LAUSR

Abstract The present research studied the effect of different killing methods on various quality attributes of the house cricket (Acheta domesticus) powder: physicochemical traits (pH, colour, radical scavenging activity, browning index, protein oxidation), nutritional profile (proximate composition), in vitro human digestibility, and oxidative stability of lipids during storage. With this purpose, seven different killing methods were compared: blanching (40 s at 100 °C), steaming (2 min 15 s), freezing (2 h 10 min at −20 °C), carbon dioxide (2 h 7 min at 25 °C), vacuum (1 h 35 min at 25 °C), plastic bag (3 h 1 min at 25 °C), and carbon dioxide + blanching (40 min carbon dioxide at 25 °C + 40 s blanching). All killing methods reduced the radical scavenging activity (p  Industrial relevance The present study provides new insights on the impact of the killing method on the final quality of cricket powder, a versatile, nutrient-rich food. The choice of the most appropriate method, together with its industrial implementation, are fundamental aspects to guarantee satisfactory quality standards and consumer's health.