Preliminary Study of the Physico-Chemical and Nutritional Composition of the Flesh of Giant Snails in Kinshasa (DRC)

The objective of this study is to determine the physicochemical composition and mineral content of the flesh of giant snails. Forty-six mature snails from the Baramoto market were analyzed. Morphological analysis identified two species: Achatina balteata and Achatina weynsi. Regarding nutrient and mineral salt composition, the results show that protein content is slightly higher in the flesh of the first species (78.7 ± 0.5%) compared to the second species (77.5 ± 0.5%). The fat content is low in both cases, but slightly higher in the second species (6.76 ± 0.27%) than in the first (5.9 ± 0.3%). On the other hand, ash content is higher in Achatina weynsi (15.2 ± 0.4%) than in Achatina balteata (13.6 ± 0.4%). Calcium is more abundant in the flesh of Achatina balteata (123.14 ± 3.7 mg/100 g) than in Achatina weynsi (115.44 ± 3.8 mg/100 g). Iron, copper, zinc, manganese, and iodine are present in small amounts in the flesh of both species, unlike other minerals such as potassium and magnesium, which are present in more substantial quantities. Thus, these two species represent a protein and micronutrient-rich food resource for human consumption. The low fat content makes the flesh of these two species an excellent dietary food.