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The Journal of Food Technology in Africa

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Volume 7 No.2, 2002
Abstracts

1. Use of Spices in Foods

Oiye, S. O., Muroki, N. M.

Applied Nutrition Programme, Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, University of Nairobi. P. O. Box 442, Uthiru, Kenya.

Abstract

In this era of increased concern on safety of chemical food additives, natural methods of preservation and natural preservatives are receiving increased attention. Despite their demonstrated potential use in food as preservatives, spices still remain primarily as food condiments. A lot of research has been done in the effort to demonstrate the antimicrobial potency of spices in cultured media. Though spices are less effective in foods than in cultured media, it is the use in foods that is of practical importance. This has not been exploited vis-a-vis the chemical additives. The antioxidant components of spices have been investigated but with minimal commercial utilization. Spices mostly used as antimicrobials and antioxidants do not exhibit toxicity at levels consumed. These are  therefore evidently a group of plants, which have not fully been utilized in food technology. This review discusses and evaluates the antimicrobial and antioxidant potency of spices and advocates for more research and commercial utilization in foods.

Key words: Spices, chemical additives, anti-microbials, antioxidants

2. Simple and Low-Cost Exposed -Layer Grain Drying Apparatus

1Tilahun Seyoum Workenh* and 2Patrick. M. Grace

1Alemaya University, College of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Engineering, P.O.Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia

2University College Dublin, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, Ireland.

*Corresponding author

Abstract

Thin-layer drying apparatus was developed from standard “off-the- shelf” equipment: a fan convection laboratory oven and a weighing scale. Using this apparatus the thin-layer drying data for wheat under constant conditions were obtained for a range of drying air temperature from 30°C to 150°C and the initial moisture content from 0.20 to 0.42 (d.b.). The smooth drying characteristic curves were obtained and used to develop coefficients for three thin layer models namely: Grace (modified Henderson) model, Chen and Johnson, and the numerical diffusion models.  The Grace and the Chen and Johnson models were the best at describing the drying curves giving a standard error of the moisture ratio less than 0.027. The drying apparatus enables monitoring of the sample weight during drying without opening the oven. The drying air properties (relative humidity and temperature) inside the oven were kept constant throughout drying. The next special feature of it was that the sample kept on drying even at the time of recording its weight. No temperature change was observed after the oven was switched on after 30 seconds. This apparatus is relatively simple and can be used for drying of biological materials. However, several thin-layer grain drying researchers have obtained moisture loss by using fast sampling devices through out the drying period. During the study a fast sampling device was not used because it was necessary to turn off the oven before taking measurements.

Key words: Drying apparatus, thin-layer grain drying, drying model

 

3. Sensory Properties of traditionally-fermented buttermilk (Omashikwa) processed in Namibia

Bille, P.G., Ozuuko, A.T.R. and Ngwira, T.

Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Namibia, P/Bag 13301, Windhoek, Namibia.

Abstract

An investigation was carried out to test the hypothesis that the main problems of traditionally-fermented milk products processed in the rural setup are based on variable sensory quality, hygiene and unattractive presentation to consumers. Sensory evaluation scores of 9 samples of traditional fermented buttermilk and control buttermilk from ten panelists for appearance, smell, taste and consistency on a 5-point hedonic scale were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) to judge whether or not differences existed for various characteristics  (p<0.05 and p<0.01). Those which showed differences between the means were subjected to Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. The results showed that the means of control samples differed significantly from other means and scored the highest points in all characteristics. The control samples were then considered superior.

 

 

4. Development of Models for Predicting the Yield and Quality of Soymilk

T. Y. Tunde Akintunde and B. O. Akintunde

Department of Mechanical Engineering, the Polytechnic, Ibadan

Federal College of Agriculture, PMB 5029 Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Models were developed to predict the yield and quality of soymilk, one of soybean products. The quality characteristics investigated were total solids, protein content and fat content. The processing parameters considered were Amount of water added during grinding per Kg of dry seed, AW; Blanching time, BT  and Heating time, HT.

The models developed had coefficient of determination ranging from 0.78 to 0.99. Predicted values of the dependent variables compared quite well with the observed values when plotted against the independent variables. The predicted coefficients were also statistically significant (P< 0.05). Results showed that the yield and quality characteristics were affected by all the processing parameters. Hence, the production process must be effectively monitored to process soymilk of high yield and quality.

 

 

5. Indigenous processing methods and raw materials of borde, an Ethiopian traditional fermented beverage

Kebede Abegaz1 2 *, Fekadu Beyene2, Thor Langsrud1 and Judith A. Narvhus1  

1 Department of Food Science, Agricultural University of Norway, P.O.Box 5036, N-1432 Ås, Norway. 

2 Awassa College of Agriculture, Debub University, P.O.Box 5, Awassa, Ethiopia.

*Corresponding author

Abstract

A study of village-level processing techniques and raw materials used for the production of borde was carried out using open-ended questionnaires and on the spot interviews with producers at six localities in southern Ethiopia. The major focus of the study was on indigenous processing methods, types and proportions of ingredients, sources of energy, shelf life, sensory properties and the importance of borde for household food security. From results of the study, borde was characterized as an opaque, effervescent, whitish-grey to brown coloured beverage with a thick consistency and sweet-sour taste. It may be prepared from grits/flour of unmalted maize, barley, wheat, sorghum and/or finger millet and their malts using locally available earthenware and metal equipment. The type of unmalted cereal ingredients and amount of malt used for borde preparation varied within and between localities and were selected according to availability, price and preferences. A flow chart of borde production was constructed showing four major processing stages. The short shelf life of borde and the seasonal variations in production volume were identified as major problems for the vendors in the study areas.

Keywords: indigenous methods; cereal fermentation; borde; beverage; Ethiopia 

 

 

6. Microbial and Sensory Quality of Freshly Processed and Reconstituted “Kununzaki”- A Nigerian Millet Based  Beverage

*J.M. Babajide, O. O. Atanda, M. A. Idowu, and O. O. Lasekan

Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

*Corresponding Author

Abstract

The microbial and sensory qualities of freshly processed and reconstituted Kununzaki beverages prepared from  steeped millet grains were carried out.  The samples were analysed for Aerobic plate, Fungi, Coliform, Staphylococcal, Salmonella and Shigella counts.  The samples were also evaluated for difference and preference.  The study showed that the reconstituted beverage had better microbiological quality with detectable difference between the two samples  with the fresh sample being preferred.

Key words: Millet grains, Kununzaki, microbial quality, sensory quality.

 

 

7. Evaluation of Capsicum as a Source of Natural Antioxidant in Preventing Rancidity in sunflower Oil

Elizabeth Maforimbo

Department of Research and Specialist Services, Chemistry and Soils Research Institute, P.O. Box CY550, Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Solvent extraction to obtain oleoresins of flavonoid and carotenoid extracts was done from 200 grams of commercial paprika powder. Petroleum ether was used to defat the sample. Methanol and n-butanol were used in turn to extract the polar flavonoids, while chilled acetone and petroleum ether were used in turn for the extraction of nonpolar carotenoids.

The flavonoid yield was 5.92grams while that for the carotenoids was 39.15 grams per 100g of the powder. These residues were tested on sunflower oil to evaluate their antioxidant effects. The accelerated methods used for oxidation were the Automated Rancimat, Oven heating and UV light at 254 nm. The oxidation of sunflower oil was measured using changes in peroxide values and the UV absorbances (Conjugated diene) at 232 nm, E1% 1cm.

The extracts tested possess antioxidant effect and this phenomenon was enhanced by increasing their concentration, since they were impure. The major components of paprika (b-carotene and capsanthin) were also tested on the oil as pure standards while Butylenehydroxytoluene (BHT) was used as a standard antioxidant.

Results showed that carotenoids seemed to be effective in retarding oil peroxidation under photoxidation, while showing pro-oxidant activity under oven heating autoxidation, and showing slight antioxidant activity under Rancimat autoxidotion tests. The flavonoids were effective in retarding oil oxidation under both photoxidation and thermal autoxidation tests, with the column separated fractions 3 and 4 conferring better antioxidant activity under the Rancimat test. These column separated fractions, were identified by the UV Spectra as 3-hydroxyflavanones or dihydroflavonols.

Key words: Paprika, Carotenoids, Flavonoids, natural antioxidants.