Nationwide Variation of Sodium Levels and Portion Sizes of Chinese Restaurant Menu Items

Sodium levels are typically high in Chinese dishes due to the use of ingredients such as soy sauce. Chinese restaurants are popular among many Americans, outnumbering intotal number thecombinedtop three major fast food establishments. The Nutrient Data Laboratory expanded the number of Chinese foods in its USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference with new analytical data. This study aimed to examine the variability of sodium and order size in Chinese entrées. Eleven popular entréeswere sampled from independent restaurants in up to 12 nationwide locations and sent for nutrient analysis according to National Food and Nutrient Analysis Program protocol. Mean sodium levels ranged from 252 to 553 mg/100 g among the 11 entrées; differences in variability were indicated by CV's ranging from 13% (general Tso's chicken) to 56% (lemon chicken). The weight of an order varied among the different restaurants for each dish, creating an even greater impact on the sodium level per order. Sodium levels per order showed significant differences across four U.S. regions (p<0.0001). The high variability of sodium levels in prepared Chinese foods impacts the amount of sodium consumed from these foods.     

Effect of Sources of Fibre on Performance of Growing Snail

The proximate and physicochemical properties of cassava leaf and peel meals were evaluated with a view to possible replacement of wheat offal which is the conventional source of fibre in animal feed, with these meals. The effect of feeds produced with cassava leaf and peel meals on the performance of growing snails was also investigated. Feeds (F1, F2 and F3) were formulated to contain 240, 235 and 230 g/kg cassava root meal each and 85, 85 and 90 g/kg cassava peel meal, wheat offal meal and cassava leaf meal respectively. The formulated feeds contain approximately 18.0% crude protein, 7.5% ash, 3% fat, 6.0% crude fibre 8%, calcium, 0.7% phosphorus, and energy level of 2400 kcal ME / kg. A total of 54 growing snails (Archachatina marginata) were used to investigate the nutritive potential of the formulated feeds on performance of growing snails for 15 weeks. Concentrations of the crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, ash and calcium in cassava leaf meal were higher than those of wheat offal and cassava peel meal, with the exception of nitrogen free extract which was highest (70.01%) in cassava peel meal. Feed intake was 576 g 569 g and 581 g for snails fed with cassava leaf meal, cassava peel meal and wheat offal respectively but the corresponding weight gain ranged between 123.35 and 134.81 % being highest for F1. The feed conversion ratio shows that F1 > F3 > F2 indicating better conversion of feed to edible meat in F1. The results show that cassava leaves and peels have a strong potential to substitute the traditional wheat offal and can therefore be adapted as commercial feed ingredients.     

Amino acid composition,mineral contents and protein solubility of some lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus l. Walp) seeds coat

Seeds coat of four lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus) varieties were subjected to standard analytical techniques in order to evaluate proximate, amino acid, mineral composition and protein solubility. The proximate analysis indicates moisture content in the range of (3.17–4.96%), crude protein (14.53–15.93%), fat (0.62–0.74%), crude fibre (32.59–33.59%), ash (2.43–3.88%), and carbohydrate (47.11–48.62%) on dry weight basis. The most abundant mineral element in the studied seeds coat was potassium 361.20–459.51 mg/100 g followed by sodium 71.27–102.51 mg/100 g and magnesium 83.20–95.23 mg/100 g. Calcium, phosphorus, iron and zinc were also present in significant amount while lead, cobalt and nickel were not detected. The amino acid profile demonstrates nutritionally acceptable results for the samples due to the high levels of essential amino acids in g/100 g protein such as lysine 6.42–7.41, leucine 7.51–8.37, arginine 4.42–7.02 and phenylalanine 5.01–5.49; when compared with FAO/WHO standard; with essential amino acids (TEAA) 49.47–51.07 g/100 g protein. Glutamic and aspartic acid were the most abundant amino acid in all the samples. The protein solubility profiles showed minimum values at pH 4 and more than 70% soluble at pH 10. The study has shown the potentials of lima bean seeds coat, an agro by-products in the development of new functional ingredients for food enrichment to provide an economic alternative raw material for food industries.     

Chemical and Sensory Evaluation of African Breadfruit (Treculia africana) Seeds Processed with Alum and Trona

The effect of aluminum sulphate (alum) and sodium sesquicarbonate (trona) on the chemical and sensory qualities of African breadfruit seeds (ABFS) was studied. ABFS were steeped in (0 – 2.0%) alum concentrations for 24 h. The seeds were parboiled, dehulled and then cooked with (0 – 2.0%) trona concentrations for 90 min. The chemical composition (proximate, energy, pH and titratable acidity) and sensory qualities of these samples were analyzed alongside the control (raw dehulled ABFS). The results showed that there were significant differences (p < 0.05) between the control and the processed samples as well as among the processed samples. There were significant (p < 0.05) increases in moisture (8.81 – 32.02%), ash (3.22 – 6.43%) and pH (6.97 – 7.64) contents as the concentration of alum and trona increased, whereas crude protein, fat, crude fibre, carbohydrate and total titratable acidity decreased with increase in the concentration of trona. However, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the colour of the cooked samples. ABFS sample cooked with 1.5% trona concentration was rated highest (7.02) in overall acceptability.     

A Critical Evaluation of Survey Results of Vitamin A and Fe Levels in the Mandatory Fortified Food Vehicles and Some Selected Processed Foods in Nigeria

A nationwide survey was conducted to ascertain the levels of Vitamin A and Fe in wheat and maize flours, sugar and vegetable oils and some flour-based processed foods to assess compliance to the Nigerian Industrial Standard. Samples were collected from factories and markets in all the 36 states of the six geopolitical zones of the country; comprising 94 (vegetable oil), 42 (sugar), 95 (flour) and 62 (processed foods) and subjected to vitamin A and iron analyses using HPLC and AAS respectively. Using a 50% acceptable range of the specified minimum standards as basis for compliance, the results showed that only 14.9 – 20.2 % of the samples of vegetable oils analyzed fell within acceptable level (10,000-20,000 IU/kg) but there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the results obtained for the six zones. For sugar, only 11.9 – 16.7 % of the samples collected complied with the acceptable range of the standards (12,500 – 25,000 IU/kg) but this varied significantly (p > 0.05) with the zones. The levels of compliance for vitamin A and Fe in flours were found to be 12.2 – 33.3 % and 1.0 – 21.0 % respectively at the acceptable range of 15,000 – 30,000 IU/kg and 34.6 – 46.8 mg/kg, respectively. In all cases, the compliance levels at the 50% range were only marginally higher than at the 30% WHO acceptable range. For the levels of these micronutrients in the processed foods, the values obtained ranged between 5,139 – 7,687 IU/kg for vitamin A and 11.9 – 16.7 mg/kg for Fe. These results call for a critical and holistic review of the fortification strategy in Nigeria.     

Evaluation of Poultry Manure Application Rates on the Nutrient Composition of Dioscorea bulbifera (Aerial yam)

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of various levels of poultry manure application on the nutritional value and functional properties of Dioscorea bulbifera. The experiment was a randomised complete block design on a plot size of 8 m² with a planting space of 50 cm × 1 m, using 5 levels of poultry manure: 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 tonnes/ hectare. Standard analytical methods were used to determine the proximate and mineral composition as well as the functional properties of the bulbils. Poultry manure application significantly increased the starch content. The highest starch yield (13.50%) was observed at 4 tonnes/hectare poultry manure application. The dry matter and fat contents were not significantly affected by poultry manure application. Crude fibre, ash and crude protein contents were significantly affected by poultry manure application. Ash content ranged from 3.41 – 4.68% with 4 t/ha level of application having the highest ash content. The crude protein content ranged from 2.48 – 6.28%. The highest crude protein content was observed at 3 t/ha. The total carotenoid content was not significantly affected by poultry manure application. The phosphorus, calcium and magnesium contents were significantly affected by poultry manure application. Water and oil absorption capacity increased with increase in the level of poultry manure while the bulk density was not significantly affected by the level of poultry manure. Application of poultry manure was found to significantly influence the nutrient content and functional properties of D. bulbifera.     

Okara treated with high hydrostatic pressure assisted by Ultraflo® L: Effect on solubility of dietary fibre

Okara is an abundant and inexpensive by-product from soybean, rich in total dietary fibre (> 55% dry weight), but poor in soluble dietary fibre (SDF, < 5% dw). A combined method of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) aided by the food grade enzyme Ultraflo® L was used for SDF maximization. At atmospheric pressure, incubation time was not a key factor, and a ratio of 1:40 (enzyme:Okara, v/w) was able to saturate the enzyme within 120–150 min. When HHP plus Ultraflo® L were applied, a synergy between both treatments was observed. Thus, at 600 MPa, 0.025% Ultraflo® L and 30 min treatment, soluble carbohydrate added up to 15.64 ± 0.32%, consisting of two peaks (9.14 ± 0.18 and 0.57 ± 0.01 kDa), determined by HPLC-ELSD. The combination of HHP plus Ultraflo® L on Okara improved the solubility of the dietary fibre, making it more suitable to be used in functional foods.Industrial relevanceThere is an increasing interest in finding new prebiotics from food industrial waste. Okara has been simultaneously treated with Ultraflo® L and HHP, taking into account the industrial costs of the procedure, and adjusting the quantity of enzyme and time of treatment to the minimum, by a Response Surface Methodology and an enzymatic activity assay. Besides, an HPLC-ELSD direct analysis (High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Evaporative Light Scattering Detector) was employed to monitor soluble fibre, as an easy and fast analytical method.     

Quality of ‘Abacha’ from Fresh Cassava Roots and Dried Chips

This study was undertaken to determine the possibility of producing acceptable ‘abacha’ from dried chips. The ‘abacha’ slices were processed from dried cassava chips and fresh roots of four cassava varieties, TMS 98/2101, NR/87184, TMS 97/4779 and NR87184. The proximate composition, chemical and sensory properties as affected by the processing method and variety were evaluated. The proximate composition of the ‘abacha’ (on dry basis) showed moisture content range of 9.53 – 10.48%, protein 1.07 – 1.66%, ash 2.06 – 2.56%, fibre 1.72 – 1.95, fat 0.39 – 0.58% and carbohydrate content of 83.59 – 85.05%. The chemical composition of the wet ‘abacha’ slices showed pH of 5.60 – 5.80, total titratable acidity (TTA) of 0.047 – 0.063, and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) value of 7.80 – 10.41 mg/100 g. Generally, the TTA of the ‘abacha’ samples was not significantly (p > 0.05) affected by the method of processing ‘abacha’ and the variety used. Drying the wet ‘abacha’ reduced the pH to 5.20 – 5.30, increased the TTA to 0.213 – 0.230% and further reduced the HCN content to 7.32 – 8.63 mg/100 g. The HCN of all the ‘abacha’ samples processed from dried chips were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than the HCN of ‘abacha’ processed from fresh cassava root in some of the varieties. The lower sensory scores for ‘abacha’ made from dried chips shows that they were inferior to the ones from fresh cassava, although they were also accepted by the consumers. It also compared favourably with the ‘abacha’ processed from fresh cassava root in chemical qualities. This shows that when the need arises ‘abacha’ slices can be processed from dried cassava chips.     

Jaboticaba Pomace Powder Obtained as a Co-product of Juice Extraction: A Comparative Study of Powder Obtained from Peel and Whole Fruit

This study presents the evaluation of an emergent co-product generated during the production of jaboticaba juice by steam drag: the jaboticaba pomace. A comparison of physicochemical, technological and morphological properties of the jaboticaba powders obtained from the pomace, from the whole fruit and from the peel was performed. All the powder samples underwent the same processing: freeze-drying, milling and sieving. The powders appeared reddish, with an average diameter of approximately 64.83–103.51 μm and pH values of 3.45–3.74, water activity of 0.3133–0.3270, water holding capacity of 2.63–4.28 g H₂O/g and oil holding capacity of 2.79–2.98 g oil/g. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed that the endothermic peak temperature was 158.9–164.4 °C. Proximate composition analysis showed a large amount of total dietary fibre and insoluble dietary fibre in jaboticaba pomace (20.54 and 16.42 g/100 g, respectively), while jaboticaba peel had a good amount of soluble dietary fibre (10.72 g/100 g). Jaboticaba pomace had a large quantity of phenolic compounds (43.39 mg GAE/g d.w.), especially monomeric anthocyanin (3.92 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside/g d.w.), compared to the whole fruit. Jaboticaba pomace is valuable due to its high phenolic content (2.5 times higher than the whole fruit) and total dietary fibre content (2.2 times higher than the whole fruit). The results obtained in this study reinforce the idea that this co-product could be re-used in the development of functional ingredients and show that the industrialisation of these materials is one possible alternative for food diversification. Pomace powder could be added to many types of foods, such as cereals, snacks, drink mixes, and breads, or could be used for pharmaceuticals, such as slow-release antioxidants in packaging films.     

Composition and Pasting Properties of Breadfruit (Artocarpus communis Forst) from South-West States of Nigeria

Breadfruit (BF) is an underutilised crop in Nigeria. Information on its composition and the behaviour of its flour during cooking are important requirements for enhancing the utilisation of BF. Flours of BF obtained from three towns in South-West Nigeria were analysed for their chemical and pasting properties. Starch, crude fibre, ash, fat, protein and pasting properties were evaluated. Starch was the predominant carbohydrate, representing about 60.4 to 65.8% in the pulp and 47.5 to 57.5% in the peel. Crude fibre values varied from 6.31 to 9.04%. There was no significant difference between the crude fibre contents of the pulp and peels. Ash content ranged from 2.77 to 4.78% with the peels having significantly higher values than the pulp. Fat content ranged from 0.43 to 0.65%. The pulps had significantly higher protein content than the peels. Peak viscosity varied significantly across locations with the peels having significantly lower viscosity than the pulps. The peels were significantly hot stable with breakdown viscosity values of 6.92 to 7.95 RVU compared to the pulps (72.33 to 210.77RVU). Final viscosity of the pulp was higher than that of the peels. Higher setback viscosity values were observed in the pulps than the peels and the former cooked in significantly shorter time (3.67 to 3.77 min) than the peels (8.93 to 8.99 min). The study revealed considerable differences in the composition of breadfruit grown in different locations in Nigeria.     

Quality Evaluation of Maize Chips (Kokoro) Fortified with Cowpea Flour

Quality evaluation of “kokoro” fortified with cowpea flour (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 %) was studied. The blends were reconstituted into a thick paste, manually moulded into kokoro stick and deep fried in hot vegetable oil at about 170°C for 5 minutes. These flour blends were analyzed for pasting, proximate and functional properties. The result showed that there was significant difference (p < 0.05) in the proximate composition in all the bends. The protein content ranged from 15.20 – 23.03% while ash content was between 1.29 – 1.90%, which increased with increase in cowpea flour. The carbohydrate, fat and fiber contents decreased with values ranging from 59.17 – 65.00%, 3.24 – 4.40% and 2.23 – 2.96%, respectively. The pasting characteristics of the maize cowpea blends gave a peak viscosity ranging from 510 – 702 cp. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the pasting time and temperature. The functional properties reflected that water absorption, oil absorption and foaming capacity significantly increased with increase in cowpea flour with their values ranging from 186.67 – 210.00 g/100 g, 163.33 – 195.00 g/mg and 30.73 – 39.27% respectively. Bulk density also followed the same trend. Sample CAF (100% maize) reflected the highest dispersibility value (6.63%). No significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed in the swelling capacity and least gelatinization concentration. Although the sensory result indicated that increase in cowpea flour does not show a significant difference (p > 0.05) in the sensory parameters, the overall acceptability of the samples was highly rated.     

High hydrostatic pressure improves the functionality of dietary fibre in okara by-product from soybean

The combined effect of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) and controlled temperature on total (TDF), soluble dietary fibre (SDF) content, and its associated hydration properties were assayed in okara, a rich-in-insoluble dietary fibre residue from the soydrink- and tofu-making process of soybean. TDF in starting unprocessed okara was 45.7% and its SDF to TDF ratio was 4.6. When dry, hydrated and autoclaved okara samples, were subjected to HHP-treatment (200 and 400 MPa) at 30 and 60 °C, the amount of SDF went up by more than 8-fold. At 200 MPa, TDF was not significantly different from control, but at 400 MPa values varied from 38.1 to 64.8%. In vitro physicochemical properties of okara were also modified by HHP-treatment. Therefore, the effect of a combined treatment with hydration, temperature and HHP-technology on the improvement of the soluble fibre fraction (%) and functionality of certain vegetable by-products from the food industry could be very useful for the elaboration of food ingredients with potential health-promoting effects.Industrial relevanceThis article deals with the effect of HHP-treatment on dietary fibre fractions and associated physicochemical properties in okara by-product from soybean. Results suggested that the higher the hydrostatic pressure and temperature applied, the higher the ratio of soluble to total dietary fibre in okara. Likewise, the effect of combined hydration, mild temperature, and HHP-treatment could increase the soluble fraction (%) of other rich-in-insoluble dietary fibre vegetable by-products, which could potentially be used as valuable ingredients of new functional foods.     

Iodine content of commonly consumed foods and water from the goitre-endemic northeast region of India

Iodine content of commonly consumed foods and water from goitre-endemic northeast India is reported. The iodine content of water ranged between 3.0 and 31.5 μg litre⁻¹ with 82% of the samples containing 5–10 μg litre⁻¹. Pooled mean water iodine content from northeast India (7.38±2.7 μg litre⁻¹) was very low compared with non-endemic areas like Hyderabad (36.5±4.8 μg litre⁻¹. Similarly, foods from northeast India had low iodine with all the samples analysed exhibiting iodine contents below 30 μg per 100 g sample. Commonly consumed foods like cereals, legumes, spices, roots and tubers were 30–76% lower than values encountered from non-endemic areas like Hyderabad. The low iodine in foods and water from goitre-endemic northeast India reflects the environmental iodine deficiency in the region.     

Effect of Soaking Period on the Ogi Powder Produced from Sorghum

Based on previous research works, it was necessary to investigate the effects of varying steeping period on the quality of ogi powder. Sorghum grain steeped for 24, 36, 48, 60 and 72 h was processed into ogi making use of the traditional method and subsequently dried at 55 °C. The ogi powder obtained was analyzed for proximate composition, functional and pasting properties and consumer acceptability was also carried out. The results showed that the loose and pack bulk density ranged from 0.27 – 0.31 g/ml and 0.53 – 0.55 g/ml respectively from all the steeping periods. Water absorption capacity was from 178 – 199 g/100 g. Linear relationship described well the increase in water and oil absorption in this study and the coefficient of correlation (R²) was 0.988 and 0.814 respectively. Emulsion capacity increased from 19.40 – 21.25 g/100 g for all the steeping periods emulsion stability increased from 6.50 – 6.70%. Foaming capacity decreased from 15.05 – 13.10% for all the soaking periods. Swelling index was between 6.9 – 7.2 per cent for all the steeping periods 5.05 – 5.51 min respectively. There was significant difference (p < 0.05) in the peak viscosity, final, trough, and set back viscosities. These pasting properties decreased with increase in soaking period.     

Human Serum Vitamin A and β-Carotene Contents in Relation to Locally Consumed Foods,Social Status and Gender in Kano Metropolis

Determination of the levels of vitamin A (as retinol) and β-carotene in locally consumed foods in relationship to their occurrence in the serum of individuals grouped according to different social groups and sexes was carried out in Kano metropolis. Both raw and prepared foods (meals/snacks) investigated showed the presence of β-carotene while vitamin A was only present in the latter. The levels of β-carotene in foods/snacks ranged from 2.00 – 3.40 and 88 – 1120 iu/kg in raw foods while that of vitamin A in the former was 13.00 – 23.50 iu/kg. Food/snacks derived from animal products and those made from vitamin A fortified foods showed marginally higher vitamin contents. The mean serum β-carotene and retinol concentrations of the individual grouped according to sex and social class showed significant differences between the three social groups (P < 0.05). The higher the income class, the higher the value of vitamin A and its precursor. There was no significant difference in the β-carotene and retinol concentration between males and females of low income and high income class (P > 0.05). However, there was significant difference between males and females of the medium income class (P < 0.05). These results are discussed in terms of an apparent relationship between income and serum vitamin A content.     

An Automated Cassava Peeling System for the Enhancement of Food Security in Nigeria

Cassava is second only to sweet potato as the most important starchy root crop of the tropical world. In most parts of the tropics, cassava is grown on small plots. However, in some countries, e.g. Mexico, Brazil and Nigeria, large plantations have been started and interest in mechanization is growing. The degree of mechanization depends on the size of the land and availability of machines for each unit operation involved in cassava processing. However, of all the unit operations involved in cassava processing, cassava peeling remains a serious global challenge to process engineers. An automated cassava peeling machine was thus developed in the Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure. The design of the machine was based on the development and modification of the peeling tool of previous cassava peeling machines and the peeling principle is by impact. This machine was evaluated using newly harvested improved variety of cassava tuber (TMS 30572) grouped into different sizes: 100 ≤ L < 140, 140 ≤ L < 180, 180 ≤ L < 220, 220 ≤ L < 260, and 260 ≤ L < 300. The speed of the machine varies from 100 – 600 rpm while machine operational parameters such as throughput capacity, peeling efficiency, mechanical damage, quality performance efficiency and peel retention were determined for each size. Results revealed that throughput capacity ranged from 76 – 442 kg/h, peeling efficiency ranged from 50 – 75%, mechanical damage ranged from 12 – 44%, quality performance efficiency ranged from 22 – 66%, and peel retention ranged from 7.2 – 33%. These results show appreciable improvement over manual method and existing machines.     

Mango peel dietary fibre: Composition and associated bound phenolics

Dietary fibre and polyphenols are widely used as functional food ingredients. In this study, carbohydrate composition and bound phenolics in dietary fibre of mango peels were determined. Total dietary fibre content was in the range of 40.6–72.5%. Galactose, glucose and arabinose were the major neutral sugars in insoluble and soluble dietary fibres. Bound polyphenolic and flavonoid contents were in the range of 8.1–29.5 and 0.101–0.392 mg/g, respectively, and were found to be more in ripe peel than in raw peel. Gallic, protocatechuic and syringic acids were the bound phenolic acids, and kaempferol and quercetin were the major flavonoids of the peels. Ferulic acid was identified only in dietary fibre of Raspuri peels. Thus, the studies indicated the presence of significant amount of bound phenolics in dietary fibre, which adds additional health benefits of antioxidant properties of mango peel, which can be used in functional foods.     

Proximate composition,cholesterol and fatty acids profile of canned sardines (Sardinella brasiliensis) in soybean oil and tomato sauce

Different brands of sardines canned in soybean oil and tomato sauce, that are commercialized in Brazil, had their proximate composition, cholesterol content and fatty acids composition analyzed. Protein contents were equivalent to the values found for sardines in natura, ranging from 19.8 to 24.4%. High variations of the total lipids content (5.30–16.8%) were verified; the highest levels were found for sardines canned in soybean oil. The cholesterol content ranged from 50.4 to 65.1 mg/100 g. The highest levels of essential C18:2n − 6 and C18:3n − 3 fatty acids were found in sardines canned in soybean oil. The EPA (C20:5n − 3) and DHA (C22:6n − 3) concentrations ranged from 5.39 to 15.1% and from 3.89% to 9.51%, respectively, and the highest levels were observed in sardines canned in tomato sauce.     

Physico-chemical properties and nutrient composition of beach pea (Lathyrus maritimus L.)

Physico-chemical properties of Beach pea (Lathyrus maritimus L.) seeds were evaluated and their proximate composition determined. Results were also compared with those of green pea (Pisum sativum) and field pea (Lathyrus sativus). Beach pea seeds had a very low grain weight, density, hydration capacity, hydration index, swelling capacity and swelling index as compared to green pea and field pea. The contents of crude protein (29.2%), crude fibre (12.0%), reducing sugars (0.2%), total phenolics (1.2%) and ash (3.0%), and total free amino acids (0.6%) of beach pea were substantially higher than other pea varieties examined. The contents of cysteine (1.6%), methionine (1.1%), and tryptophan (0.3%) in beach pea proteins were low, but higher than those in green pea and field pea varieties from Canadian and Indian cultivars. Beach pea lipids were dominated by linoleic acid (69.1%), and were similar to green pea (45.1%) and Canadian grown field pea (57.0%). The macroelements of beach pea were dominated by potassium (476 mg/100 g), phosphorus (413 mg/100 g), magnesium (1180 mg/100 g), and calcium (144 mg/100 g). The contents of microelements, namely manganese, zinc, and iron in beach pea were 3.5, 3.0 and 9.4 mg/100 g, respectively.     

Effect of Blending on the Composition and Acceptability of Blends of Unripe Banana and Pigeon Pea Flours

Proximate composition, amino acid profile, trace minerals, functional properties and organoleptic evaluation of blends of unripe banana and pigeon pea flours were studied. The proximate composition of the blends showed that addition of pigeon pea significantly (p < 0.05) increased the protein from 2.40 – 14.48 ± ^0.11. Similarly, the ash, fat and crude fibre increased while carbohydrate content significantly decreased from 79.86 – 55.00 ± ^0.47. The amino acid profile showed that addition of pigeon pea up to 37.5% levels resulted in increase in all amino acids evaluated. The blend amino acid status was adequate for adult nutrition when compared to the FAO recommendations. However the blend was found deficient in lysine, leucine, iso-leucine and phenylalanine when compared with the FAO recommendations for infants. Increased levels of pigeon pea in the blend also resulted in significant increases in potassium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium and calcium. Similarly, increased levels of pigeon pea in the blend significantly increased the gelation concentration and foaming capacities while the bulk density, water absorption and oil absorption capacities significantly (p > 0.05) decreased. The results showed that blending of pigeon pea with unripe plantain would produce meals of balanced nutrient densities for adults.