Edible Palm Weevil Larvae Nutritional Values.

The African palm weevil is a species of beetles called Rhynchophorus phoenicis whose larvae are usually harvested from the trunks of dead palm trees in which the beetles lay their eggs. They are edible and are eaten in different parts of the world, including parts of Nigeria where they can be a delicacy.These larvae are fleshy and highly nutritious.

Below are some of the reasons why they make a good addition to the diet of the people who consume them.

• They have high protein content with adequate levels of amino acids like valine, methionine, histidine, alanine, tryptophan, proline, etc.
• They have high fat content with essential fatty acids like linoleic and linoleic acids present. They have higher content of unsaturated fatty acids than saturated fatty acids.
• They are sources of minerals like potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, iron and calcium.
  

Edible palm weevil larvae are usually eaten boiled, roasted, smoked, fried or dried. They are used as parts of meals or snacks. They are cheap and available anywhere palm trees grow.