Chemical composition and nutritional profile of cicada (Meimuna opalifera Walker) at different developmental stages: Implications for functional food applications

•Cicadas have different protein, fat, and fiber amounts in each growth stage.•Nymph contains the highest levels of tocopherols, γ-oryzanol, and polyphenols.•Essential amino acid levels in cicadas show a progressive increase with maturity.•EPA is present in all samples, with the highest concentration in nymphs. This investigation explored chemical changes in cicadas during their developmental stages (nymph, late nymph, and adult). Tocopherols (α, δ, γ) were found at a total content of 13.7 mg/g, while γ-oryzanol was observed at 2.6 mg/g, with nymphs having the highest levels, followed by late nymphs and adults. Essential amino acids increased progressively with maturation, with methionine being the predominant amino acid in all samples. The index of essential amino acids in each tissue was as follows: adult (0.36), late nymph (0.33), and nymph (0.12). Eicosapentaenoic acid concentrations varied from 230 mg/100 g in adults to 880 mg/100 g in nymphs. Protein analysis using the Protein Simple Jess system revealed a molecular weight distribution ranging from 10 to 75 kDa, accounting for approximately 70 % of the total protein content. These findings offer valuable insights for incorporating cicadas as functional food ingredients, diversifying food product formulations.