Effect of domestic processing on the cooking time,nutrients, antinutrients andin vitro Protein digestibility of the African yambean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa)

The effects of processing (soaking, dehulling, fermentation and heat treatment) on the cooking time, protien, mineral, tannin, phytate and in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) of the african yambean (AYB) were examined. The cooking time ranged from 90–155 minutes. Soaking reduced cooking time by about 50 percent. Soaking for 12 hours was the most appropriate to reduce cooking time, tannin and phytate levels. It improved in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD). Prolonged soaking (24 hours) decreased calcium (Ca) and iron (Fe) values by 19 percent and 35 percent, respectively. Dehulling showed that Ca, Fe, magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) were concentrated in the seed coat of the AYB. The seeds soaked and dehulled retained Mg and Zn. Dehulling reduced tannin but had no significant effect on phytate and the IVPD of the AYB except for seeds soaked for 12 hours before dehulling. Soaking for 24 hours before dehulling significantly increased crude protein content by 16 percent (p<0.05). Blanching and roasting increased the IVPD by 8–11 percent. Fermentation had no effect on the crude protein, Ca, Fe, Mg and Zn but significantly reduced phytate content of the AYB. Fermentation had no advantage over heat treatment with respect to improving the in vitro protein digestibility of the AYB.     

Use of fermented milling by-products as functional ingredient to develop a low-glycaemic index bread

Selected Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 32248 and Lactobacillus rossiae DSM 32249, isolated and identified from wheat germ, were used to ferment a milling by-products mixture. Lactic acid bacteria metabolisms improved the functional properties of wheat bran and germ, which are considered important sources of functional compounds. Wheat breads were manufactured using 15% (w/w) of fermented (and unfermented) milling by-products, and compared to baker’s yeast wheat bread manufactured without the addition of milling by-products. The use of the fermented ingredient improved the biochemical, functional, nutritional, textural, and sensory features of wheat bread, showing better performances compared to the solely use of wheat flour. Protein digestibility, nutritional indexes, and the rate of starch hydrolysis markedly improved using fermented milling by-products as ingredient. Enriched bread was also characterized by high content of dietary fibre and low glycaemic index determined in vivo.This study exploited the potential of fermented milling by products as functional ingredient. According to the Regulations the bread made under this study conditions can be defined as “high fibre content” and “low glycaemic index”. A number of advantages encouraged the manufacture of novel and healthy and functional leavened baked goods.