Effect of processing conditions on some quality attributes of fried cassava-defatted peanut crackers

Abstract

A 23 full factorial design was used to investigate the effect of steaming time, dough slice thickness and frying time on some quality attributes of fried cassava-defatted peanut crackers. The sample mixture (cassava starch-75% and defatted peanut flour-25%) was worked up to a moisture content of 40.85%, formed into a sausage-like shape, steamed (40 and 80 min) and then refrigerated at 5 °C for 18 h. Refrigerated dough were sliced into different thicknesses (1 and 2 mm), dried at 60 °C for 4 h and then fried at 170 °C for between 10-20 s. Fried samples were analyzed for moisture and oil contents, expansion, texture, and colour. The effect of the variables was analyzed using ANOVA of Design expert version 12 after which regression models and response surface plots were generated. Optimized samples were obtained and sensory analyses of the sample were conducted. The regression equations were evaluated and verified to be accurate with high determination of coefficient of between 0.87 and 0.99. Linear model terms of steaming time, slice thickness and frying time significantly (p<0.05) affect oil content and texture while interaction of steaming time and slice thickness significantly (p<0.05) affect oil content. The optimized process conditions to obtain high nutritious and healthier fried cassava – defatted peanut crackers were 80 min, 1.00 mm and 10.02 s for steaming time, dough slice thickness and frying time, respectively.