Mealworm Oil Production by Solvent Extraction and Pressing

ABSTRACT

This study demonstrates the pilot‐scale recovery and refining of a mealworm‐derived lipid fraction using two nonequivalent processing workflows. Under the conditions examined, the workflows produced different apparent gravimetric yields and oil‐quality measurements. In the first workflow, mealworms were blanched and either processed directly by oven drying and solvent extraction or stored at −20°C before processing. Solvent extraction yielded approximately 27% oil. Oil from frozen mealworms showed higher acid and peroxide values. In the second workflow, blanched mealworms were fluid‐bed dried and mechanically pressed yielding approximately 15% oil. Solvent extraction of the press cake gave higher acid values. Refining lowered acid and peroxide values, phosphorus content, and produced pale oils. The results indicate the importance of processing conditions for optimizing yield and oil quality. While solvent extraction offered the highest recovery, mechanical pressing provides a solvent‐free alternative. Given the environmental concerns associated with some conventional vegetable oils, mealworm oil represents a promising sustainable alternative. Mealworms can be reared locally year‐round with limited land, water, and environmental requirements. Refined mealworm oil could potentially serve as a viable substitute for vegetable oils in technical applications; however, further analytical and application‐specific testing is required before suitability for commercial use can be established.