Abstract
Most children are underfed due to current economic dispensations. Cassava is one of the cheapest, most popular root, and tuber crops in Africa. Cowpea is gaining preferential attention as the potential nutritional and flavouring additive in food formulation due to its nutritional benefits. This study explored the formulation of weaning food with cassava-cowpea-potato blends (CCP). Cassava flour (50%) was the same while cowpea and potato flour percentages were varied at 50:0%, 40:10%, 30:20% and 20:30% resulting in 4 blends. The titratable acidity, pH, qualitative screening of phytochemical (saponins, terpenoids and tannin), minerals (calcium, phosphorus contents) and proximate composition of formulated blends were evaluated. The protein content of the different blends ranged from 22.55 to 31.00 (g/100g). Increase in cowpea addition to the blend were directly proportional to the protein, calcium and phosphorus content which varied from 9.02 to 12.40%, 9.55 to 1.45 (mg/100g) and 3.10 to4.55 (mg/100g) respectively in the blends. The moisture levels of the blends were lower than 10.50%. The phytochemical analysis revealed the absence of saponins and tannin in the blends. The formulated CCP blends can be prepared domestically to complement or replace the more expensive diets for children to achieve healthy and well-nourished children.
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