Orange-fleshed Sweet Potato Research Articles

Quality Evaluation of Fresh Selected Orange Fleshed Sweet Potatoes in Lake zone of Tanzania

Quality Evaluation of Fresh Selected Orange Fleshed Sweet Potatoes in Lake zone of Tanzania

Nutritional Quality, Amino Acid Profile and Phytochemicals of High Protein-fibre Cookies Produced from Whole Wheat, Orange-fleshed Sweet Potato, Defatted Peanut and Rice Bran Composite Flour

This study evaluated the nutritional qualities of cookies from whole wheat (WW), orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP), defatted peanut (DPN) and rice bran (RB) composite flour. The flours (WPRG 1, 2 and 3) were formulated at different ratios (5.00-37.50%) and 100% WW flour (as control). The improved protein (13.54 ̵ 18.91%) and fibre (2.96 ̵ 8.65%) of the cookies depicted the positive inclusion of OFSP, DPN and RB flours. However, the essential minerals were significantly (p≤0.05) high in the composite cookies with no traces of heavy metals. Besides, the hydrophobic amino acids (24.10 ̵ 28.91%) and biological value (74.07 ̵ 89.77%) of the cookies showcased their potential bio-availability in some cardio-disease management. Their phenol (100.28-220.35 mg/100g) and tannin (53.40-76.50 mg/100 g) contents significantly (p≤0.05) enhanced their antioxidative power. The cookies produced from 56.25% WW, 18.75% OFSP, 5% RB and 20% DPN composite flour were mostly preferred by the consumers’ ratings. Finally, the added peanut and rice bran flours showed no significant (p<0.05) effect on the physical properties, acceptability and preference of the cookie samples. Hence, we conclude that it is possible to produce better and high nutritional (protein, fibre, etc.) cookies from whole wheat, OFSP, defatted peanut and rice bran composite flours.

The Productivity of Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato as Influenced by Organic Manure and Inorganic Amendments in Dodoma Municipal

The Productivity of Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato as Influenced by Organic Manure and Inorganic Amendments in Dodoma Municipal

Orange fleshed sweet potato-rice bran flour: Optimization, proximate and amino acid composition for dough meal production

This study focuses on optimizing the proximate composition of dough meal made from blends of orange-fleshed sweet potato, defatted sesame, and rice bran flour. The utilization of these readily available local ingredients demonstrates significant potential for enhancing the nutritional value of staple foods. The research employs a systematic approach to determine the optimal proportions of these three flours, with the goal of achieving a balanced profile of essential nutrients. Parameters such as moisture, protein, fat, carbohydrate, and dietary fiber content were analyzed for the optimized blends. The observed ranges for moisture, ash, protein, fat, fiber, and carbohydrates in the flour samples were 0.99–3.31, 1.44 - 8.88, 6.25 - 13.97, 6.09 - 12.22, 2.22 - 5.00, and 66.22 - 77.21g/100g, respectively. The optimal blends were determined using response surface methodology software, with a focus on achieving high protein and fiber content. Functional, pasting, and amino acid composition analyses were performed on these optimum blends. In conclusion, the optimized flour blends of orange-fleshed sweet potato, defatted sesame, and rice bran present a viable alternative to conventional unripe plantain flour for dough meal production. This research bridges the gap between traditional staples and nutritional enrichment, offering potential solutions for addressing nutritional deficiencies and promoting sustainable dietary practices. The findings contribute to the development of innovative food formulations that cater to both nutritional needs and consumer preferences.

Quality Evaluation of Malted Pigeon Pea –Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato Flour Blends and Biscuits Using Albino (Wistar) Rats

The use of underutilized food crops and their fortification could add value to food products. Malted pigeon pea was produced and substituted into orange fleshed sweet potato at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 100% to produce flour blends which was used to feed albino rats on addition of salt, bone meal, blood meal. The blend flour was also used to produce biscuits on addition of baking fat, sugar and salt. The biscuit was analysed for physical and sensory properties. The albino rat feed was analysed for nutrition and haematological qualities. The ash, protein and energy value content of the flour increased from 2.34 to 3.11, 4.64 to 13.27%, 379.83 to 384.19 Kcal/100g, respectively, with increase in added malted pigeon flour. The flavonoid, saponin, phenol, phytate, tannins contents increased from 2.11 to 3.43, 6.61 to 9.70, 0.03 to 0.07, 33.74 to 50.28, 0.04 to 0.08 mg/kg, respectively. The water absorption capacity and bulk density capacity decreased from 0.38 to 0.15% and 0.73 to 0.46 g, while the swelling, oil absorption and foam capacity increased from 1.60 to 3.65, 0.91 to 1.82 and 7.15 to 12.20%, respectively, with addition of malted pigeon pea. The highest break strength was observed in biscuit produced with 85:15 (85 % orange fleshed sweet potato, 15 % malted pigeon pea flour blends) (3000g). The Feed Efficient Ratio (FER) and the Protein Efficient Ratio (PER) of the feed albino rats improved with addition of malted pigeon pea. The Haemoglobin (HB), Park Cell Volume (PCV), Total White Blood Cells (TWBC), White Blood Cells (WBC), Red Blood Cell (RBC) of the feed albino rats generally increased with increase in the quantity of malted pigeon pea over the three weeks feeding duration. All the blend flour biscuits were generally accepted; however, the 15% malted pigeon pea biscuit was the most preferred. Quality and acceptable biscuits can be produced from malted pigeon pea –orange fleshed sweet potato.

Anthropometric and Biochemical Indices of Infants fed Complementary Foods developed from Millets, Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potatoes, Carrot, Periwinkle and Oyster Meat Flour Blends

Purpose: This study examined the anthropometric and biochemical indices of infants fed complementary foods developed from millets (M), orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP), carrot (CF), periwinkle meat (PMF) and oyster meat flour (OMF) blends.
 Materials and Methods: Six different blends of flour were formulated using the recommended guideline for the formulation of complementary food for infants 6 – 12 months. The blends were as follows 89: 11 M/C; 70:30 M/OFSP; 57:32:11 M/OFSP/C; 65:20:5:10 M/OFSP/C/OMF; 49:29:7:15 M/OFSP/C/PMF and 70:13:3: 7:7 M/OFSP/C/PMF/OMF while Cerelac was used as the control diet. Thirty-five children aged 6-12 months enrolled in this study. Seven groups comprising of 5 children each consumed cerelac (control diet), millet/carrot (Test diet I) millet/OFSP (test diet II), millet/OFSP/carrot (test diet III), millet/OFSP/carrot/oyster (test diet IV), millet/OFSP/carrot/periwinkle (test diet V), and millet/OFSP/carrot/periwinkle/oyster (test diet VI), respectively.
 Findings: The children were fed with 50 g/day of the diets over a 6 months period during which anthropometric (weight, length, mid-upper arm circumference, head circumference, and chest circumference) and biochemical assessments (iodine level, hemoglobin level, calcium level, and vitamin A level) were carried out before and after test product ingestion. All children fed on the test diets had an increase in anthropometric parameters. Test diet VI had the highest percentage effect on biochemical and anthropometric parameters at the end of the study. The effect of test diet VI on the hemoglobin levels of the infants was significantly (p<0.01) higher than other test diets.
 Implication to Theory, Practice and Policy: Dietary interventions incorporating carrots, OFSP, periwinkle, and oyster exhibited favorable impacts on the nutritional well-being of infants. Consequently, it ought to be regarded as a superior choice when devising nutrition initiatives aimed at enhancing the nutritional condition of children residing in regions where millet-based porridge prevails as the primary complementary food.

Effect of microwave-assisted pre-drying and deep-fat-frying conditions on some quality attributes of orange fleshed sweetpotato chips

The effect of microwave-assisted drying (MAD) and deep-fat frying conditions on moisture and oil contents, hardness, chewiness, and colour (L*, a*, and b*) attributes of orange-flesh-sweet-potato (OFSP) chips were studied. A response surface methodology based on Box–Behnken design was used to optimize the effect of weight loss (10 – 20%) during MAD, frying temperature (150 – 170 °C), and frying time (1 – 3 min) on moisture, oil contents, hardness, chewiness, and colour of the chips. Models were generated showing the relationship between independent and response variables. The process variables had significant effects on the investigated responses. Frying temperature had a significant (p<0.05) effect on the oil, moisture contents, and chewiness. Weight loss had a significant (p<0.05) effect on hardness, and moisture content, while frying time had a significant (p<0.05) effect on hardness, chewiness, and moisture content. Furthermore, frying temperature had significant (p<0.05) interactive effect on moisture content and chewiness. The desirability index was 0.580 and the optimum conditions obtained were percentage weight loss of 10.51%, a frying temperature of 168. 68 °C and frying time of 2.78 min. In these conditions, OFSP chips of acceptable moisture and oil contents with desirable colour and textural parameters were obtained.

Evaluation of nutritional value, consumer preference, and profitability of orange‐fleshed sweet potato puree–incorporated bread and injera

AbstractIncorporation of orange‐fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) puree into wheat flour bread and teff flour injera can enrich the β‐carotene content of the products. Information about the optimal proportion of OFSP puree to be mixed with wheat and teff flour to make bread and injera is currently lacking in Ethiopia. This study was carried out to determine the optimum proportion of OFSP puree to be incorporated into wheat flour bread and teff flour injera, and to evaluate the nutritional content, sensory acceptability, and profitability of OFSP‐blended wheat bread and teff injera. Four OFSP puree:wheat flour ratio (0:100, 15:85, 30:70, and 45:55) and four OFSP puree:teff flour ratio (0:100, 15:85, 30:70, and 45:55) were evaluated. Significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) were found for β‐carotene content among the four bread and injera treatments. The highest β‐carotene (2340 µg 100 g−1 and 1735.00 µg 100 g−1) content was found in the bread and injera blended with 45% OFSP puree, respectively. Marked differences were also found among bread treatments with overall acceptability scores of 6.22 (100% wheat flour bread) and 5.93 (15% OFSP puree blended bread). Similarly, overall sensory acceptability varied profoundly among injera treatments with the highest scores of 5.73 and 5.85 recorded for injera blended with 15% and 30% OFSP puree, respectively. Considering the higher β‐carotene content and sensory qualities, bread and injera made from wheat and teff flour blended with 30% OFSP puree is recommended for commercial production and consumption among urban and rural consumers, including the most vulnerable groups to vitamin A deficiency.

Nutrient Uptake and Efficiencies of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) Varieties under Different Rates of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizers

Sweet potatoes serve as a staple food and animal feed in Africa and serve as a source of raw materials for the food, feed, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, chemical, and energy industries. The yield of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes is increased when nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are added to low-fertility soils. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutrient uptake and use efficiency of orange-fleshed sweet potato varieties under applied N and P. The experiment was conducted for two growing seasons (2019 and 2020) under rain-fed conditions in the field. The study included five orange-fleshed sweet potato varieties (Kulfo, Kabode, Alamura, Dilla, and NASPOT-12), three N levels (0, 23, and 46 kg·N·ha−1), and two levels of P (0 and 46 kg P2O5·ha−1) fertilizers designed in 5 × 3 × 2 with α-lattice design in factorial arrangement using 3 replications. The interaction effect of variety, N, and P fertilizers affected nutrient uptake, physiological efficiency, and agronomic efficiency of sweet potatoes. NASPOT-12 was the better variety in nutrient uptake but poor in apparent recovery at all levels of N and P. The highest nutrient uptake, agronomic efficiency, and physiological efficiency were observed on NASPOT-12 when subjected to 23 kg N·ha−1 and 46 kg P2O5·ha−1. Overall, NASPOT-12 with 23 kg·N·ha−1 and 46 kg P2O5·ha−1 could be recommended for its high nutrient uptake, agronomic, and physiological efficiencies.

Direct and spillover effects of biofortified sweetpotato interventions on sustained adoption in Malawi

Agriculture-nutrition interventions (ANI) have recently received attention as a promising delivery mechanism for achieving desirable nutritional outcomes. However, more evidence is needed on the effectiveness of such interventions. In this study, we analyze direct and spillover effects of ANIs for biofortified orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) in Malawi on sustained household outcomes: OFSP adoption, area planted, harvest, and sales. In Malawi, we selected three large-scale OFSP interventions and use a rich dataset of 2,492 smallholder farmers selected from every district of Malawi. Methodologically, we employ bivariate probit, instrumental variables, and propensity score matching techniques. We find positive and sustained participation effects for all outcomes. Second, we find that OFSP interventions spilled over and benefited non-participants who lived in treatment villages. Vine multipliers and vine conservation techniques were key diffusion mechanisms for initial and sustained adoption of OFSP varieties. Interventions promoted higher OFSP root sales which suggests that generating income is an important motivator of adoption, in addition to own-consumption. Also, root sales is an often overlooked diffusion mechanism to reach additional farmers beyond the direct participants. Relevant for policy-makers is that OFSP interventions have sustained positive adoption and diffusion effects, and thus feature well as a relatively cost-effective food-based approach among other strategies to eradicate hidden hunger. Designing ANIs with strong supply-push (e.g., (de)centralized vine multipliers, vine conservation techniques) and demand-pull components (e.g., participatory varietal selection and agronomic training) are key and will need to be accompanied by strategies that create a stronger economic case for OFSP, for instance, by investments to strengthen a processing industry for OFSP roots.

Nutrition quality response of orange‐fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea Batatas L. Lam) varieties to deficit irrigation in Tanzania

AbstractMalnutrition in all its forms is a global problem, with the worst effects felt in developing countries. The importance of producing food to improve nutrition security is self‐evidently a promising approach to combating malnutrition. The present study assessed the nutritional quality response of orange‐fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) varieties to deficit irrigation (DI). The study's specific objectives were to (i) evaluate yield and root quality and (ii) assess the nutritional root yield and nutritional water productivity of selected OFSP varieties under full and DI. Beta‐carotene, iron, and zinc were the root quality parameters studied. A factorial arrangement of treatments was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The irrigation rates used for scheduling were 100% (full irrigation), 60% (60 [DI]), and 30% (30 [DI]) of total available water (TAW). The test varieties were Naspot‐13 and Jewel of the OFSP crop. The beta‐carotene content of the Jewel cultivar was 27% higher than that of the Naspot‐13 cultivar. However, neither cultivar's root quality changed under DI. The results show that serving 125 g of boiled OFSP varieties provides more than 100% of vitamin A, sufficient iron, and minimal zinc dietary requirements for 4‐ to 8‐year‐old children and 10‐ to 50‐year‐old pregnant women. In general, the nutritional water productivity of root quality parameters increased with a decrease in water application. In conclusion, a positive water‐food‐nutrition nexus was established under the Naspot‐13 variety, suggesting a capacity for alleviating vitamin A, iron, and zinc deficiency health‐related problems, particularly in children and pregnant women in regions with limited water resources. Therefore, adoption of DI strategies for underutilized crops using smart pressurized irrigation systems could be significant in undertaking water management reforms.

The potential of underutilised and biofortified grains, roots, and tubers in Ghana: A nutrition-sensitive approach for improved health

Abstract The prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies and non-communicable diseases are on the rise in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) despite the abundance of indigenous nutritious and biofortified crops. Rapid urbanisation and poor dietary habits have resulted in most Ghanaian households frequently consuming highly processed foods, sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats in place of complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, root and tuber crops, fruits, and vegetables. Existing postharvest and food processing practices may also not help consumers to make healthy food choices that would result in optimal nutrition. Applying a food systems approach will enable stakeholders to consider the solutions to these public health concerns through different lenses along the agricultural value chain. This review examines nutritious indigenous crops in Ghana, that include millet, sorghum, soybean, locust bean, aerial yam, taro, and cocoyam, considering how their nutrient composition could aid in disease prevention and health promotion among the populace. In addition, biofortified crops such as yellow and orange maize, high iron bean, yellow cassava, and orange-fleshed sweetpotato are discussed, highlighting the focal nutrients and their relation to health improvement. This review employs the food systems approach to critically examine how nutrition can be maximised along the various steps of the agricultural value chain. It concludes with recommendations at the individual and policy levels that could result in medium- and long-term positive impacts on nutrition and health status.

Nutritional Evaluation of a Complementary Food Based on Dates, Millet, Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato and Moringa Leaf Powder

The aim of this study was to formulate highly nutritious infant foods. The nutritional quality of a complementary porridge based on pearl millet, orange-fleshed sweet potato, dates and mixed with Moringa leaf powder was assessed using standard methods. A total of 7 formulations were produced, with compositional proportions calculated on the basis of recommended daily allowances (RDAs) for children aged 1-2 years. The linear regression method was used to combine the samples into different formulations to meet FAO/WHO/UNICEF requirements. The results obtained revealed that the nutritional composition of the flour on a dry weight basis was as follows: crude fiber: 2.6-3.3 g/100g, ash: 1.9-2.13 g/100g, crude fat: 0.66-1.38 g/100g, crude protein: 8.34-11.07 g/100g, carbohydrates: 73-77 g/100g and 346-352 g/100g energy. Iron, zinc and calcium contents were 4.5-6.3, 1.46-1.81, 183-240mg/100g respectively, and vitamin A content was 308-497 µg/110g. The incorporation of Moringa leaf powder improved the nutritional quality of the supplementary feed.

Enhancement of nutritional quality and shelf life of fish products (powder & chapatti) via fortifying with orange-fleshed sweet potato.

Despite its high protein, fat, and mineral contents, fish contains trace amounts of carbohydrates and vitamins, notably vitamin A. The perishable nature of fresh fish makes it challenging to store for a prolonged time, necessitating the use of additives to enhance its shelf life, nutritional, and other quality aspects. Sweet potatoes are the preferred option to blend with fish due to their cost and abundance. This study aims to prepare fortified fish powder and make food products (chapatti) using it. Fish powder and sweet potato powder were prepared by drying them in an oven at 60°C and 45°C, respectively. The two dried samples were then ground and mixed in various ratios, followed by analyzing their nutritional and other parameters using standard methods. Vitamin A and beta-carotene levels were analyzed using HPLC and UV-Vis spectroscopy techniques, respectively. The findings indicated that the outcomes displayed enhanced nutrition and extended storage capacity. The amount of beta-carotene (876.12 ± 14.76 to 3182.4 ± 123.1 μg/100 g) and carbohydrates (4.49 ± 1.02 to 52.31 ± 0.21) increased. The packed fortified flour is safe for human consumption for up to 90 days, as per the International Commission for Microbiological Specifications for Foods. The chapatti made from fortified flour was also deemed acceptable by the panelists.

Combined Application of Filter Cake and Macadamia Husk Compost Affects Soil Fertility and Plant Mineral Content of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potatoes

A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of the combined application of filter cake and macadamia husk compost (FC+MHC) on the soil fertility and dry matter partitioning of Beauregard and 199062.1 cultivars of orange-fleshed sweet potato. The effects of the two organic wastes on the mineral nutrients in the leaves and the storage roots of the 199062.1 cultivar were also investigated. In addition to FC+MHC, four other treatments—filter cake only (FC), macadamia husk compost only (MHC), inorganic fertilizer only (IF), a combination of filter cake and inorganic fertilizer (FC+IF), a combination of macadamia husk compost and inorganic fertilizer (MHC+IF), and a control (CONT)—were included in the investigation for the purpose of comparison. To achieve this, 1 kg of compost was homogenized with 20 kg of soil and filled into graduated 25 L buckets. The experimental design was completely randomized. The plants were grown for 4 months. The results indicated that all treatments altered the soil fertility positively. There were indications that both filter cake and macadamia husk compost inhibited the absorption of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and aluminum (Al). Also, zinc (Zn) and phosphorus (P) deficiencies in the initial soil were corrected after the application of the organic wastes. In terms of yield, FC+MHC was better than all other treatments. The outcome of this study will no doubt greatly benefit the resource-poor farmers of Northern KwaZulu-Natal who are involved in the production of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes.

Accelerating the healing of hard-to-heal wounds with food supplements: nutritional analysis in the Côte d'Ivoire.

Hard-to-heal wounds are an important, yet often neglected, public health issue in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Malnutrition has been identified as a risk factor for prolonged healing times. However, nutritional supplements are not routinely provided for patients with hard-to-heal wounds, and so this study aimed to investigate their benefits. This 9-month study was conducted in the Taabo Health and Demographic Surveillance System in the south-central part of Côte d'Ivoire. Patients with wounds (≥30mm2) were recruited. Treatment was standardised for inpatients (72%) and outpatients (28%). There were three intervention groups: supplemented with soy; orange flesh sweet potato (OFSP); or both. Another group was included without supplement, serving as control. General linear models were employed to assess the effects of log initial wound size, type of wound, food treatment group, haemoglobin, sex, age, place of treatment and body mass index on the rate of wound closure. The cohort consisted of 56 patients, 41 of whom were placed in intervention groups, and the remainder as controls. Within the cohort, 37 (66%) patients suffered from Buruli ulcer, 15 (27%) from traumatic wounds and four (7%) from erysipelas. We found a significant effect (p=0.004) of diet supplemented with OFSP on the wound healing rate. OFSP is a nutritional rehabilitation supplement, characterised by a high content of beta-carotene and carbohydrates. It is associated with shortened wound healing times, reduced discomfort and reduced cost of wound care. Further research should investigate the effect of a diet rich in beta-carotene, in combination with standard medical care, on hard-to-heal wound healing in LMICs.

More Interventions, Low Adoption: To What Extent Are the Existing Seed Sources to Blame? The Case of Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato in Central and Northern Malawi

Vitamin A dense Orange fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) has the potential to build resilient livelihoods against Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD), food insecurity, and climate change. However, the adoption of OFSP among smallholder farmers in Malawi remains low. Although many scholars across the globe have reviewed the seed systems of OFSP, no empirical study, in Malawi or elsewhere, has modelled how the use of the various sources of vines affect farmers’ seed security and eventual decisions to adopt biofortified OFSP varieties. The study employed a mixed methods approach and used a Triple Hurdle model to analyze the effect of the existing sources of vines on the adoption of OFSP among 721 randomly sampled households in central and northern Malawi. The study also developed a seed security experience score (SSES) in order to assess the capacity of the existing sources of vines to ensure farmers’ seed security. By defining adoption as a three-stage process, and by shifting the seed systems focus to capacity of the existing sources of vines, the study departs from the conventional approaches that most scholars have used to model adoption of OFSP. The study found that the existing sources of vines influenced all the three stages of adoption. The SSES results indicated that the capacity of the existing sources subjected the majority of the farmers to a highly seed insecurity status. Interventions therefore must be designed to address the seed security challenges associated with the existing sources in order to enhance the capacity of the sources for widespread and sustained adoption of OFSP.

Quality diets for better health: Integrated orange‐fleshed sweetpotato intervention improved dietary practice in southern Ethiopia

AbstractPoor diet quality for women and children under 2 years of age is the major public health problem in developing countries claiming lives of millions of children and mothers. Nutrition‐sensitive, climate smart orange‐fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] intervention has been proved to be an effective approach to ensure enhanced diet quality and reduce the health burden faced by women and children. The objective of this study is to contribute to evidence generation effort by assessing the effectiveness of the introduction of vitamin A‐rich, OFSP cultivars alongside social and behavior change communication strategy and agronomic practice in improving diet quality. Cluster‐randomized control trial design was implemented on cross‐sectional data collected from project beneficiary and control households in 2017 (n = 1451) and 2019 (n = 2065). Quasi‐experimental double difference analysis is used to measure the impact of the intervention on key nutrition outcome indicators. Nutrition‐sensitive climate smart agriculture focused on OFSP cultivars with integrated nutrition behavioral change social communication and agronomic training presented significant potential to improved food security, dietary diversity, and frequency of vitamin A food‐rich intake among the rural population of southern Ethiopia. Thus, it is concluded that enhanced investment in nutrition dense agricultural commodities such as orange fleshed‐sweetpotatoes with appropriate training on both nutrition and agronomic can be effective and cheaper means to address the diet quality problem.

Innovative approach to mitigate aflatoxin and micronutrient problems in complementary foods (CFs) for health and economic wellbeing

Complementary foods (CFs) provided to infants and young children (IYC) in sub-Saharan Africa contain ingredients that are susceptible to aflatoxin contamination. Chronic dietary exposure to aflatoxins is associated with serious health consequences. CF for thin porridge was developed by combining seven ingredients namely, finger millet, soya beans, orange fleshed sweet potato, cassava, breadfruit, baobab and moringa aiming to produce a nutrient dense and aflatoxin safe CF. The developed formulation was evaluated for safety with a focus on total aflatoxin and aflatoxin B1 and microbiological parameters, fibre and micronutrients especially iron and zinc. After passing safety test, the formulations (normal and instant porridge types) were evaluated for acceptability, cookability preference and market performance. The formulated product passed safety and overall quality tests. Market response was very good suggesting that more work should be undertaken in the direction of scale up and dissemination for wider availability and use. Children and persons of other ages can now use a highly nutritional quality and guaranteed aflatoxin safe product.

Development and Profiling of Affordable and Nutritionally Optimal Pigeon Pea-Based Products for Improved Recipes Diversification in Rural Communities in Tanzania

Pigeon pea is an affordable source of protein, vitamins and minerals. Despite its nutritional importance, the legume has not been adequately utilized for human consumption in Tanzania due to limited recipes. Therefore, the study aimed to develop and profile quantitative attributes of value-added pigeon pea-based noodles (PPBN) and instant porridge (PPIP) flour for diversification of recipes in rural Tanzania communities. The computation on the amount of ingredients, the cost of the product mix and optimization was done using Linear programming, simplex method. PPBN and PPIP were developed and Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA) was done by trained panelists. Data were analysed using R and XLSTAT software. Eight and four samples of PPBN and PPIP respectively were formulated and developed. Major ingredients for PPBN was pigeon pea, wheat and orange flesh sweet potatoes flour and for PPIP was pigeon pea, maize, orange flesh sweet potatoes flour (or pumpkin flour). The protein content for PPBN ranged from 41.0 to 58.2 g. The highest amount of iron content was observed in sample PPBN193 (26.4 mg), followed by PPBN1718 (21.0 mg), PPBN267 (19.3 mg) and PPBN136 (18.3mg). The highest value of zinc and pro-vitamin A was observed in sample PPBN136. For instant porridge the highest value of protein (17.1 g), iron (7.9 g), zinc (5.4 mg) and pro-vitamin A (308.5 µg) was observed in sample PPIPofspr. The highest mean intensity score for colour, aroma and mouthfeel was observed in samples PPBN718, PPBN193 and PPBN136. For sample PPIPofspr, colour (8.7) Aroma (7.7), mouthfeel (7.8), sweetness (7.1) and viscosity (7.9) had the highest mean intensity score. There was a significant increase in protein, iron, zinc and pro-vitamin A with an increase in the amount of pigeon pea and/or orange flesh sweet potato flour. Sample PPBN718, PPBN193, PPBN136 and PPIPofspr had better nutritional and sensory qualities that make