Quality Evaluation of Akamu Powder Incorporated with Fermented Sweet Orange Pulp Flour

Abstract

ABSTRACT Akamu was prepared from maize grains and oven dried at 50 C to constant weight. Flour was prepared from sweet orange fruits, fermented naturally for 5 days, oven-dried at 50 C, and sieved. Akamu powder was replaced with 0, 5, 10, 15%, and 20% fermented sweet orange pulp flour (FOPF). The proximate, mineral and phytochemical compositions of the akamu powder, FOPF, and the blend as well as the functional properties, were determined. Blends were used to prepare porridges, and the sensory attributes of porridges were evaluated. The addition of 5% FOPF significantly (p < 0.055) increased the flavonoids, phenols, and carotenoids in the blend over those of the 100% akamu powder. Conclusively, the incorporation of 5% FOPF produced akamu with more acceptable sensory attributes with improved proximate and phytochemical contents over 100% akamu.