Mixture Of Beans Research Articles

Dietary exposure of school children to aflatoxin and fumonisin through githeri and effectiveness of nixtamalization in reduction of these toxins in githeri from Turkana County.

Exposure of school children to aflatoxin and fumonisin is mainly through diet. In Kenyan public schools, children are given porridge made from maize flour for breakfast, a mixture of maize and beans, also known as githeri for lunch and ugali for dinner. Nixtamalization has proved to reduce mycotoxins in most cereals and not a mixture of maize and beans. This study, therefore, aimed to assess the exposure of primary school children in Turkana County to aflatoxin and fumonisin through maize-based food under the school meals program and the effectiveness of nixtamalization in the reduction of these mycotoxins. Samples of githeri were randomly collected from all public primary schools (n = 128) under the homegrown school meals program in Turkana County and analyzed for aflatoxin and fumonisin. The data was analyzed using SAS software, version 9.4. The deterministic model was used to calculate the estimated daily intake (EDI) and the margin of exposure (MOE) used to characterize the exposure risk. The contaminated samples were then treated with various concentrations of Ca(OH)2, 0.5-2.5%. The treated samples were cooked for 60 and 75min and soaked for 6 and 8h. Forty percent of the schools contained githeri samples with aflatoxin B1 levels above 5µg/Kg, the maximum limit for Kenya. Exposure to aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxin was up to 2µg/kg/bw/day. The range for fumonisin exposure was 60-80µg/kg/bw/day. Ca(OH)2 concentration levels of up to 2.5% reduced aflatoxin by 75% and fumonisin by 72%. The findings indicate that githeri is contaminated with aflatoxin and fumonisin which exposes school children to these mycotoxins and nixtamalization can be used to reduce mycotoxin contamination in githeri.

Effect of different protein sources on the meat quality of Złotnicka Spotted pigs with particular emphasis of slaughter body weight

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine the impact of protein feeding from Fabaceae plants and the final slaughter weight on the quality of meat of native Złotnicka Spotted pigs. The experiment was carried out on 96 fattening pigs (48 barrows and 48 gilts) of the Złotnicka Spotted breed. Animals were divided into 4 feeding groups: group A – control cereal-soybean mixture, and 3 experimental mixtures containing different types of domestic protein sources (groups B - lupin, C - faba beans and D - peas). All diets were isoproteic and isoenergetic within the fattening phase, i.e. grower and finisher. In addition, pigs were fattened to 3 different slaughter weights: 120, 130 and 140 kg. The type of protein had no effect on fattening and slaughter traits. These traits (feed intake [kg], gaily gain during fattening [g/day], mean backfat thickness [mm]) were influenced by the body weight of the pigs at slaughter (p<0.01). It was found a statistically significant interaction effect between feeding group and body weight on the fat, the fatty acid profile of meat (longissimus lumborum) and on oxidative stability (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances - TBARS) of meat. Increasing the slaughter weight to 140 kg affects increasing the fat content (p<0,05) of meat (longissimus lumborum) primarily in groups of pigs fed on cereal-soy mix (A) and faba beans (C). In addition, fat up to 140 kg and feeding with faba beans (C) and peas (D) has a beneficial effect by reducing the proportion of PUFA n-6/n-3 in meat (p<0,05). Finally, the benefit of feeding pigs with faba beans (C) up to a slaughter weight of 140 kg is the reduction of TBARS of meat (p<0,05). In conclusion, increasing the slaughter weight up to 140 kg and the use in the feed mixture of faba beans improves the nutritional value and oxidation durability of pork.

The Ability of Earthworms to Influence the Ratio of C/N during Vermicomposting Process from Different Remnants

This study aimed to investigate the carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N) in vermicomposts produced from mixtures of cabbage, beans, and tea remnants combined with cardboard at a 1:1 ratio, totaling 2 kilograms, using two different types of worms: Lumbricus terrestris and Eisenia fetida. The results indicated that vermicompost produced by Eisenia fetida exhibited a significant decrease in C/N ratio by 18.60, whereas that produced by Lumbricus terrestris had a C/N ratio of 20.723. Regarding interactions, the highest initial C/N ratio among cabbage remnants, irrespective of worm type, was 25.000, whereas the lowest ratio after processing was 1.936 for tea remnants, showing significant differences. Across all remnants, there was a consistent decrease in C/N ratio post-processing, with cabbage remnants exhibiting the highest initial ratio of 25.00 before earthworm addition and tea remnants showing the lowest ratio of 8.530 after earthworm processing, indicating significant variation

Operation Mechanism Analysis and Parameter Optimization of Bean Impurity-Separation Device for Tiger Nut Harvester

This study aimed to enhance the efficiency of tiger nut combine harvesters by reducing impurity and loss rates during processing. Scholars focused on analyzing the composition and suspension speed of the bean mixture, leading to the development of a wind-screen impurity-removal method. The wind-screen-type bean-separation device was designed with a cross-flow fan, louver screen, frame, and driving mechanism. Theoretical analysis was employed to discuss the motion characteristics and behavior of the sieve body and material, thereby revealing the screening dynamics of tiger nuts and impurities. Factors such as crank radius, crank speed, and fan speed were identified as crucial for optimizing separation performance. Initial single-factor tests helped narrow down the range of influencing factors. Subsequently, a three-factor, three-level Box–Behnken test was conducted with crank radius, crank speed, and fan speed as variables and impurity rate and loss rate as evaluation indexes. This led to the establishment of a multiple regression equation linking these factors to the evaluation indexes. Through response surface analysis and multi-objective optimization using the regression model, the optimal operational parameters for the device were determined: crank radius of 45 mm, crank speed of 497 r/min, and the fan speed of 1100 r/min. Theoretical calculations predicted an impurity rate of 2.42% and a loss rate of 0.51%. Verification tests confirmed these findings, showing an average impurity rate of 2.53% and a loss rate of 0.56%, which met the mechanized harvesting standards for tiger nuts. Overall, this study introduces a novel method and technical framework for effectively separating tiger nuts from impurities, thereby advancing the mechanization of tiger nut harvesting processes.

Integrative Approach of Treating Early Undernutrition with an Enriched Black Corn Chip, Study on a Murine Model.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect on growth, metabolism, physical activity (PA), memory, inflammation, and toxicity of an enriched black corn chip (BC) made with endemic ingredients on post-weaned UN mice. A chip was made with a mixture of black corn, fava beans, amaranth, and nopal cactus. To probe the effects of UN, UN was induced in 3wo post-weaned male C57Bl/6j mice through a low-protein diet (LPD-50% of the regular requirement of protein) for 3w. Then, the BC was introduced to the animals' diet (17%) for 5w; murinometric parameters were measured, as were postprandial glucose response, PA, and short-term memory. Histological analysis was conducted on the liver and kidneys to measure toxicity. Gene expression related to energy balance, thermogenesis, and inflammation was measured in adipose and hypothalamic tissues. Treatment with the BC significantly improved mouse growth, even with a low protein intake, as evidenced by a significant increase in body weight, tail length, cerebral growth, memory improvement, physical activation, normalized energy expenditure (thermogenesis), and orexigenic peptides (AGRP and NPY). It decreased anorexigenic peptides (POMC), and there was no tissue toxicity. BC treatment, even with persistent low protein intake, is a promising strategy against UN, as it showed efficacy in correcting growth deficiency, cognitive impairment, and metabolic problems linked to treatment by adjusting energy expenditure, which led to the promotion of energy intake and regulation of thermogenesis, all by using low-cost, accessible, and endemic ingredients.

Physicochemical and sensory analysis of mangrove seed coffee (Sonneratia ovata) compare with robusta coffee from Indonesian origin

Coffee is a global drink for millennials. Indonesia is one of the countries with the most significant coffee consumption in the world. The main problem with coffee consumption is the caffeine content, many researchers are looking for alternative coffee drinks that do not contain caffeine, one of which is mangrove fruit seeds. Caffeine can be removed during roasting, but over-roasting produces unwanted sensory impacts on coffee. This study aimed to determine mangrove coffee beans' sensory characteristics and caffeine content to compare with robusta coffee as commercial coffee. In addition, it is also necessary to monitor changes in the properties of the mixture of Robusta coffee beans and mangrove seeds during the roasting process in real-time. The method used was a randomized block design, using two factors, commercial coffee (C) and mangrove seed coffee (M), and 3 test levels, light (L) at 193°C to 199°C, medium (M) at 204°C and dark roast (D) at 213°C to 221°C. Analysis of data using Analysis of variance (ANOVA). Significantly different test results were then tested using Duncan's advanced test. Data processing was carried out using SPSS Version 28 software. The results showed that the sensory characteristics of commercial coffee (Robusta) were preferable to mangrove coffee, but the impact of caffeine could be eliminated by consuming mangrove coffee. The degree of roasting greatly affects coffee's sensory and chemical quality, with the best results obtained in commercial coffee roasted at a medium level (M) at 204°C. The comparison results showed that the characteristics of coffee between commercial coffee (Robusta) and mangrove coffee have phenol content, total acid, and proximate and sensory values close to commercial coffee. However, the caffeine content is not found in mangrove coffee, so coffee connoisseurs can use mangrove coffee because it can be used as an alternative to coffee drinks without giving the effect of caffeine addiction.

Development of cookies made from red kidney beans, oyster mushroom, catfish and fermented soybean flours as a food alternative for stunting kids in Indonesia

The study developed cookie formulation using available local-based ingredients as an alternative for wheat-based cookies. The cookies were formulated using 2 main ingredients dominated by a mixture of red kidney bean with tempeh flour (BT-OC) or with catfish flour (BC-OT) in addition to oyster mushroom and tempeh flour as 2 minor ingredients. Compared to the high-catfish flour, the high-tempeh formulation allowed a higher rate water evaporation from the cookie matrix. All the cookies met the required standards for protein, fat content and calorie. High-tempeh formulation contained a higher level of ash content compared to that in high-catfish formulated. All formulated cookies contained a higher level of Fe (24.1–66.2 mg/Kg) than that in wheat-based cookies; Zn content ranged at 1.5 – 21 mg/Kg which was comparable with wheat-based cookies. High-tempeh formulated cookies had higher acceptability compared to the high-catfish one in terms of color, texture, taste and aroma. The results demonstrated the potential of developed cookies as functional food and as alternatives for wheat dependency thus providing low-price and nutritious food products which is expected to improve the nutritional status of stunted kids.

Sensory Quality Analysis (Texture) and Moisture Content to Predict the Shelf Life of Bakpia Filled Seaweed (Eucheuma cottonii)

Aims: Bakpia is a snack made from a mixture of mung beans and sugar wrapped in pastry and baked. Bakpia is a popular light snack consumed by the Indonesian community. This research aims to determine the shelf life of seaweed-filled bakpia and regular bakpia using the Accelerated Shelf Life Test (ASLT) method.
 Place and Duration: The study was conducted at the Chemistry Laboratory of Pangkep State Polytechnic of Agriculture and the Chemistry Laboratory of Makassar Ministry of Labaoratory Industry from February to May 2023.
 Study Design: The research design involved using the ASLT method to analyze the minimum quality limit at which the bakpia cookies product starts to be rejected by consumers. Samples of the product were obtained from a local mini-market that sells bakpia. The parameters observed were the initial and final moisture content during storage at 15°C, 30°C, and 45°C, as well as the texture before and after the bakpia cookies product was rejected by consumers.
 Results: Estimating the shelf life of seaweed bakpia tausa and bakpia tausa using the ASLT method can use a degradation reaction approach (absorption of water content) as a critical parameter. The kinetic reactions of degradation (absorption of water content) of seaweed bakpia tausa and bakpia tausa follow the first order reaction. The shelf life of seaweed bakpia tausa and bakpia tausa uses the ASLT method through a different approach to the critical parameter of water content for each product. At storage temperatures between 15°C and 45°C, the shelf life of bakpia tausa is longer than that of seaweed bakpia tausa. The average shelf life of seaweed bakpia tausar at 30°C is 59.5 days while bakpia lausa is 64.8 days (more than two months).
 Conclutions: The shelf life of seaweed bakpia tausa and bakpia tausa uses the ASLT method through a different approach to the critical parameter of water content for each product. At storage temperatures between 15°C and 45°C, the shelf life of bakpia tausa is longer than that of seaweed bakpia tausa. The average shelf life of seaweed bakpia tausar at 30°C is 59.5 days while bakpia lausa is 64.8 days (more than two months).

The Energy and Environmental Evaluation of Maize, Hemp and Faba Bean Multi-Crops

Agriculture uses a lot of fuel, fertilizers, pesticides and other substances, while emitting large amounts of GHGs. It is important to optimize these inputs and outputs. One such way is by increasing crop biodiversity. For this reason, single crops and mixtures of maize, hemp and faba bean as binary and ternary crops were investigated at the Experimental Station of Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania. The results showed that consumption of diesel fuel was 31–46% higher than in single and 22–35% higher than in binary cultivations was found in a ternary crop. This had influence on the highest energy input of near twice higher than in maize and hemp single crops and maize+hemp binary crop, but similar with binary crops with faba bean. Despite this, the productivity of the ternary crop and, at the same time, the energy output were 2–5 times higher than in other treatments. This compensated for higher energy inputs and the energy efficiency ratio. In the ternary crop, energy productivity was from 1.1 to 2.8 times higher and net energy was 1.9–5.3 times higher than in other tested cultivations. The highest total GHG emissions were obtained in binary maize+hemp and maize+faba bean cultivations (1729.84 and 2067.33 CO2eq ha−1). Ternary cultivation with the highest energy inputs initiated average GHG emissions of 1541.90 kg ha−1 CO2eq. For higher efficiency, the ternary crop could be sown and harvested in one machine pass. Faba beans should be included in ternary crops, as their biomass makes up a significant part of the total biomass produced. We recommend reviewing the intercropped faba bean seeding rates, as faba bean seeds have a high energy input equivalent.

Production and Characterization of a Novel Symbiotic Plant-based Beverage Rich in Antioxidant Phenolic: Mung Bean and Rye Sprouts.

There is an increasing demand for non-dairy probiotic food due to the constraints associated with dairy probiotics. In this study, a co-culture synbiotic beverage was prepared using a mixture of mung bean and rye sprouts inoculated with Lactobacillus plantarum (B-28) and Lactobacillus casei (B-29), along with inulin and oligofructose as prebiotics. The effects of prebiotic addition and starter culture on the survival of probiotics during cold storage and simulated gastric conditions were examined. Additionally, titratable acidity, pH, phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and sensory characteristics were evaluated over a 28-day period. The resulting product demonstrated good survival for L. casei (107CFU.ml-1) and L. plantarum (106CFU.ml-1) after 4weeks under refrigeration with no significant changes in quality. The samples exhibited significantly high total phenolic content (TPC), ranging from 19.18 to 25.75mg GAE/100mL, which L. casei-containing drinks exhibited the highest TPC activity (p < 0.05). All treatments showed a significant reduction in probiotic survival during gastrointestinal digestion in the laboratory conditions (p < 0.05), although more than 50% survival was observed for all strains. The addition of prebiotics to the beverages led to a significant decrease in phenolic content (p < 0.05), but improved sensory scores. The highest turbidity was observed in the sample containing both probiotics and inulin on the 28th day at 38.1 (NTU). In general, the synergistic effect of probiotics was more pronounced when used together with both prebiotics in the beverages compared to their individual use. The results suggest that the production of this beverage could serve as a nutritious alternative to lactose-sensitive dairy beverages and contribute to the development of future probiotic food products.

Effects of spring wheat / faba bean mixtures on early crop development

Abstract Aims Intercropping cereals and grain legumes has the potential to increase grain yield in comparison to the respective sole crops, but little is known about mixture effects at the early crop developmental stage. In cereal legume mixtures, the cereal is usually the dominating partner. We aimed to find out when domination starts, which factors may enhance early domination, and if there is a legacy effect of early domination on later growth stages. Methods We set up field trials at a low input conventional site in 2020 and an organic site in 2020 and 2021. Treatments included all possible monocultures and 1:1 mixtures of twelve spring wheat (SW) entries, and two faba bean (FB) cultivars. All combinations were each sown in two sowing densities. To measure the effect of the mixture on early crop development, we counted crop emergence (plant m-2) at ~ 23 days after sowing (DAS) and crop biomass dry matter at ~ 52 and ~ 82 DAS. Results We found positive mixture effects on SW emergence at the conventional site and on SW and FB emergence at the organic site in 2021. Spring wheat was the dominating partner in all three environments; SW domination, without suppressing FB, was already noticed at emergence at the conventional site. There, a small head start of SW at emergence favored dominance at later growth stages and lead to superiority over FB in terms of plant biomass. Conclusions Understanding early dominancy as observed here may help managing competition in mixture to enhance complementarity and improve productivity.

Farmers’ Preferences and Agronomic Evaluation of Dynamic Mixtures of Rice and Bean in Nepal

Field trials of rice and bean dynamic mixtures were carried out in low input and hill farming systems of Nepal from 2019 to 2021 to improve productivity and resilience. The rice trials were conducted in two locations (Jumla and Lamjung) and those on bean in Jumla, using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Dynamic mixtures were constructed from landraces, improved varieties and breeding lines for both crops. A total of 48 bean entries were used in Jumla, whereas 56 and 66 rice entries were used to make location-specific dynamic mixtures in Lamjung and Jumla, respectively. They were formed by mixing diverse varieties as a strategy to maintain a broad genetic base. Farmers (men and women) and technicians selected from the most complex mixture and the selections were added to the trials starting from second year. In rice, some mixtures and selections from the mixtures gave grain yield comparable to the improved check and higher than the local checks. In the case of bean, differences between entries were not significant but some of the selections received a high preference score. Overall, the dynamic mixtures appear as a reliable material for sustainable increase in yield in the low input and hill farming system of Nepal.

Anaerobic Digestion of Solid Agricultural Biomass in Leach-Bed Reactors.

This study focuses on the feasibility of the dry anaerobic digestion of solid agricultural biomass for efficient renewable-energy production and nutrient recycling. Methane production and the amount of nitrogen in the digestates were measured in pilot- and farm-scale leach-bed reactors. In the pilot scale, with a digestion time of 133 days, the methane production of a mixture of whole crop fava bean and horse manure corresponded to 94% and 116%, respectively, of the methane potentials of the solid substrates. The mono-digestion of fava beans resulted in relatively low methane production (production/potential ratios of 59% and 57%). In two full-scale experiments, the methane production of mixtures of clover-grass silage, chicken manure, and horse manure corresponded to 108% and 100% of their respective methane potentials with digestion times of 117 and 185 days. In co-digestion, the production/potential ratios were similar in the pilot and farm experiments. High nitrogen loss was observed in the farm scale when the digestate was stored in a stack covered with a tarpaulin during summertime. Thus, although the technology seems promising, attention needs to be paid to management practices to minimise nitrogen losses and greenhouse gas emissions.

Mixture of soya bean and cotton seed residuals for production of activated carbon species as efficient adsorbent in the process of wastewater decontamination via dye disposal

Mixture of soya bean and cotton seed residuals for production of activated carbon species as efficient adsorbent in the process of wastewater decontamination via dye disposal

Crop domestication disrupts intercropping benefits: A case study from barley-faba bean mixture under contrasting P inputs.

How crop domestication mediates root functional traits and trait plasticity in response to neighboring plants is unclear, but it is important for selecting potential species to be grown together to facilitate P uptake. We grew two barley accessions representing a two-stage domestication process as a sole crop or mixed with faba bean under low and high P inputs. We analyzed six root functional traits associated with P acquisition and plant P uptake in five cropping treatments in two pot experiments. The spatial and temporal patterns of root acid phosphatase activity were characterized in situ with zymography at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after sowing in a rhizobox. Under low P supply, wild barley had higher total root length (TRL), specific root length (SRL), and root branching intensity (RootBr) as well as higher activity of acid phosphatase (APase) in the rhizosphere, but lower root exudation of carboxylates and mycorrhizal colonization (MC), relative to domesticated barley. In response to neighboring faba bean, wild barley exhibited larger plasticity in all root morphological traits (TRL, SRL, and RootBr), while domesticated barley showed greater plasticity in root exudates of carboxylates and colonization by mycorrhiza. Wild barley with greater root morphology-related trait plasticity was a better match with faba bean than domesticated barley, indicated by higher P uptake benefits in wild barley/faba bean than domesticated barley/faba bean mixtures under low P supply. Our findings indicated that the domestication of barley disrupts the intercropping benefits with faba bean through the shifts of root morphological traits and their plasticity in barley. Such findings provide valuable information for barley genotype breeding and the selection of species combinations to enhance P uptake.

Cultivation of fodder beans at the Zarechny state farm during the development of virgin lands in Kazakhstan

The article deals with the beginning of virgin lands development in Kazakhstan in the 1950s. In those years there was an acute shortage of fodder crops, as vast areas of land were given to grain crops. Since the traditions of legume and fodder crops cultivation were forgotten, the specialists of the Zarechny state farm had to apply new methods to solve fodder problems under difficult conditions. The authors came to the conclusion that during the experiments, the specialists of the state farm determined the best way of sowing forage beans by means of square-breeding sowing of a mixture of corn and beans. The chosen method solved the problem of fodder for cattle to a certain extent, affecting the productivity of the dairy herd and its weight gain.

Legume Grains as an Alternative to Soybean Meal in the Diet of Intensively Reared Dairy Ewes

Grain legumes are feedstuffs with high nutritional value that could replace soybean in dairy sheep nutrition. This could be beneficial in terms of economic efficiency and environmental sustainability. However, research regarding their potential effects on animal performance is scarce. The objective was to assess milk production and body condition score (BCS) of intensively reared dairy ewes after replacing soybean meal with a mixture of lupin, pea, vetch, and faba bean in their ration. A total of 40 Chios dairy ewes were randomly selected. They were allocated in two (n = 20) groups C and T; both were fed same amounts of Lucerne hay and wheat straw as well as a concentrate feed that was formulated with either inclusion of soybean meal for Group C or a mixture of legumes for Group T. Both feeds had equal energy and protein contents. Data collection was performed every 15 days for a 60-day period (a total of five measurements). In each measurement, ewe BCS was assessed, milk yield was recorded electronically, and individual milk samples were collected to assess chemical composition (fat, protein, lactose, and solids-non-fat content); energy corrected milk yield and milk components yield were calculated. Moreover, feed refusals from each group were weighed to calculate feed intake. Average individual daily concentrate feed intake was lower in Group T compared to C. Nutritional management did not significantly affect (p &gt; 0.05) milk production and BCS. An exception was the last measurement where ewes in Group T had significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher milk protein, lactose and SNF yield, and lactose content. Results suggest that the studied legumes could replace soybean without compromising productivity of intensively reared dairy ewes.

The Biomass Productivity of Maize, Hemp and Faba Bean Multi-Crops

Crop biomass is valuable not only from a nutritional and fodder point of view, but also from an energetic point of view. The main task is to increase biomass production while maintaining low nutrient and pesticide requirements and low ecological footprint. A stationary three-year field experiment was performed at the Experimental Station of Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania, in 2020–2022. Single crops and mixtures of maize, hemp, and faba bean were investigated in terms of their biomass productivity. Results showed that as the crop diversification increases, the productivity of maize and hemp grown in the mixture decreases, while faba bean ensures high dried biomass productivity. During the three years of the experimentation, the highest total dried biomass was found in the ternary crop: on average, 1495.4 g m−2 per year. The highest dried biomass of the ternary crop was established in the first year of experimentation: 2081.1 g m−2. A decrease in biomass yields in the second and third years of the experiment was observed in all treatment plots. The results suggest that the low fertilization level (totally N 45, P 45, K 45 kg ha−1) in the experiment should be increased if multi-crop cultivations are to be regrown during vegetative seasons.

Effect in Physical, Thermo‐Mechanical Properties, and In Vitro Starch Digestibility of Extruded and Microwave‐Expanded Snacks—Mixture of Blue Corn, Black Bean, and Chard: An Optimization Study

AbstractA mixture of blue corn, black bean, and chard with a moisture content (MC) of 22.3–35.7% is extruded at different extrusion temperatures (ET) (102—142 °C) using screw speeds (SP) of 96–172 rpm, and the extruded mixtures are subsequently expanded using microwave radiation to produce third‐generation (3G) snacks. The degree of starch gelatinization (DG); in vitro starch digestibility (SD); specific mechanical energy (SME); physical properties: radial expansion (RE), flexural modulus (Ef), and bulk density (BD); and rheological properties: storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) are evaluated and optimized. In addition, X‐ray and microstructure analyses are studied to correlate the chemical and structural changes. The SP and MC affect most variables in the unexpanded snack (UETS) and microwave‐expanded snacks (MWES). Increased MC results in UETS with low SD, DG, rheological properties, and mechanical resistance. An increase in SP at low MC results in MWES with high RE, low BD, and Ef while an increase in MC lowers SD. Micrographs and X‐ray diffraction spectra reveals that the extrusion results in a V‐type starch crystalline structure. The optimal conditions (24% MC, 133 rpm, and 122 °C) result in good expansion and moderate SD, DG, and SME products.

Functional Properties of Noodles Analogue from Water Yam, Yellow Maize, and African Yam Bean Mixtures – A Response Surface Methodology

Response surface methodology was used to investigate the effect of extrusion process on proximate composition of noodles analogue from water yam, yellow maize, and African yam bean flour mixture. Flour blend from water yam, yellow maize, and African yam bean were produced and was used to extrude noodles analogue using a Brabender single screw laboratory extruder (Duisburg DCE 330 model) fitted with 3.0 mm die nozzle diameter. A central composite rotatable design (CCRD) with three variables, namely barrel temperature, feed moisture content and screw speed and five level coded – a, -1, 0, +1, +a, was used and data analyzed by regression analysis. Results showed that bulk density ranged from 0.41 to 0.09 g/cm water solubility index ranged from 4.41 to 6.36%; water absorption capacity ranged from 2.05 to 5.66% and expansion ratio ranged from 1.62 to 3.81respectively. The coefficients of determinations (R2) were high and ranged from 0.9039 to 0.9887 at 5% level. The response surface plots suggested that the models developed had a good fit and the CCRD was effective in explaining the effect of the process conditions on noodles analogue as influenced by barrel temperature, feed moisture content, and screw speed of the extruder. The data obtained from the study could be used for control of product characteristics. The study indicated that improved noodles analogue from available and cheap roots, cereal and legumes such as water yam, yellow maize, and African yam bean can be produced for possible projection for the commercial production of noodles analogue.