Malawi were analysed for their nutrient content. The five delicacies included three insect types, one bird and a plant tuber. The proximate analysis using standard methods of analysis showed that Nomadacris septemdasciata (insect) has the highest protein content (69.78±2.0%) followed very closely by Passer difusus (bird) (67.59±1.2%). The protein content of the Nomadacris septemdasciata and Passer difusus is significantly differently from the rest of the food items. In the case of fat content, the results showed that Carebara vidua (insect) has significantly the highest amount (33.38±0.3%). The mineral analysis indicated that Passer difusus (bird) (516.68 ±8.6 mg/100 g) has significantly the highest amount of phosphorus followed by that of Homorocoryphus vicinus (insect) (359.53 ±6.2 mg/100 g). For Iron, Satyrium buchanii (plant) has significantly the highest content (37.31±1.4 mg/100 g). These results showed that consumption of the seasonal edible insects, birds and plants can provide the much-needed nutrients for proper growth throughout the year.

Key words: Nutrient, seasonal delicacy, edible insects, diet, food insecurity.