Reduction of polyphenol and phytic acid content of pearl millet grains by malting and blanching

This work was undertaken to evaluate the changes in polyphenol and phytic acid content in malted and blanched pearl millet grains. For malting, grains were steeped for 16 hours, germinated for 48 or 72 hours and then kilned at 50 ^°C for 24 hours. Blanching was done for 30 seconds in boiling water at 98 ^°C. Results indicated that blanching resulted in significant reduction in polyphenol (28%) and phytic acids (38%). Destruction of polyphenols (38 to 48%) and phytic acid (46 to 50%) was significantly higher in grains subjected to malting than blanching. The overall results suggested that malting with 72 hours of germination was most effective in reducing the antinutrient levels of pearl millet grains.