PROXIMAL DETERMINATION OF NUTRITIONAL COMPONENTS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF THE TYPE OF FATTY ACIDS IN THE LIPID CONTENT OF THE CATZO (Platycoelia lutescens)

Abstract

The purpose of this research project was to determine the nutritional value and characterize the lipid content of the catzo of the species Platycoelia lutescens collected in Cayambe and Pedro Moncayo cantons in the Pichincha Province of Ecuador. The 4 locations where the samples were collected are: Tocachi, Chaupiloma, Paquiestancia, Cubinche; areas where the beetle is traditionally prepared, consumed and marketed. During the months of October, November and December, the considered edible beetle of the inter-Andean region presents its highest population peak of the year, in these winter months this endemic species emerges to the surface to reproduce and local collect them. In order to achieve the methodological purpose of the present investigation, previously collectedsamples were prepared, separating limbs and wings because this is the form of consumption of the beetle; the physicochemical parameters of: humidity, ash, carbohydrates, protein and fat were analyzed and an extraction of the lipid fraction was carried out. Within the characterization of the extracted fat, the lipid profile was made by gas chromatography. It was determined that the species Platycoelia lutescens has an important content of protein and fat in the four localities analyzed, and this content differs significantly between each locality; Physicochemical parameters such as humidity and ash presented similar values between each locality, while in the lipid content, presence of unsaturated fatty acids (omega 6 and 9) was determined with significant difference between each locality.