Abstract
Developing nutrient-rich vegetable flour using locally under-utilized food crops in Africa would improve rural house-hold nutrition. This study seeks to develop nutrient-dense vegetable flour from different proportions of Sweet potato (Sp) 40–100%, Avocado pear (Avo) 10–40%, and Turkey berry (Tor) 10–40%, using completely randomized design (CRD) with 14 treatment combinations and three replications. The proximate composition, mineral composition, and functional properties were investigated on the composite flour. The results showed significant differences in all the parameters analyzed for the various composite flours. As the amount of Avo and Tor was added to the Sp, the proximate composition was enhanced except for the percentage carbohydrate, which decreased from 83.92 to 54.59 g/100 g. The mineral composition was also improved by the incorporation of Avo and Tor. Favourable functional properties were also obtained. The optimal composite flour was made up of 40% Sp, 35% Avo, and 25% Tor. The functional properties of the composite flours were better than the control (Sweet potato flour). Fortifying Sp flour with Avo and Tor is feasible and could be an easy and affordable means to improve rural nutrition, as it requires simple logistics for the ordinary rural household to produce the composite of the desired choice.
Highlights
Reducing under-nutrition and micronutrient deficiencies is high on the agenda of many developing countries and international partners, as it affects more than one-third of the global population [1]
The three main ingredients were analyzed for their initial nutritional properties, as shown in Proximate, mineral, Vitamin C, pH, and Energy value of the composite flour
Formulating nutrient-rich flour using locally under-utilized food crop would help in meeting the nutritional needs in Africa
Summary
Reducing under-nutrition and micronutrient deficiencies is high on the agenda of many developing countries and international partners, as it affects more than one-third of the global population [1]. A malnourished child cannot afford to learn properly, appears stunted, and underdeveloped. To overcome this challenge, many have resorted to bio-fortification, this approach is very expensive and is not accessible to the rural pro-poor mostly in Africa. There is, the need to formulate nutrient rich shelf-stable food products that are convenient and accessible to all using under-utilized crops. Avocado pear, and Turkey berry are among the potentially rich under-utilized food crops of high nutritious value. Formulating and fortifying Sweet potato powder with Avocado pear and Turkey berry could provide a nutrient dense food product capable of solving malnourishment and hidden hunger among rural folks
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