Chemical composition and the antioxidative properties of Nigerian Okra Seed (Abelmoschus esculentus Moench) Flour.

Studies on the chemical composition and the antioxidative properties of Nigerian Okra Seed (Abelmoschus esculentus Moench) Flour were carried out. This is done to establish the nutritional composition and the antioxidative potentials of the seeds, both of which are highly implicated in health. Okra seeds were roasted at 160 degreeC for 10-60 mins. The roasted seeds were subjected to proximate, yield and antioxidative activity determination. Pre-treatment by roasting was found to increase the yield, but was found to be time dependent. The range means obtained for protein, fat, ash, fiber and sugar contents were 42.14-38.10, 31.04-17.22, 4.06-3.42, 3.45-3.60 and 8.82-8.65, respectively. The antioxidant activity was significantly increased by roasting, while in vitro digestibility showed that most antioxidative activities were available in the intestinal phase of gastrointestinal tracts.

Influence of pre-treatment on yield chemical and antioxidant properties of a Nigerian okra seed (Abelmoschus esculentus moench) flour.

Okra seeds are reported to be limited to re-generational purpose in Nigeria while majority are discarded as unfit for this purpose. Studies were carried out to evaluate the effect of soaking and blanching on the yield, proximate composition and antioxidant activity of okra seed flour. Pre-treatment by soaking and blanching were found to increase yield which was time dependent. The range mean obtained for protein, fat, ash and fiber contents were 46.10-38.99, 28.08-25.08, 3.95-3.15 and 3.76-3.10, respectively. Slight but significant DPPH radical scavenging activity increase was observed in soaked samples at 18th-h while blanching resulted into progressive decrease.

Effect of addition of ripe bananas on some physico-chemical properties of maize 'extract'.

Flour mixes obtained by the addition of banana pulp in various proportions (0-50%) to maize 'extracts' were evaluated for some quality characteristics. All the mixes had significantly lower values of crude protein, fat and water-holding capacity. Gelation, however, significantly increased the water-holding capacity in all cases. The ash content, titratable acidity and total sugars increased tremendously with an increase in the level of banana substitution. While both Adam's consistency values and equilibrium moisture content decreased with an increase in the level of banana substitution, the syneresis values did not show any consistent pattern. The consistently low moisture content and the results of the moisture sorption isotherms suggest a good storage stability of all the mixes, especially when kept under conditions of water activity of 0.30 and below, and their possible suitability for baked products.

Evaluation of amaranth grains for ogi manufacture.

Grain amaranth was evaluated for its ogi making quality. Amaranth, which produced lower (70%) yield of ogi than corn (80%), had higher protein content of 12.2% for its ogi than that of corn with a corresponding value of 6.7%. Nutrient losses were lower for amaranth than corn ogi. Amylograph pasting viscosity showed that amaranth ogi had slightly higher peak viscosity and lower setback value than corn ogi. It was apparent that amaranth grains would be suitable for ogi manufacture.

Development and quality evaluation of pawpaw-ogi.

Pawpaw-ogi was evaluated for proximate and chemical composition, amylograph pasting viscosity, colour and acceptability. The addition of pawpaw to maize ogi slurry had no significant effect on protein and fat contents nor on amylograph pasting characteristics but resulted in significant increases in ash, ascorbic acid, sugars and mineral contents. The Munsell colour notations indicated that the addition of pawpaw improved the colour of ogi. Taste panel evaluation showed that both the powder and porridge of pawpaw-ogi were acceptable.

Sensory evaluation and nutrient composition of weaning food from pregelatinized maize-sweet potato mixtures.

Pregelatinized maize-sweet potato mix, fortified with soybeans and groundnut flours, was evaluated for its acceptability as a weaning food and for nutrient composition. An acceptable product had 14.3, 6.4, 2.4 and 67.4%, respectively, for its protein, fat, ash and carbohydrate contents. Values for calcium, phosphorus and and iron contents were 59.6, 187.5 and 2.4 mg/100 g, respectively, while the most predominant fatty acids were linoleic, oleic and palmitic acids. The product, which had a chemical score of 85.34 for its protein value, was limiting in threonine.