Basic information of dried mealworms

• ask: How are dried mealworms made?
  • answerGenerally, the mealworms are cleaned and disinfected, and then microwave-dried to remove moisture.useMicrowave drying equipmentThe water molecules in the mealworms are vibrated at high frequencies, which rapidly heats up the material. The heat is transferred from the inside to the outside, achieving rapid drying.。
• ask: What colors are there for dried mealworms?
  • answer: High-quality dried mealworms are usually golden or light yellow. If the color is too dark, it may be over-dried or stored for a long time; if the color is too light, it may be incompletely dried or the mealworms themselves are of poor quality.
• ask: What is the shape of dried mealworms?
  • answerDried mealworms basically retain the shape of living mealworms, which are elongated cylindrical, with obvious segmentation, a small head and a slightly pointed tail.

Nutritional value of dried mealworms

• ask: What nutrients does dried mealworms contain?
  • answerDried mealworms are rich in protein, with the content generally above 50%. They also contain fat, multiple amino acids, vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B1, B2, E and iron, zinc, selenium, etc.
• ask: What is the difference between the protein in dried mealworms and other common protein sources?
  • answerThe amino acid composition of dried mealworm protein is relatively reasonable, similar to that of animal protein, and contains 8 essential amino acids for the human body, especially a high content of lysine. It has more nutritional advantages than plant protein and can be used as a high-quality source of protein supplement.
• ask: What effect does the fat content of dried mealworms have on the human body?
  • answer: Dried mealworms have a moderate fat content, with a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, which helps lower blood cholesterol levels and is beneficial to cardiovascular health. However, excessive consumption may lead to excessive calorie intake and increase the risk of health problems such as obesity.

Uses of Dried Mealworms

• ask: What role does dried mealworms play in pet breeding?
  • answer：Dried mealworms are high-quality feed for many pets, such as birds, reptiles, fish, etc. It can provide pets with rich protein and energy, help pets grow and develop, enhance immunity, and increase pets' appetite.
• ask: Can dried mealworms be used as human food?
  • answerYes, in some areas, dried mealworms are processed into various foods, such as mealworm biscuits, mealworm protein powder, etc. After reasonable processing, they have a crispy taste and rich nutrition. However, at present, edible mealworms are not popular in China, and they are more often seen in some specialty restaurants or health food fields.
• ask: What are the uses of dried mealworms in agriculture?
  • answer: Dried mealworms can be used as high-quality organic fertilizers. After being crushed and applied to the soil, they can increase soil fertility, improve soil structure, and promote plant growth. In addition, some ingredients in dried mealworms also have a certain insect repellent effect, which helps reduce crop diseases and insect pests.

Storage and purchase of dried mealworms

• ask: How to store dried mealworms?
  • answerDried mealworms should be placed in a dry, ventilated, cool place away from direct sunlight. It is best to put them in a sealed bag or sealed container to prevent moisture, mold and insect damage. If conditions permit, they can also be refrigerated to extend the shelf life.
• ask: What should you pay attention to when purchasing dried mealworms?
  • answer: Choose dried mealworms with uniform color, no odor, no mold, and intact insect bodies. At the same time, pay attention to the product's production date, shelf life, manufacturer and other information, and try to choose regular channels to purchase to ensure product quality and safety.
• ask: How long is the shelf life of dried mealworms?
  • answer: Under normal storage conditions, the shelf life of dried mealworms is generally 6-12 months. However, if the storage environment is improper, such as humidity, high temperature, etc., the shelf life may be shortened.

Safety of Dried Mealworms

• ask: Will eating dried mealworms cause an allergic reaction?
  • answer：Some people may be allergic to dried mealworms, and may experience allergic symptoms such as itchy skin, redness and swelling, difficulty breathing, gastrointestinal discomfort, etc. If you are allergic, it is best to try a small amount before eating to observe whether there is an allergic reaction.
• ask: Will there be any drug residues in the breeding process of dried mealworms?
  • answer：If a large amount of antibiotics, pesticides and other drugs are used in the breeding process of mealworms, there may be drug residues. Therefore, when purchasing dried mealworms, choose products from regular breeding farms with guaranteed quality to reduce the risk of drug residues.
• ask: Does dried mealworms contain excessive microorganisms?
  • answer: If the sanitary conditions of dried mealworms are not up to standard during processing and storage, there may be excessive microorganisms, such as bacteria and mold. Therefore, you should pay attention to choosing hygienic products and carry out appropriate treatment before eating or using them, such as high-temperature disinfection.