Production of flour made from bullfrog’s meat and bone

Abstract Bullfrog meat marketed in Brazil has been gaining ground among the population due to its soft flavor, low calorie content, and high protein content. It is recommended for treating gastrointestinal and allergic diseases. This study aims to maximize the use of bullfrog carcass by applying a heating technology that enables the use of bones in gastronomy, which contain high calcium bioavailability, and represent about 40% of the product’s total weight. A meat-and-bone flour called Low Cost Alternative Food has been developed, which, in addition to being functional and rich in protein and calcium, presents similar flavor to that of unmixed bullfrog meat, allowing food enrichment. Dehydration of the skeleton was carried out in an oven, and the remaining material was crushed and then vacuum packed, all in compliance with the standards for good manufacturing practices and under good sanitary conditions, making it microbiologically fit for human consumption for a total of 60 days while stored under refrigeration. Results showed a composition of 25% mineral matter, 60% protein which presented a 90% digestibility rate, only 12% fat, and 2% carbohydrates. This composition can compensate for calcium deficiency and malnutrition due to the quality of its protein.