Harvesting/Collection of crickets
After the maiting period occurs (between days 40 to 45 of the life cycle in normal climatic conditions) the crickets can be collected.
Crickets are harvested by lifting the egg cartons out of the container and shaking the crickets into a container.
Afterwards the breeding container is completely emptied and cleaned from all remaining parts and crickets until it can be refilled.
Post harvest handling/Processing
Processing can be done at the cricket farm or trough a cooperative of farmers or small scale enterprises/wholesalers.
Crickets are washed in clean water without added substances.
Boil crickets in clean water for a few minutes.
Second washing in cold clean water.
Packaging in plastic bags.
Weighing.
Cold storage for transport on ice or in cool unit. Storage of crickets in plastic bags in plastic tanks (see below picture f) on ice can only be carried temporarily for 2-3 days. Long-term storage with -18 to -20 C is possible up to a year. However most crickets are quickly processed for consumption.