Neither bones nor bones. A guide to the new proteins that are making Europe debate

Chapter 10: “The silkworm: Italian circular economy”

Authors: Marco Ceriani

Published: 2018

Publishing House: goWare

ISBN: 9788867979486

Language: Italian

Marco Ceriani promotes, in his book and also in a presentation at the 2015 expo, a circular economy system based on the silkworm, exploiting every part of this insect. Already a producer of insect protein-based sports supplements in the Netherlands, Ceriani is working with people interested in reviving sericulture in Ascoli Piceno. The introduction of new European regulations makes it possible to explore the potential of Bombyx Mori, known as the silkworm, in various sectors: fashion, cosmetics and human nutrition. The silkworm not only provides textile fiber but also offers a range of derived products, making it ideal for a circular economy system. This innovative management of the silkworm supply chain opens up new perspectives in industry and food, aiming for complete sustainability.

In Chapter 10 of his book he talks specifically about the PanSeta created in collaboration with the Belgian Embassy and at the Lodi Technology Park, Ceriani developed a panettone with 15 percent silkworm flour and 85 percent 00-type flour. The taste is delicate, with an aftertaste of vanilla. Silkworm flour, containing 70 percent protein, is obtained from the whole larvae, reduced to powder after strict controls. Silkworm protein is a clean and sustainable source of nutrients, rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids, and with minimal environmental impact. Althoughentomophagy is not yet widespread in the West, these new European regulations will change the food landscape. By authorizing the use of insects, they open up new perspectives for human nutrition, anticipating a possible revolution in the food industry and daily consumption habits.