Correlates of Product Quality of Soumbala, a West African Non-timber Forest Product

Knowledge of the correlates of product quality is a prerequisite for further commercialisation of soumbala, a food product extracted from the leguminous tree Parkia biglobosa. In this study qualitative and quantitative data derived from interviews of producers and expert users are used to estimate the influence of Parkia biglobosa management practises, soumbala product processing practises, and nutritional composition of soumbala on perceived soumbala quality. Several variables on management practises correlated with high quality soumbala as revealed by binary logistic regression, with quality as the dependent variable and six management related variables as independent variables. Variables relating to product processing were examined using qualitative data from group sessions, gathering all the producers in a given village. Finally the relationship between nutritional compositions and soumbala quality was determined. The results show that local knowledge, management practises, and product processing practises are correlated with soumbala quality, whilst nutritional composition is a poor predictor of soumbala quality

Comparison of chemical composition of fruit pulp of Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) Benth from differents ecoregions

Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) Benth commonly called néré in French-speaking Africa is a semi-domesticated indigenous tree with a multi-purpose and highly appreciated use. Its pod-shaped fruits contain a yellowish floury pulp, eaten raw or used to make drinks, couscous and for raw or cooked dough. The objective of this study was to determine the profiles of minerals (Fe, K, Mg, Zn, Ca), beta-carotene, protein, ash, lipid and total sugar content as well as pH and acidity of the pulps from three ecoregions of Burkina Faso. The results showed quantitative difference in the composition of Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) Benth pulp from the different ecoregions. Pulp from tree of South Sahelian zone contained the highest concentration of beta-carotene and carbohydrates 530.52±68.11 μg/100g; 64.96±8.9% DW, respectively. Whereas, the North Sudanian zone exceeded the others ecoregion in terms of K 3 301.25±872.85 mg/100 g DW; Mg 257.63±90.15 mg/100 g DW; Zn 1.28±0.37 mg/100 g DW; Ca (519.41±591.13 mg/100g DW) and protein 3.76±0.39 g/100 g DW. The South Sudanian zone displays the highest content in Fe (1.92±1.37 mg/100 g DW). As for the equivalent citric acid quantified in this study, the North Sudanian zone had the highest concentrations (0.96 ± 0.18 g/100 g DW) in the pulp. The observed variation has implications regarding the use of these data in food and nutrition programs, and in selecting sources of planting material for reforestation initiatives and agroforestry systems

Nutritional and Functional Properties of Defatted Flour, Protein Concentrates, and Isolates of Brachytrupes membranaceus (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) (Drury: 1773) and Macrotermes subhyalinus (Isoptera: Blattodea) (Rambur: 1842) from Burkina Faso

Brachytrupes membranaceus and Macrotermes subhyalinus are edible insects in Burkina Faso. Our research aimed to evaluate the nutritional composition and functional properties of the defatted flours, protein concentrates, and isolates of Brachytrupes membranaceus and Macrotermes subhyalinus. Proximate and mineral composition were determined according to AOAC methods. The amino acid and fatty acid composition were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography, respectively. The protein concentrates and isolates were obtained by solubilization, precipitation, and lyophilization. Macrotermes subhyalinus showed the highest protein (45.75 g/100 g), iron (11.76 mg/100 g), and zinc (13.18 mg/100 g) contents. The highest isoleucine and lysine contents, the best fat absorption (10.87 g/g), and foaming capacities (49.60%) were obtained with the isolate of Brachytrupes membranaceus. Consumption of Macrotermes subhyalinus could be used to fight or correct iron and zinc deficiencies. Macrotermes subhyalinus was a source of macronutrients and micronutrients, while the protein concentrates and isolates of Brachytrupes membranaceus were endowed with functional properties (fat absorption and foaming capacities)