Development and Quality Evaluation of Garden Cress (Lepidium Sativum L.) Seeds Supplemented Panjiri for Lactating Mothers

Abstract

Lepidium sativum also referred to as garden cress, is a fast-growing annual herb that originated in West Asia and Egypt but is now grown all over the world. Its seeds are a great source of iron, omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fibre, protein, and other vital nutrients and phytochemicals. Garden cress seed- an unexplored health grain, is a rich source of nutrients, nutraceuticals, and possess numerous health benefits including its galactagogue properties. Despite having significant medicinal potential, garden cress seeds has not received the attention it deserves and has often been underutilised. Galactagogue properties of garden cress seeds promote lactation and prevent postnatal complications. Considering this property nutritious, convenience ready-to-eat panjiri (sund) was prepared for the lactating mothers. Incorporation of garden cress powder significantly and proportionately affected the sensory attributes of panjiri formulations. There was significant and proportionate increase in macronutrients of panjiri with increase in levels of supplementation. 20 per cent incorporated recipe had higher amount of ash, crude fat, crude fibre and crude protein (2.89, 37.65, 3.34 and 9.44 % respectively) as compared to control and 5, 10, 15 per cent incorporated panjiri.