Abstract
The processing of boiled Prosopis africana endosperm for better utilization using ethanol-water mixtures was explored. Prosopis africana seeds were boiled for 5 h to softness and the endosperm fraction separated from the kernel (cotyledon) and the hull. The endosperm was divided into five equal parts which were individually macerated in absolute (Abs) ethanol, 80, 60 and 40% ethanol in water prior to sun-drying (32±2°C, 3 days). The fifth sample, which served as control, was left untreated with ethanol. The samples were ground using a hand milling machine and analyzed for the proximate composition, water and oil absorption capacities, foaming capacity and foam stability, bulk density, emulsion activity and stability, colour preference, texture preference and overall acceptability. The results revealed that treatment of the endosperm significantly affected the moisture, protein, fat, ash and carbohydrate contents; water and oil absorption capacities, foaming capacity and foam stability; and the sensory properties. The moisture and protein contents, oil absorption capacity, foam stability, appearance, texture and overall acceptability of endosperm treated with 40% ethanol in water differed significantly (p<0.05) from that treated with absolute ethanol. There was also significant (p<0.05) differences in moisture, protein and carbohydrate contents, oil absorption capacity and foam stability of the 40% ethanol in water treated endosperm and the control. Slightly above 40% ethanol in water (50-60%) should be used to macerate Prosopis africana endosperm to reduce the cost of using absolute ethanol.
Highlights
Prosopis africana is one of the lesser known leguminous seed crops used as food condiment in Nigeria
This study explored the better way of processing boiled Prosopis africana endosperm for better utilization using ethanolwater mixtures and the effect of the treatment on the physicochemical and sensory properties of the endosperm
Raw material procurement and processing: Prosopis africana seeds used in this work was purchased from a local market in Idah, Kogi State, Nigeria
Summary
It thrives well in the savannah region of Nigeria, there is no record of yield of annual production (Odibo et al, 1992). According to Achi and Okolo (2004), the endocarp capsule, a water soluble high molecular weight polysaccharide gum, is a constituent of considerable economic interest It constitutes 31.5% by weight of the whole seed; and proximately contains 21.5% crude fiber, 2.4 fats, 1.04% protein and 60.2% carbohydrate.
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