Yam Flour Research Articles

Impact of Tuber Section, Steeping Solution, and Concentration on Physicochemical Properties of Yam (Dioscorea rotundata) Flour

This study examined various factors such as Tuber Cutting (TC), Tuber Processing Method and Duration (TPM and TPD), Soaking Solution Type and Concentration (SST and SSC), as well as Parameter Analytical Temperature (PAT) on flour samples prepared from different parts of yam tubers.

Optimization and Validation of Extrusion Process Parameters for the Sensory Characteristics of Extruded Aerial Yam and Soybean Flour Blends

The aim of this study was to optimize and validate the extrusion process parameters (barrel temperature, screw speed, and feed moisture) for the sensory properties (texture, taste, appearance, and aroma) of extrudates made from blends of soybean and aerial yam flours. Five levels of barrel temperature (95, 100, 105, 110, and 115 °C), screw speed (85, 100, 115, 130, and 145 rpm), and feed moisture (31, 33, 35, 37, and 39%) were employed in 20 runs of the response surface methodology (RSM), which was based on the Box-Behnken design with three variables. A single-screw extruder at the laboratory scale was used to carry out the extrusion procedure. A high regression coefficient (R2 ≥ 0.9) indicates that the models are useful for navigating the design space. Numerical optimization results indicated that the optimal extrusion process parameters - barrel temperature of 114.12 °C, screw speed of 100.56 rpm, and feed moisture of 38.02% - produced extrudates with optimal sensory property scores of 5.34 for texture, 4.91 for taste, 6.97 for appearance, and 5.80 for aroma, with a desirability of 0.943. The correlation between the predicted and experimental values yielded a high coefficient of determination, indicating a good correlation. The “Fit and Diagnostic Case” statistics showed a low range of deviations between the predicted and observed values for the sensory characteristics. Therefore, the generated quadratic model accurately predicts the sensory characteristics of aerial yam-soybean flour blends and is thus validated.

Effect of endogenous proteins and lipids on yam flour during radio frequency explosion puffing: Characterization, microstructure, function, and in vitro digestibility

Effect of endogenous proteins and lipids on yam flour during radio frequency explosion puffing: Characterization, microstructure, function, and in vitro digestibility

The relationship between food insecurity, purchasing patterns and perceptions of the food environment in urban slums in Ibadan, Nigeria

BackgroundRapid urbanisation without concomitant infrastructure development has led to the creation of urban slums throughout sub-Saharan Africa. People living in urban slums are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity due to the lack of physical and economic accessibility to food. Hence, it is important to explore how vulnerable groups living in slums interact with the food environment. This study assessed the relationships between food insecurity, including restrictive coping strategies, food purchasing patterns and perceptions about the food environment among dwellers of selected urban slums in Ibadan, Nigeria.MethodsThis community-based cross-sectional study was conducted with people responsible for food procurement from 590 randomly selected households in two urban slums in Ibadan. Food insecurity and restrictive coping strategies were assessed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale and the Coping Strategy Index, respectively. We examined purchasing patterns of participants by assessing the procurement of household foodstuffs in different categories, as well as by vendor type. Participants’ perceptions of the food environment were derived through a five-item composite score measuring food availability, affordability and quality. Chi-square tests and logistic regression models analysed associations between food insecurity, purchasing patterns and perceptions of the food environment.ResultsThe prevalence of food insecurity in the sample was 88%, with 40.2% of the households experiencing severe food insecurity. Nearly a third (32.5%) of the households used restrictive coping strategies such as limiting the size of food portions at mealtimes, while 28.8% reduced the frequency of their daily meals. Participants purchased food multiple times a week, primarily from formal and informal food markets rather than from wholesalers and supermarkets. Only a few households grew food or had livestock (3.2%). Food insecure households had a lower perceived access to the food environment, with an approximate 10% increase in access score per one-unit decrease in food insecurity (AOR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.84, 0.96). The most procured foods among all households were fish (72.5%), bread (60.3%), rice (56.3%), yam and cassava flours (50.2%). Food-secure households procured fruit, dairy and vegetable proteins more frequently.ConclusionFood insecurity remains a serious public health challenge in the urban slums of Ibadan. Perceptions of greater access to the food environment was associated with increasing food security. Interventions should focus on creating more robust social and financial protections, with efforts to improve livelihoods to ensure food security among urban slum-dwellers.

Impact on Incorporation of Purple Yam Flour (Dioscorea alata var. Purpurea) in Development of Multigrain Nutri-Bar

Consumption of wholesome and healthy diet is the most effective way to combat protein-energy malnutrition and micro-nutrient deficiencies. Present study was carried out to develop a nourishing and cost effective nutri-bar from selected locally available yams, cereals, legumes and oil seeds. Incorporation of purple yam flour at 20% (F1), 15% (F2) and 10% (F3) was performed with changing only the ratio of processed rice flour.The highest mean rank scores for all tested sensory properties of appearance, taste, texture, aroma and overall acceptability were observed in F1. Proximate composition of ash, protein, fat, crude fiber, carbohydrate and calorie contents of products ranged 1.26-1.37%, 11.20-12.02%, 6.57-7.29%, 2.69-3.58%, 73.28-73.41% and 397.57 - 406.81 kcal/100g respectively. The highest values for total sugar, crude-fibre, potassium, sodium, calcium were recorded in F1 with 20.06±0.12%, 3.55±0.08%, 3903±2.8mg/kg, 396.50±10.60mg/kg, 305.00±29.70mg/kg respectively. F1 had the highest TPC- 4.120 mg GAE/g, TFC- 0.179 mg QE/g, anthocyanin content- 0.225 mg/g and antioxidant potential through DPPH assay- 3.142 mg TE/g followed by F2 and F3. The anthocyanin content of three formulas showed significantly positive correlation with antioxidant capacity (r =1.00, p<0.05). In conclusion, nutri-bars are the excellent source of nutrients supplements especially for undernourished population.

Effect of extrusion using plasma-activated water on the structural, physicochemical, antioxidant and in vitro digestive properties of yam flour

The synergistic effects of plasma-activated water (PAW) and twin-screw extrusion (TSE) on the structural, physicochemical, antioxidant, and digestive properties of yam flour (YF) were studied. Compared to common TSE, PAW-TSE reduced the protein, starch, and polyphenol contents, swelling power, and gel property of YF, while PAW-TSE enhanced the flavonoid content, whiteness index, solubility, and antioxidant property of YF. Moreover, the results of structural characterization and differential scanning calorimetry indicated that the long-range or short-range ordering, and gelatinization enthalpy of starch in YF were reduced after PAW-TSE, while the structure ordering of proteins in YF increased. Furthermore, the in vitro digestibility results demonstrated a reduction in the rate of enzymatic hydrolysis, coupled with an increase in total contents of slowly digestible and resistant starch after PAW-TSE. It should be noted that TSE using PAW prepared by a longer plasma treatment resulted in a more significant improvement effect on YF.

Qualitative Assessment of Flours from Five Varieties of Yam in Benue State Nigeria

Need to reduce post-harvest losses of Benue yams birthed this research. The study investigated the functional, pasting properties and nutritional composition of high quality flours produced from five Yam varieties in Benue State, Nigeria. The functional and pasting properties and nutritional composition of flours produced from five yam varieties in Benue State, Nigeria. Their bulk density (0.70-0.84 g/cm3), dispersibility (23.17-39.33g/mL), water (0.87-2.53mL/g) and oil (0.93-2.03mL/g) absorption capacities, swelling index (0.92-2.07mL/g) and capacity ranged from 146.30-265.82%., The peak viscosity, trough, breakdown, final viscosity, set back, peak time and pasting temperature, ranged from 1285.00-4586.33 RVU, 1102.00-4035.00 RVU, 57.07-1046.00 RVU, 1878.33-6428.00 RVU, 688.00-2393.33 RVU - (Rapid Viscometric Unit), 5.40-7.20mins and 81.50-88.85oC., The moisture content, ash, crude fiber, protein, fat, carbohydrates and energy values ranged from 7.61-9.70%, 0.05-3.80%, 0.10-4.82%, 7.77-9.27%, 1.19-1.51 %; 75.09-79.55% and 326.50-343.52 kcal., The Vitamins: A (0.66.41-807.55 mg/100 g), C (23.40-28.73mg/100 g), E (0.08-1.24 mg/100 g), K (0.12-0.74 mg/100 g) and B1 ranged from 0.73-0.83 mg/100 g) while vitamin D was negligible in all samples., The Minerals sodium, potassium, Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese and zinc ranged from 47.42-59.73 mg/100 g, 69.01-123.51 mg/100 g, 25.28-33.01 mg/100 g, 39.18-58.02 mg/100 g, 0.04-0.12 mg/100 g, 2.95-5.43 mg/100 g and 0.79-1.25 mg/100 g respectively. Results revealed that, Sample AR (Amura yam flour) could be regarded to have the best quality of all parameters evaluated compared to all the other yam flours. Though generally, the physico-chemical properties of the yam flours compared favourably with the wheat flour used as control, therefore, they all exhibited good qualities of flours for baking of confectioneries.

Phytochemicals, Antioxidant, Physico-Chemical and Sensory Properties of Yam-Based Cookies Produced from Flours of Five Yam Varieties

The aspiration to reduce post-harvest losses of yams via the promotion of utilisation of the abundant readily available raw materials for industrial purposes and production of health-enhancing foods prompted this research. This work focused on evaluating the phytochemical, antioxidant, physicochemical and sensory properties of yam-based cookies produced from the flours of five yam varieties. Established standard procedures were used in all analyses. Results showed; Phytochemical compounds such as phenols, flavanoids, alkaloids and tannins were found present in the yam-based cookies in the range of 0.24- 0.37mg/100g, 0.26- 0.40 mg/100g, 0.6- 2.13mg/100g and 0.01- 0.17mg/100g. Saponin was not detected in all the yam flour cookies. Only a trace of 0.05 mg/100g was observed in wheat flour cookies (the control), Antioxidant activities of the yam-based cookies revealed that DPPH, FRAP, MCA, HRSA and SRSA ranged from 41.19-84.32, 0.29-0.95, 34.15-78.51, 29.64-69.54 and 24.13- 81.52 accordingly. Gluthanion was used as standard. The general trend observed was that, in all cases; sample HKC had the least antioxidant activities, OGC and ARC had higher antioxidant activities among the yam-based cookies, while GSH (the control) had the highest. The proximate values for Moisture, ash, crude fiber, crude protein, fat, carbohydrate and energy of yam-based cookies ranged from 7.31- 8.80%, 1.10 - 2.30%, 0.13 – 4.27%, 8.53-10.48%, 2.24 – 3.84%, 73.70-78.38% and 334.06-359.28 Kcal/100g. Physical properties of the Yam-based cookies such as diameter, width, thickness, weight, Spread ratio, spread factor and fragility ranged from 3.70-4.67 cm, 23.93-28.00 cm, 2.63-4.33cm, 5.16-9.67g, 0.83-1.64, 54.63-106.84 and 430.00-790.00g respectively. Cookies from all samples showed good physical quality features for the production cookies and biscuits. Sensory properties such as appearance, texture, crispiness aroma, taste and general acceptability of yam-based cookies ranged from 5.32-8.30, 6.48-8.44, 7.50-8.44, 6.36-7.68, 7.48-8.50, and 6.30-7.84 on a 9-point hedonic scale. Data from this study proved that it was feasible to produce acceptable cookies from the flours of the five yam varieties selected. Overall, samples GBC and ARC cookies competed favorably with the control-wheat cookies and are recommended for mass production. In Particular, sample ARC also combined good nutritional, phytochemical quality and strong antioxidant activities that could be of health benefits to consumers.

Pullulanase-assisted bamboo leaf flavonoids optimize the instant properties, in vitro digestibility, and underlying mechanism in yam flour

In this study, pullulanase-assisted bamboo leaf flavonoids (BLF) were employed to ameliorate limitations of fluidity and digestibility of cooked yam flour via physicochemical properties, digestion, structure and interaction analysis. The results showed that 1) Pullulanase-assisted BLF significantly increased the water solubility (9.02% → 69.38%) and inhibited the swelling (5.54 g/g → 2.29 g/g) during heating and cooling of yam flour, causing it to have liquid-like rheological properties (the tanδ tended to 1). 2) Pullulanase and BLF synergistically affected the anti-digestion of yam flour, reducing the estimated glycemic index to a lower level (58.27 → 48.26, dose-dependent of BLF). 3) Pullulanase-assisted BLF mainly interacted hydrophobic with various components, especially starch, increasing the short/long-range ordered structure of starch, changing the secondary structure of proteins, and forming a tight three-dimensional network structure. This study provided a theoretical foundation for the development of functional foods using yam flour and its potential application in liquid foods.

Kombucha with yam: Comprehensive biochemical, microbiological, and sensory characteristics

Consumer demand for functional foods has increased, helping to popularize and increase the consumption of Kombucha. Other substrates have been used together with tea to improve the functional and sensory properties of the beverage. Thus, this study evaluated the comprehensive biochemical, microbiological, and sensory characteristics of kombuchas fermented with green tea (Camellia sinensis) and different concentrations of yam (0, 10, and 20 % w/v). Based on pre-tests to detect the best concentration of yam in the beverage (10, 20, 30, and 40 %) and fermentation time (5, 7, and 14 days),the concentrations of 10 and 20 % of yam and five days of fermentation were selected through pH, °Brix, and sensory analysis. During the kombucha fermentation, there was a decrease in °Brix and pH. Sucrose, glucose, fructose, citric, and succinic acids were related to the beginning of fermentation, and lactic and acetic acids were more related to the end of fermentation in the treatment containing 20 % yam. The fermentation time did not change the color of the kombucha. Fatty acids, phenols, terpenoids, and alcohols were the volatile groups with the most compounds identified. Only two yeast genera were identified (Brettanomyces bruxellensis and Pichia membranifaciens), and bacteria of the genera Acetobacter, Lactobacillus, Pantoea, Pseudomonas, Azospirillum, and Enterobacter. The beverage control showed less turbidity and more clear. The fruity descriptor was more perceived in treatments with yam. However, the perception of the apple descriptor decreases as the yam concentration increases. The yam’s concentration alters the kombucha’s microbiota and sensory characteristics, mainly appearance and acidity. Kombucha fermentation using yam extract is viable, and the product is sensorially accepted. However, technological improvements, such as yam flour, could be made mainly for appearance and taste attributes.

Nutritional and functional potentials of wheat, cowpea, and yam composite flours on bread formulations: Effect of blending ratio and baking parameters

Bread, a staple food, primarily utilizes wheat as the main ingredient due to its high carbohydrate content, despite being considered nutritionally deficient. In the present study, wheat flour was substituted with cowpea and yam flours. The raw materials were processed into flour, and the proximate composition, functional properties, and anti-nutritional contents of the individual and blend flours (B1 = 85 % wheat + 5 % cowpea +10 % yam, B2 = 70 % wheat + 10 % cowpea +20 % yam, and B3 = 55 % wheat + 15 % cowpea +30 % yam) were analyzed. The main findings revealed that the incorporation of cowpea and yam flours led to significant increases (p < 0.05) in the total ash content, crude protein content, crude fiber content, bulk density, water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, swelling power, phytic acid content, tannin content, and oxalate content. Additionally, the effects of the blending ratio, baking temperature (180–220 °C) and baking time (25–35 min) on the bread formulation were investigated using response surface methodology (RSM). As the blending ratio progressed from B1 to B3, a noticeable decrease in both the specific volume and sensory attributes of the bread were observed. Similarly, with an increase in baking temperature and duration, the bread exhibited a decline in its crude protein and crude fiber contents. Breads formulated with up to 10 % cowpea flour and 20 % yam flour, baked at higher temperatures and times, received greater overall acceptability from panelists. These findings suggest that substituting bread wheat flour with cowpea and yam flours is an innovative approach for developing nutritious and appealing bread products.

Effect of Chemical Preservative and Packaging Material during Storage

Antinutritional properties of yam flour treated with chemical preservatives during six months of storage were carried out. Yam samples were purchased from the wurukum market, processed to obtain yam flour treated with chemical preservatives and packaged in plastic and low-density polyethene. About 100 grams of each of the different samples were separated into five portions. The first portion (sample A) was treated in a water bath with 250 ml of water with 0.5% of sodium metabisulphite for 15 minutes, drained and dried in an automated drier at about 70oC until dried to brittleness, Second portion (Sample B) was immersed in a solution of 0.5% Ascorbic acid for 15 minutes respectively, Third portion(Sample C) was immersed in a solution of 0.5% of Citric acid for 15 minutes, Fourth portion ( Sample D) was immersed in a solution of 0.5% of Ascorbic and Citric Acid, Fifth portion was blanched at 70oC for 5 minutes respectively. The yam slices were dried to brittleness and milled separately with a laboratory hammer mill and sieved using a 250-um mesh to obtain yam flour referred to as high–quality yam flour. The flour samples were analyzed for antinutritional using standard laboratory procedures. The anti-nutritional factors in the high‐quality yam flour were significantly different (p ≤ 0.05) from each other in terms of pretreatment but there was no significant difference in packaging material across storage. Antinutritional factors of yam flour samples decreased as storage progressed. The alkaloid contents of the different yam flour samples ranged from 0.17mg/100 g before storage to 0.39mg/100 g two months after storage, The Tannin contents of the different yam flour samples ranged from 0.32–0.68 mg/100 g (month 0), 0.04–0.64 mg/100 g (month 2), 0.31–0.58 mg/100 g (month 4), and 0.28–0.52mg/100 g (month 6) and The saponnin contents of the different yam flour samples ranged from 0.21–0.39 mg/100 g (month 0), 0.20–0.34 mg/100 g (month 2), 0.19–0.35 mg/100 g (month 4), and 0.21–0.32 mg/100 g (month 6). The anti-nutritional factors in the treated and untreated yam flour samples were significantly (p &lt; .05) affected by pretreatment, storage and packaging materials. Chemical preservatives used in yam processing makes treated yam flour safe for consumption after six months of storage.

Soaking Salt Solution Increases Moisture Content, Ash Content, Starch Content, Decreases Solubility and Swelling Power Of Banggai Yam Flour

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the effect of salt solution (NaCl) soaking on yam, focusing on food safety, organoleptic quality, and changes in chemical composition during the soaking process. Methodology: The method used was a factorial Complete Random Design with the following treatments: P0 = no treatment; P1 = soaking in 10 g/liter salt solution; P2 = soaking in 30 g/liter salt solution; P3 = soaking in 50 g/liter salt solution. Each treatment was repeated three times, resulting in 12 observation units. Results: The results indicated that higher salt solution concentrations led to increased water, ash, and starch content, while the solubility and swelling power of yam flour decreased. Findings: The study found that salt soaking positively affects the preservation and quality of yam by inhibiting pathogenic microorganisms and slowing down tuber rot. The increased concentration of salt solution was directly proportional to the increase in water, ash, and starch content. Novelty: This research provides new insights into the effects of salt soaking on yam, particularly on its chemical composition and potential benefits for food preservation. Originality: The study offers a detailed analysis of how different concentrations of salt solutions affect the quality and chemical properties of yam, contributing to the understanding of its implications for food safety and health. Conclusions: Soaking yams in higher concentrations of salt solution enhances their preservation by increasing water, ash, and starch content, while reducing solubility and swelling power. Paper Type: Empirical Research Paper Keywords: Flour; Salt; Soaking; Yam Banggai

Evaluación de las propiedades proximales, estructurales, morfológicas fisicoquímicas y de digestibilidad in vitro en mezclas de harinas de ñame y batata

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) and sweet potato (Ipomeas batata) flours must be treated through modification processes because they have limitations in their physicochemical and structural properties for use in agri-food matrices. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different proportions of flours on the proximate, structural, morphological, physicochemical, pasting, and in vitro digestibility properties of yam and sweet potato flour blends. Flours were obtained by drying the tubers with hot air at 55 °C, and mixtures were prepared at 25:75, 50:50, and 75:25 w/w sweet potato and yam flour proportions, respectively. The yam starch granules were spherical, oval, irregular, and larger than those of sweet potatoes, which are ovoid and flared. Furthermore, yam and sweet potato granules presented with type-B and type-A diffraction patterns, respectively, which, together with the starch content, amylose, non-starch components, and their molecular interactions, influenced the decrease in the molecular order and degree of crystallinity of the flour blends, without altering the morphological characteristics of the simple flours. Additive and non-additive effects were observed on flour blends’ swelling power and water absorption capacity. Likewise, breakdown and setback viscosity increased, which decreased thermal stability, increased the tendency to retrogradation, and elevated the fractions of rapidly digestible starch and resistant starch. These results suggest the high potential of flour blends in preparing baked products from the Caribbean Region, such as white bread, cookies, and cakes.

Effect of Varied NaCl Soaking Treatment on Chemical Composition of Lesser Yam Flour and Its Use in the Production of Gluten-Free Noodles

In order to reduce dependence on wheat flour, it was necessary to use alternative options, such as lesser yam flour. The production of lesser yam flour consisted of soaking yam tubers in NaCl solutions of different concentrations (20% and 25%). This soaking process was necessary for enhancing the physical characteristics of the flour, resulting in reduced mucus and a whiter appearance. The diverse NaCl concentrations during soaking significantly affected chemical composition of lesser yam flour, impacting parameters, including moisture, ash, fat, total protein, reducing sugar, total sugar, glucomannan content, and calories. However, no discernible effect was observed on the crude fiber and carbohydrate content. In comparison to the 25% NaCl, the 20% NaCl had lesser yam flour with lower moisture, ash, protein, total sugar, and reducing sugar content, but higher fat, glucomannan, and calories. The 25% NaCl soaked lesser yam flour was selected for the production of gluten-free dry noodles. Dry noodles were prepared with various proportions of lesser yam flour and mocaf flour, including 0:100 (TG0), 50:50 (TG1), 50:40 (TG2), 70:30 (TG3), 80:20 (TG4), and 90:10 (TG5). An increase in the proportions of lesser yam flour resulted in increased hardness and chewiness, along with decreased springiness and cohesiveness. Therefore, lesser yam could be processed into flour by soaking in NaCl solutions to produce better flour, with the optimal flour composition being 80% lesser yam flour and 20% mocaf flour for gluten-free noodles production. This suggested the potential for further development of lesser yam flour as a raw material for the production of gluten-free noodles.

Design of Variables Sampling Plan in Agro-Allied Industry for Packed Yam Flour in-view of International Regulatory Standards

Design of Variables Sampling Plan in Agro-Allied Industry for Packed Yam Flour in-view of International Regulatory Standards

Chemical, structural, and techno-functional characterization of yam (Dioscorea) flour from South West Ethiopia

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is a versatile tuber crop that holds nutritional, cultural, and economic values. Yam is a major source of carbohydrates for tropical Countries and provides various nutrients and health benefits. This study aims to characterize the chemical, structural, and thermal properties of yam flour using various analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermal analysis. Additionally, the pasting and rheological properties of yam flour were evaluated, as they are crucial for product development and enhancing the value of this unconventional vegetable. D. cayenensis complex had the highest total starch (64.63 ± 1.61 %) and soluble sugar (4.95 ± 0.46 %) content, which was significantly higher than other yam species. The amylose content of yam flours showed significant (p < 0.05) differences among the yam species. D. cayenensis flour exhibited significantly the highest peak (2923.66 cP) and steak back viscosity (2097.66 cP) among the yam species associated with their greater amylose content. There were notable variations in pasting and gelatinization parameters among the species. The peak temperatures of D. bulbifera and D. cayenensis complex were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than D. cayenensis and D. rotundata flours. The rheological measurements of yam flours demonstrated solid-like behavior with varying intensities. Furthermore, the morphology of tuber yam flour particles was oval to ellipsoidal shaped, with some appearing ovoid, and the smaller granules appearing spherical. The X-ray diffraction showed that all yam flours exhibit a B-type pattern. This study provide a better understanding of this unconventional vegetable's potential applications in the food industry and contribute to its value addition.

Physical, Chemical, and Preference Levels of Macaroni, formulated with wheat flour, mocaf flour, and purple yam flour

This research aims to make macaroni from wheat flour, which is substituted with mocaf flour and purple yam flour. It is hoped that the macaroni produced will contain anthocyanin as a natural antioxidant. Macaroni made using wheat flour: mocaf flour (g:g), 10:60; 20:50; 30:40 and 10:70; 20:60 30:50 and 10:80; 20:70; 30:60 and purple yam flour treatment of 30; 20 and 10 g. The experimental design in this study was a completely randomized design with two replications; the parameters analyzed were antioxidant activity (DPPH), anthocyanin content, total phenol content, color, and preference of macaroni. The data obtained was subjected to a statistical test using the ANOVA method at a confidence level of 95%, and then the DNMRT test was carried out. The research showed that macaroni made with wheat flour, mocaf flour 20 g:50 g, and purple yam flour 30 g produced macaroni with high antioxidant activity (8.3% RSA) and was preferred. This research can reduce the use of flour in making macaroni. The characteristics of macaroni from this research are total phenolic content 52.20 mg GAE/100 gr (wb), anthocyanin content 16.39 mg/100 g (wb), color L* = 48.59, a*=3.62, b* = -0,99 and overall acceptance = 3.38 (more preferred).

Quality Attributes of Wheat and Aerial Yam Composite Flours and Evaluation of Biscuits from the Flours

Wheat flour is the basic flour for flour confectionaries; however, its strict agronomic requirements limit its cultivation in many regions of the world. Hence, it has to be imported, raising the cost of production. Researchers are on the lookout for cheaper alternatives from locally available materials, and this has led to the use of composite flours. This study aimed to evaluate the quality attributes of wheat and aerial yam composite flours and the properties of biscuits produced from the composite flours. The composite flours were analyzed for their functional, proximate, mineral and phytochemical properties. While the biscuits were evaluated for their physical, microbial and sensory properties. Results showed a significant increase in the protein, fibre and fat contents of the composite flour in comparison to the control with values ranging from 5.77-7.18%, 0.4-0.62%, and 3.4-3.62%, respectively. Calcium (1.16-1.69 mg/100 g), iron (0.38-0.67 mg/100 g), magnesium (24.00-35.38 mg/100 g), potassium (2.87-5.06 mg/100 g), sodium (0.20-0.28 mg/100g) and phytochemicals were also observed to increase in the composite flours. The composite flours also had lesser bulk densities (0.70-0.75 g/ml) and higher water absorption capacities (113.50-134.00 g/ml) than 100% wheat flour (0.77 g/ml and 102.50 g/ml, respectively). The physical and sensory properties of the biscuits produced from the composite flours compared favourably with those produced from the control flour as there was no significant difference in the diameter, taste, crispness and overall acceptability of the biscuits. The findings showed the suitability of aerial yam flour as an alternative to wheat flour.

Physicochemical properties of Dioscorea alata Tainung No. 1 and 2 via different drying methods and application on the frozen tangyuan

This study investigated the effects of hot air, freezing, and drum dried treatments on the physicochemical properties of two yam cultivars (Dioscorea alata L.var Tainung No. 1 (TN1) and 2 (TN2)). Moreover, yam flours substituted wet-milled glutinous rice flours to produce yam-rice dough and tangyuan, while this study also examines the impact of different yam flours on yam-rice dough and frozen tangyuan quality. This work showed that the drum-dried yam flours had lower thermal properties, swelling power, solubility, water adsorption capacity, pasting behaviors, and gel consistency. Moreover, with the substitution of 40% drum-dried yam flour, the textural and Extensigraphic parameters of the glutinous rice dough prepared with such an increase in the amount of yam flour showed the highest hardness and gumminess, but the adhesiveness, springiness, and cohesiveness decreased for each group. Notably, the resistance to extension increased as the amount of yam flour substitution was increased, and the extensibility exhibited the opposite trend. Despite the above findings, using yam flour improved tangyuan's stickiness, chewiness, and swallowing ability. Thus, the 20% substitution of yam flour was effective against the cracking of tangyuan during frozen storage and showed satisfactory performance in terms of sensory evaluation. This study provides implications for improving the quality and flavor of frozen tangyuan and theoretical guidance for using yam additives in the food industry.