Physical and biochemical properties of green banana flour

Banana flour prepared from two cooking banana varieties, namely Alukehel and Monthan, were evaluated for their physical and biochemical characteristics. The yields of flour averaged 31.3% for Alukehel and 25.5% for Monthan. The pH of the flour ranged from 5.4 to 5.7. The bulk density and particle size distribution were also measured. The average chemical composition (% dry matter) of the flours were as follows: crude protein, 3.2; crude fat, 1.3; ash, 3.7; neutral detergent fiber, 8.9; acid detergent fiber, 3.8; cellulose, 3.1; lignin, 1.0 and hemicellulose, 5.0. Carbohydrate composition indicated the flour to contain 2.8% soluble sugars, 70.0% starch and 12.0% non-starch polysaccharides. Potassium is the predominant mineral in banana flour. Fresh green banana is a good source of vitamin C, but almost 65% is lost during the preparation of flour. Oxalate content (1.1–1.6%) of banana flour is probably nutritionally insignificant. The overall results are suggestive of the potential of green bananas as a source of flour.     

Physico-chemical properties and acceptability of yam flour substituted with soy flour

Yam flour was substituted 10, 20 and 40% with defatted and full fat soy flour. The effect of the substitution on the proximate composition, swelling power, solubility, water binding capacity and Brabender visco amylograph cooking properties of the yam flour and acceptability of the cooked paste (amala), were evaluated. Protein contents of the mixtures were 23.0 and 25.5% on substituting 40% full-and defated soy flours for yam flour; ash and crude fibre contents increased while carbohydrate content, swelling power, Brabender paste viscosities decreased with increase in soy flour substitution of yam flour. Colour, texture, taste and overall acceptability of pastes (amala) from the mixed flours were rated lower than that of yam flour. Up to 10% defated and 20% full fat soy flour substitution for yam flour was acceptable for amala.     

Acceptability of wheat-sorghum composite flour products: An assessment

The acceptability of sorghum as human food has been a problem in Tanzania even in regions showing promising potential for its production and utilization. Reasons given for low acceptability of sorghum products as human foods include unpleasant colour, aroma, mouthfeel, taste, unpleasant aftertaste and stomachfeel. An acceptability test of selected sorghum products was, therefore, conducted in the Department of Food Science and Technology, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania. The objective of the test was to determine consumers' preference for the following wheat-sorghum composite flour products: bread and buns or maandazi. The products were prepared using sorghum flour composited with wheat flour in the following proportions: 100% brown sorghum flour (standard products); and 80:20%; 60:40%; 40:60% and 20:80% for wheat/sorghum (white and brown) composite flours. Results indicated that in the case of composite flour bread, preference for the product improved as the amount of sorghum flour decreased. In the case of buns or maandazi the 100% sorghum flour products of both white and brown were equally preferred. Buns prepared from 100% sorghum flour of white and brown varieties showed promising potential in the improvement of the acceptability of sorghum products. Taking advantage of such products, especially in villages, could enhance sorghum utilization in rural communities.     

Effect of sesame seed flour on millet biscuit characteristics

Defatted sesame seed flour replaced millet flour at 30, 40, and 50% and was used to prepare biscuits. Protein content of the biscuits was significantly (p 0.05) increased by replacement with sesame seed flour. Millet flour biscuits were heavier than those from the blends. Diameters and weights of biscuits were reduced and thicknesses and spread factors were increased with increasing level of sesame replacement. Sensory evaluation results showed that the biscuits were highly rated for flavor and crispiness but considered poor in color.     

The USDA trypsin inhibitor study. III. Sequential development of pancreatic pathology in rats

Weanling male, Wistar rats (40 per diet) were maintained on 15 diets which provided 4 graded trypsin inhibitor (TI) levels (93, 215, 337, and 577 mg/100g diet) repeated at 3 levels of protein (10%, 20%, and 30%). Raw and heated (toasted) soy flour provided 10% protein in the diet, while casein was added to increase the protein level to 20% and 30%. Three diets containing only casein as the protein source, at 10%, 20%, and 30% were included. Histologic changes occurring in the pancreas were evaluated in approximately 5 rats from each diet at 3 month intervals, beginning at 6 months, for 22 months. Criteria for the diagnosis of the observed histologic changes in the pancreas are discussed. Ultrastructure of the endocrine cells in the gastrointestinal mucosa was also examined.Pancreatic acinar cell density, as determined morphometrically, was reduced throughout the study in rats fed the 577 mg TI/100 g diet, indicating hypertrophy at the cellular level. Nodular hyperplasia was observed in the first sacrifice group at 6 months. Incidence of the lesion was positively related to both time of exposure and level of dietary TI. Acinar adenoma was first observed at 18 months and was most prevalent in rats fed the highest concentration of TI.Endocrine cells of the duodenal mucosa which contain cholecystokinin (so-called I cells) contained a denser population of secretory granules in animals fed the high TI diet compared with I cells from control animals, leading to the speculation that production and secretion of cytoplasmic hormones was increased in TI treated rats.Reference to a company and/or product named by the Department is only for purposes of information and does not imply approval or recommendation of the product to the exclusion of others which may also be suitable.     

The USDA trypsin inhibitor study. IV. The chronic effects of soy flour and soy protein isolate on the pancreas in rats after two years

In two year feeding trials, histologic changes in the pancreas of the Wistar rat were evaluated after chronic dietary exposure to raw and heated, dehulled, defatted soy flour and soy protein isolates which provided a range of trypsin inhibitor (TI) concentrations from 93 to 1271 mg/100 g diet. Also investigated was the nutritional interaction of level of dietary protein with the development of pancreatic pathology. Graded levels of TI were achieved from mixtures of raw and heated soy flour or protein isolate. Dietary protein levels were 10%, 20%, and 30%; the two higher levels obtained in some diets through casein supplementation. A total of 26 diets, including casein controls, were fed to groups of 40 male rats. Growth rates with these diets were commensurate with protein quality and level. Mortality rates tended to be slightly greater in the higher protein diets, and rats fed only raw soy as a source of protein survived well.Two lesions, nodular hyperplasia (NH) and acinar adenoma (AA) constituted the major pathological findings in the pancreas, and the incidence rates of both were positively associated with the concentration of dietary TI. The incidences of pancreatic NH and AA compared to those of the corresponding casein control were significantly elevated in rats fed heated soy flour supplying 10% protein and the lowest level of TI investigated (93 mg/100 g diet). At low levels of TI (215 mg/100 g diet), supplementation by casein to raise the concentration of protein from 10% to 20% and 30% reduced the frequency of NH and AA. When the dose-response data for NH and AA was linearized by plotting the probit of percent incidence against log of TI concentration per gram of dietary protein, the response to soy flour and soy protein isolate was not significantly different. Numerous lesions commonly found in the aging rat were diagnosed, and modulation of their rate of occurrence by nutritional factors associated with the diets was apparent in some instances.Reference to a company and/or product named by the Department is only for purposes of information and does not imply approval or recommendation of the product to the exclusion of others which may also be suitable.     

Biochemical changes during the development of cork spot of apples

Biochemical changes occurring during the development of cork spot of York Imperial were investigated. At the first visible sign of the disorder, the rate of ethylene production increases in the affected tissue. Respiration also increases, acetate being the major respiratory substrate rather than glucose. Protein synthesis, pectin synthesis, and the movement of inorganic ions into the tissue follow. During the time the chemical changes are taking place in the tissue, abnormal cell division is initiated, packing the newly-formed cells into the intercellular spaces. At the final stage of development, the tissue becomes brown and appears as a firm brown spot in the flesh of the apple. Cork spot is somewhat different from bitter pit in that the spots appear early in the season, the affected tissue is deeper in the flesh, and firmer. The chemical changes discovered so far in both disorders, however, appear to be similar. We consider the abnormal chemical changes that occur in both disorders to be common to diseases and injuries and not specific for either cork spot or bitter pit.

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Zusammenfassung Die Untersuchungen erstreckten sich auf biochemische Veränderungen, die während der Entwicklung von cork spot bei Äpfeln der Sorte York Imperial auftreten. Beim ersten sichtbaren Anzeichen der Störung steigt die Rate der Äthylenbildung im befallenen Gewebe an. Auch die Atmung nimmt zu, wobei Acetat das grössere Atmungsprodukt darstellt als Glucose. Protein- und Pektin-Synthese sowie Bewegung anorganischer Ionen in das Gewebe folgen. Während der Zeit chemischer Veränderungen im Gewebe beginnt eine abnorme Zellteilung, indem die neugebildeten Zellen in die interzellularen Zwischenräume eingebaut werden. Im Endstadium der Entwicklung wird das Gewebe braun und erscheint als fester Fleck im Fleisch des Apfels. Cork spot unterscheidet sich etwas von der Stippigkeit dadurch, dass die Flecken früher in der Saison erscheinen, sich die befallenen Gewebe tiefer im Fleisch befinden und fester sind. Die chemischen Veränderungen beider Störungen scheinen sich — soweit sie bekannt sind — zu ähneln. Wir glauben, dass die chemischen Veränderungen, die bei beiden Störungen auftreten, allgemein für Krankheiten und Verletzungen zutreffen und nicht entweder für Stippigkeit oder cork spot spezifisch sind.

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Resume Quelques changements biochimiques se produisant pendant le développement du cork spot chez la York Imperial ont été étudiés.Au premier signe visible de désordre, la vitesse de production d'éthylène augmente dans le tissu atteint. La respiration augmente également; l'acétate devient le substrat principal de la respiration, plutôt que le glucose. Une synthèse de protéines, de pectine, ainsi que des déplacements d'ions inorganiques dans le tissu se produisent ensuite.Pendant que les changements biochimiques ont lieu, une division cellulaire anormale est initiée, et les cellules nouvellement formées s'accumulent dans les espaces intercellulaires.Au stade final de développement, le tissu devient brun et apparaît comme une tache brune et ferme, dans la chair de la pomme. Le cork spot diffère quelque peu du bitter pit par le fait que les taches apparaissent tôt dans la saison, le tissu malade étant localisé plus profondément dans la chair, et plus ferme. Les modifications chimiques trouvées dans les deux maladies paraissent cependant être similaires. Nous considérons ces changements chimiques comme propres aux maladies et blessures en général et comme non spécifiques, ni du cork spot, ni du bitter pit en particulier.

     

Production,nutritional profiles and storability of ‘aadun’ and ‘kokoro’: Two corn products

Aadun and kokoro were produced from maize grains by processes involving roasting, kneading, spicing, and frying. Aadun with a moisture content (MC) of 12.5%, pH 5.3 had the following composition: crude protein, 7.49%; fat, 28.5%; total carbohydrate, 60.0%; ash, 3.0% and energy value, 3,600 kcal/kg whilst kokoro with a MC of 16% and pH 5.1 had, respectively: 6.42%; 22.9%; 66.6%; 2.84% and 3,550 kcal/kg. Whilst aadun and kokoro stored under ambient conditions (28±2°C; 75–80% RH) became mouldy within 7 days, samples treated with 1% butyl paraben did not develop off-colour and mouldiness.     

Effects of malting on the milling performance and acceptability of bambara groundnut (Voandzeia subterranea Thouars) seeds and products

Germinated bambara groundnut was dried by three methods – oven-drying at 50 °C, in a solar drier at 38–42 °C, and sun drying at 28 ± 2 °C. The samples were milled into flour, and made into okpa, a steamed gel. Flour yield increased only in oven-dried malts. The quality of the okpa based on appearance and taste decreased with malting time; solar drying resulted in the poorest product because of its dark color.     

On determination of chitin content in mushrooms

Nitrogen compounds constitute the greatest proportion of the dry weight of mushrooms. These nitrogen compounds are partly protein and partly non-protein. A modified Heneberg-Stohman's method was used to separate non-protein from protein nitrogen, as well as to determine raw fiber content in mushrooms, since the methods used previously for this purpose are time-consuming and complicated. Elemental analysis of crude fiber was performed to confirm the uniformity of isolated products. The content of total crude fiber (fungin) and the proportion of chitin and cellulose in it were determined. The chitin content of 15 species of field grown edible mushrooms was in the range of 1.87–6.93% of total dry mass and 34.51–67.72% of isolated fungin.     

Chemical changes during the fermentation of African locust-bean (Parkia filicoidea Welw) seeds for production of ‘Daddawa’

African locust-bean (Parkia filicoidea Welw) seeds were allowed to ferment under natural conditions and the chemical changes occurring during the fermentation were studied. Chemical analysis of fermented and unfermented beans showed a marked decrease in the total sugar content; crude and true protein levels all increased. The results of the chemical analyses indicate that fermentation resulted in protein enrichment of the fermented locust bean (daddaw). Fermentation also imparts a characteristic flavour and odour to the beans.     

Influence of grain quality,heat, and processing time on the reduction of aflatoxin B1 levels in ‘tuwo’ and ‘ogi’: Two cereal-based products

During the production of tuwo from laboratory-contaminated corn (AFB₁:150 mcg/kg) and sorghum (AFB₁:87.5 mcg/kg) grains, reductions in the aflatoxin-B₁ levels of pastes boiled for 30 min and 60 min were found to be 68.0% and 80.8%, respectively. In the preparation of ogi from contaminated corn and sorghum grains, reductions of about 72.5% and 71.4%, respectively, were obtained after fermentation at ambient conditions. Reconstitution of ogi paste into a porridge (akamu) considerably reduced the AFB level.     

Fluorodensitometric estimation of cucurbitacin-C in leaves ofCucumis sativus L.

A quantitative method for the determination of cucurbitacin-C inCucumis sativus L. is presented. Crude chloroform extracts of the leaves were subjected to thin layer chromatography (TLC). After treatment with antimony trichloride and heating, the fluorescence of the spots was measured with a flying spot densitometer.     

Zusammenhänge zwischen den für die Blaufleckigkeit der Kartoffelknolle verantwortlichen Inhaltsstoffen

Zusammenfassung Mit der Faktorenanlyse nach der Hauptachsenmethode und der aufbauenden multiplen Regressionsanalyse, unter Einbeziehung von 56 Einflußgrößen, konnte gezeigt werden, daß die Blaufleckigkeit von Kartoffelknollen im wesentlichen vom Gehalt an Trockensubstanz, -Aminobuttersäure, Lysin, Isochlorogensäure und den Mineralstoffen Ca und K abhängt. Eine kausale Erklärung des gesamten Komplexes Blaufleckigkeit ist allerdings zum gegenwärtigen Zeitpunkt noch nicht möglich.

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Relationships between black spot of potatoes and several constituents of the tuber. With a factorial analysis and a multiple regression analysis could be shown that from 56 investigated constituents of the potato tuber only the dry matter content, aminobutyric acid, lysine, isochlorogenic acid, and potassium and calcium content influence the appearance of black spots.A causal explanation of the black spot phenomenon at present is not possible. Further investigations are necessary.

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Résumé Relations entre la tâche noire des pommes de terre et divers constituants du tubercule.L'analyse factorielle, l'analyse de la régression multiple ont pu démontrer que sur 56 constituants déterminés dans le tubercule de pomme de terre seuls l'acide aminobutyrique, la lysine, l'acide isochlorogénique, le taux de potassium et de calcium agissent sur la formation de la tâche noire.Une explication causale du phénomène tâche noire n'est pas encore possible pour l'instant. De nouvelles recherches sont nécessaires.

     

Influence of heat processing of African yam bean seed (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) flour on the growth and organ weights of rats

The influence of heat processing of African yam bean seed flour on the growth and organ weights of rats was studied. Body weight change, feed utilization and feed conversion ratio were improved by heat processing. All rats significantly (p0.05) gained weight except those fed raw African yam bean and basal diets (diets 3 and 1 respectively). Raw African yam bean diet decreased the growth of rats and had negative effect on the organ weights especially the pancreas which was enlarged. The results indicate that heat processing improved the growth of rats and organ weights due to heat inactivation of toxic factors especially trypsin inhibitors.     

Microbiological evaluation of tofu and tempeh during processing and storage

Tofu samples consisting of Fresh Tofu, Herb Tofu, Tofu Paste, Fried Tofu, Tofu Burger, Smoked Tofu and different types of herbs used for making Herb Tofu were analysed for their microbiological load. Tempeh samples consisted of cook water, inoculated beans and fresh tempeh. Fresh Tofu and Herb Tofu had high bacterial counts (10⁵ cfu/g). Tofu Burger and Smoked Tofu had counts around 10⁴ cfu/g. Tofu Paste and Fried Tofu had low counts (<10² cfu/g). Cutting board, knife and frequent hand contact with product were the major sources of contamination for tofu. Herbs used for making Herb Tofu were highly contaminated (>10⁵ cfu/g). Cook water and cooked beans for tempeh production had lower counts (10⁴ cfu/g). Initial count of fresh tempeh was high (about 10⁸ cfu/g). Most products had counts of >10⁶ cfu/g after 7 days of cold storage. The microbiological quality of the product may improve if producers avoid unnecessary contamination during processing.     

Effect of sample pretreatments on the storability of ground melon ‘egusi’—Colocynthis citrillus L.

In the maintenance of shelf-stability, nutritional and organoleptic properties of ground melon egusi—Colcynthis eitrullus L., vacuum-packaged samples were found to be better than unpackaged samples and samples treated with 0.2% butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and 0.02% BHA + 0.045% sodium metabisulphite. After 56 days at 35°C, stored samples showed significant differences (P 0.01) in chemical composition peroxide value (PV), fungal counts and organoleptic attributes. Lipid oxidation and, to a lesser extent, fungal deterioration were responsible for the spoilage of stored ground melon kernel. The dominant fungal flora isolated from stored samples were of the generaPenicillium, Botryodiplodia, Rhizopus andAspergillus.     

Verbreitung des Wissens über die ‘innere’ Qualität von Gemüse und Obst in der Öffentlichkeit

Zusammenfassung Anhand praktischer Beispiele werden qualitätsrelevante Problemkreise vorgestellt und eingehend diskutiert, so Erzeugerberatung — Weg der Ware vom Erzeuger zum Verbraucher — Äußere Beschaffenheit — Innerer Wert — Präsentation der Verkaufsware — Erhaltung der Frische — Berücksichtigung ernährungsphysiologischer Kriterien. Es wird ein Publikationsmodell — bereits 1950 entwickelt — vorgeschlagen, das weite Kreise der Züchter, der Erzeuger, der Fabrikanten, des Handels und der interessierten Verbraucherschaft sowohl ansprechen als auch das Verständnis der einzelnen Gruppen untereinander wecken könnte.Denn letztlich sollte es doch im Bermühen des Erzeugers, des Transporteurs, des Handels, des Verarbeiters von Obst und Gemüse in erster Linie darum gehen, das Wohlergehen, die Gesunderhaltung des Verbrauchers im Auge zu haben. Das wäre jedenfalls die Vorstellung und Erwartung der ernährungsphysiologisch und ernährungs-hygienisch ausgerichteten Qualitätsforscher.

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Public extension about the inner Quality of Vegetables and Fruit

As usually practized in vegetable and fruit cultivation problems relevant to the inner quality are presented and discussed, e.g. Information of consumers, Shipping products from producer to consumer, External Quality — inner Quality — Offering of products — Conserving of freshness — Regarding the nutritional value.In order to evaluate these problems a close co-operation of breeders, producers, manufacturers, dealers and the interested consumers seem to be necessary. This is possible through a model and system of information, similar to the so-called AZA which were first published in 1950.

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Referat, gehalten auf der Sitzung der neukonstituierten Kommission Öffentlichkeitsarbeit der DGQ am 1.10.1976 in Geisenheim/Rhein.     

Effect of cereal-legumechapati diets on absorption and retention of calcium

Wheatchapati, wheat+Bengal gram (8020 and 7030)chapatis and casein diets, at 10 percent protein level, were fed to rats for 12 weeks to study the effect on calcium utilization. The supplementation of Bengal gram to wheat diets significantly improved the calcium absorption. The urinary calcium excretion in wheat+Bengal gramchapati diets was significantly less than that of wheatchapati diet fed group. The in vivo⁴⁵Ca absorption (CPM/100 l serum) was also less in wheatchapati group as compared to wheat+Bengal gramchapati diets fed groups. The supplementation of legumes to cereals improved the calcium utilization and it may be concluded that there will be no risk of occurance of protein induced hypercalciuria.     

Effect of soaking,cooking and germination on the oligosaccharide content of selected Nigerian legume seeds

The identity and quantity of and effect ofprocessing on raffinose oligosaccharides in raw,mature seeds of lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus),pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan), African yam beans(Sphenostylis sternocarpa) and jackbeans (Canavalia ensiformis) were investigated. Sucrose,raffinose, stachyose and verbascose were identified byHPLC in all the legume seeds. The total-galactoside contents of the seeds in decreasing order were African yam beans3.84 mg/100 mg; white lima beans 3.62 mg/100 mg; creampigeon peas 3.51 mg/100 mg; red lima beans3.37 mg/100 mg; jackbeans 2.83 mg/100 mg and brownpigeon peas 2.34 mg/100 mg. The predominantoligosaccharide was verbascose in pigeon peas andstachyose in the other three legumes. Cooking unsoakedseeds brought about a greater reduction in the total-galactoside content than soaking for ninehours. The removal of oligosaccharides was higher inlegumes cooked in alkaline solution than in water.Germination quantitatively reduced raffinose,stachyose and verbascose while sucrose was increasedin all seeds except red lima beans and jackbeans.