Abstract A partial substitution of wheat flour with potato flour processed by various procedures was used to determine an optimal potato pretreatment method for noodle processing. Wheat flour was substituted with 10%, 30%, and 50% potato flour. Potato flour (PF) was processed using two different methods, including freeze‐drying (FD) and low‐temperature blanching, then oven drying (LTB_OD). The results showed that substituting wheat flour with freeze‐dried (FD) flour (44.29 μm) significantly decreased the mean particle size of the blended flour, while LTB_OD flour (223.09 μm) increased the mean particle size. The pasting properties of wheat flour significantly improved when potato flour was added, with FD flour blends having the highest results. The highest dough development time (14.46 min) was attained when LTB_OD potato flour was substituted up to 50%. The microstructure images showed a poor and discontinuous gluten framework when potato flour content reached 50%. Adding potato flour decreased noodles' brightness (L*) while increasing their yellowness (b*). Noodles made from wheat and LTB_OD flour blends resulted in the highest cooking loss. The texture properties of noodles deteriorated when potato flour content reached 30%. Substituting up to 30% with freeze‐dried flour and 10% LTB_OD resulted in noodles with the highest overall liking scores. The study suggests that for optimal noodle processing, substituting wheat flour with FD potato flour is more favorable than using LTB_OD, as it improves particle size, pasting properties, and overall liking scores while minimizing adverse effects on texture and cooking loss.

Edible insects are perceived as an incredible opportunity to mitigate the major challenge of sustainably producing healthy foods for a growing world population in the face of climate change uncertainties over the coming decade. In this study, we assessed the nutrient composition and sensory properties of Acheta domesticus, Apis mellifera, Gnathocera trivittata, Gryllotalpa africana, Imbrasia epimethea, Imbrasia oyemensis, Locusta migratoria, Macrotermes subhylanus, Nomadacris septemfasciata, Rhyncophorus phoenicis, Ruspolia differens and Rhynchophorus ferrugineus consumed in Eastern D. R. Congo. The investigated edible insects are highly appreciated and nutritious, with proteins (20.67–43.93 g/100 g) and fats (14.53–36.02 g/100 g) being the major macro-nutrients, proving their potential to improve diets through food enrichment. The high potassium (24–386.67 mg/100 g), sodium (152–257.82 mg/100 g), magnesium (32–64 mg/100 g), iron (5.3–16.13 mg/100 g), calcium (25–156.67 mg/100 g) and zinc (11–19.67 mg/100 g) content make the assessed edible insects a useful mineral-containing ingredient for preventing undernutrition in countries which are plagued by micronutrient deficiencies. A scatter plot of matrices and Pearson’s correlations between sensory attributes and nutritional composition showed a negative correlation (r = − 0.45) between protein and appearance. While no strong correlation was observed between nutritional attributes and sensory acceptance, a positive correlation was observed between potassium and aroma (r = 0.50), after-taste (r = 0.50) and acceptability (r = 0.52). Principal component analysis results indicated that the two axes accounted for up to 97.4% of the observed variability in the nutrient composition and sensory attributes of commonly consumed edible insects in the Eastern D. R. Congo. Given the significant delicacy and nutritional potential of edible insects highlighted in this paper, households can rely on the latter to meet their nutritional needs rather than conventional livestock, thus contributing to environmental and financial security through local business opportunities.

Background Located in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (South-Kivu), Kalehe and Idjwi are two relatively unexplored territories with little to no research on edible insects even though anthropo-entomophagy practice is widespread. This study therefore aimed at exploring the biodiversity, perception, consumption, availability, host plants, harvesting techniques, and processing techniques of edible insects. Methods Data were collected through a field survey using three techniques, namely structured interviews, direct observations, and insect collection and taxonomy. A total of 260 respondents, 130 in each territory, were interviewed. The field survey focused on inventorying commonly edible insects as well as recording consumer preferences, preference factors, seasonal availability, host plants, harvesting techniques, and processing and preservation methods. Samples for taxonomic characterization were preserved in 70% alcohol. Results Nine edible insects, namely Ruspolia differens Serville 1838, Gryllotalpa Africana Palisot de Beauvois 1805 , Locusta migratoria Linnaeus 1758, Macrotermes subhyalinus Rambur 1842, Gnathocera trivittata Swederus 1787, Rhynchophorus phoenicis Fabricius 1801, Vespula spp. Linnaeus 1758, Apis mellifera Linnaeus 1758, and Imbrasia oyemensis Rougeot 1955, were recorded as being consumed either as larvae, pupae, and adults. Ruspolia differens and M. subhyalinus were reported as the most preferred by consumers in the studied territories. A scatter plot of matrices and Pearson's correlations showed a negative correlation between preference based on taste, size, and shape, as well as perceived nutritional value. Their seasonal availability differs from one species to another and correlated with host plants availability. Harvesting techniques and processing and preservation methods depend on species, local knowledge, and practices. Conclusion The huge edible insect diversity observed in Kalehe and Idjwi is evidence of anthropo-entomophagy practices in the area. In addition to being an important delicacy and traditional foods, edible insects can contribute to food, environmental, and financial security through local business opportunities. Households can rely on edible insects to meet their nutritional needs instead of conventional livestock. Indigenous practices and technologies used for harvesting, processing, and preserving edible insects must be improved to meet international standards to increase the market and capitalize on the economic potential of edible insects.

In response to growing food demand, edible insects are perceived as an opportunity to alleviate food insecurity. With its wide edible insects’ biodiversity, the Democratic Republic of Congo is one of Africa’s most critical entomophagous. This study aimed at giving a first insight on inventory showing diversity, perception, consumption, availability, host plants, harvesting techniques and processing techniques of edible insects in South-Kivu, DRC. It recorded twenty-three edible insects belonging to nine families and five orders, some of which are consumed in the larval, adult, egg and pupa stages. Rhyncophorus phoenicis , Alphitobius diaperinus , Macrotermes subhyalinus and Acheta domesticus were the most preferred edible insects in Fizi Territory, Ruspolia differens and Apis mellifera larvae in Kabare Territory, Imbrasia oyemensis , Imbrasia epimethea , Rhynchophorus ferrugineus and Rhyncophorus phoenicis in Mwenga Territory, Ruspolia differens , Macrotermes subhyalinus , Gryllotalpa africana , Nsike, Nomadacris septemfasciata and A. mellifera larvae in Walungu Territory. Ruspolia differens , I. oyemensis , A. mellifera larvae, G. africana and Nsike, were preferred for their taste. Acheta domesticus , A. diaperinus and A. mellifera larvae were abundant throughout the year, while others were only available for 9 months or less per year. Numerous plants have been recorded as their hosts, including plants used for food and income. Harvesting strategies and period, processing methods and preservation techniques depend on insect species, local knowledge and practices. These findings suggest similar and thorough studies on entomophagy across the country while encouraging the rearing of edible insects to address their existing high demand and environmental concerns.

Aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination was assessed in different samples along the maize value chain in different territories of South Kivu province. Kabare and Ruzizi Plain were chosen as they represent two different agroecological areas where maize is mostly produced. Twelve districts and one town were selected across the province. The stakeholders were randomly selected, and 215 maize (139 maize grain and 76 maize flour) samples were taken for laboratory analysis. The Q + kit was used to determine the total aflatoxins and fumonisins. Three categories of maize were examined: freshly harvested dry maize, stored maize (maize stored for 3 months ±1.5 month) and market maize. Aflatoxin was found in 100% of the maize samples with the least content of 0.3 µg/kg detected in freshly harvested dry maize with mean 3.2+0.3 and levels ranging from 0.3 to 18.5 µg/kg. The average level of aflatoxin in stored grain samples was 97.9±182 µg/kg within a range of 1.16 to 841.5 µg/kg, and the mean level of aflatoxin in stored flour was 148.9±164.5 µg/kg with levels ranging from 2.05 to 905.1 µg/kg. The mean level of aflatoxin maize collected from the market was 95.1 ±164 µg/kg, with levels ranging from 1 to 823.2 µg/kg. Almost all the maize flour collected from the three areas had a high contamination level that exceeded the maximum tolerable limit of 10 µg/kg. Fumonisin was detected in all samples. However, the levels of fumonisin do not follow a specific trend with the duration of storage. The freshly harvested dry maize concentration was 2.4±5.1 µg/g, with levels ranging from 0.03 to 20.9µg/g. About 37% of freshly harvested maize samples contaminated by fumonisin exceeded the maximum tolerable limit of 4 µg/kg. There was a difference between total fumonisin in grain and flour; the average level of fumonisin in stored maize grain was 1.4±0.9 µg/g with levels ranging from 0.18- 4.7 µg/g while in flour, the level was 2.1±1.3 µg/g with levels ranging from 0.3-4.5 µg/g. Almost all the maize samples collected from the three areas had a degree of contamination that did not exceed the maximum tolerable limit of 4 µg/g. These results indicate that the two mycotoxin levels, particularly aflatoxin, were high in the different samples collected at specific nodes. Therefore, preventing mycotoxins accumulation in maize by post-harvest prevention of contamination and growth of toxigenic moulds by promoting proper grain drying and storage should be encouraged among the actors of the maize value chain. Key words: Aflatoxins, Fumonisins, Food value chain, Maize, South Kivu

Numerous mushroom bioactive metabolites, including polysaccharides, eritadenine, lignin, chitosan, mevinolin, and astrakurkurone have been studied in life-threatening conditions and diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular, hypertension, cancer, DNA damage, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity attempting to identify natural therapies. These bioactive metabolites have shown potential as antiviral and immune system strengthener natural agents through diverse cellular and physiological pathways modulation with no toxicity evidence, widely available, and inexpensive. In light of the emerging literature, this paper compiles the most recent information describing the molecular mechanisms that underlie the nutraceutical potentials of these mushroom metabolites suggesting their effectiveness if combined with existing drug therapies while discussing the food functionality of mushrooms. The findings raise hope that these mushroom bioactive metabolites may be utilized as natural therapies considering their therapeutic potential while anticipating further research designing clinical trials and developing new drug therapies while encouraging their consumption as a natural adjuvant in preventing and controlling life-threatening conditions and diseases. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Diabetes, cardiovascular, hypertension, cancer, DNA damage, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity are among the world's largest life-threatening conditions and diseases. Several mushroom bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, eritadenine, lignin, chitosan, mevinolin, and astrakurkurone have been found potential in tackling these diseases through diverse cellular and physiological pathways modulation with no toxicity evidence, suggesting their use as nutraceutical foods in preventing and controlling these life-threatening conditions and diseases.

Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM) and micronutrient deficiencies are currently the most important nutritional problem in most countries. The use of mushroom flours is limited due to limited knowledge about their functional and their interactions. Nutritional and functional properties of mushroom (Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus ostreatus) flours and their blends with maize flour were investigated using standard analytical techniques and Pearson correlations. In this study, maize flour was replaced with mushroom flours at different levels; a control sample (0%), 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% of mushroom flour. Protein content of maize flour increased with increased mushroom flour content from 6.9% to 15.87 % (A. bisporus) up to 19.32% (P. ostreatus). The mineral content increased from 2.84 – 8.74mg/100g and 3.13 – 5.41 mg/100g for iron and zinc in the composite flours. A significant increase in fiber (0.53-5.89%) and Ash (1.33-6.59%) was observed. Fat, moisture, carbohydrates and energy did not increase. It was observed a positive significant linear effect (p≤0.05) in the composite flours on foaming capacity, foam stability, fat absorption capacity, water retention capacity, water absorption capacity, solubility index and swelling capacity and a negative linear effect on compact density, bulk density and syneresis was found. Gelation capacity, emulsifying activity and emulsions stability of the maize flour in blend were not affected with adding P. ostreatus, while a slight decrease was observed with adding A. bisporus. These results suggested that these nutrient rich mushroom flours under investigation could serve as useful protein supplements and food fortification.