NUTRITIONAL AND SENSORY ANALYSES OF WHEAT-UNRIPE PLANTAIN COMPOSITE FLOUR ON BREAD MAKING

Abstract

This study analyzes the nutritional and sensory properties of wheat- and unripe plantain composite flour having a mix ratio of 70:30, 80:20, 90:10 and 100:0 respectively, with 100:0 ratio mix serving as the control. Unripe plantain flour was selected due to its high iron content which can solve dietary concerns encountered by anaemic and celiac patients because of low iron and high protein (gluten) content in wheat bread. The nutritional analysis of the composite flour such as ash, lipid, fibre, carbohydrate, protein, moisture content and iron contents of the mixed flour were determined. Physical properties of the composite bread were determined: loaf weight, loaf volume, loaf height, and loaf specific volume.The incorporation of plantain flour into baking bread became effective because it is economical, better supplies essential nutrients such as iron and protein to humans, and a better overall use of domestic agricultural products such as plantain.Incorporation of higher amount of unripe plantain flour increased loaf weight with a corresponding reduction in specific volume of the bread, which affected the bread making process. It was concluded that organoleptically acceptable bread could be formulated from wheat-unripe plantain composite flours using up to 70:30 mix ratio as maximum acceptable levels of substitution for bread making