Physicochemical properties of flour and starch from two cassava varieties

In this study, the physicochemical properties of flour and starch from two cassava varieties (TME 419 and TMS 326) were determined using standard methods. Cassava roots were obtained from University of Ilorin Agricultural research farm. Proximate composition of TME 419 cassava were different from that of TMS 326 roots. The two cassava roots had carbohydrate as their major components (approx. 84%). TMS 326 showed significantly higher protein, fats and ash contents than the TME 419 genotype. Amylose content (approx. 27 %) of TMS 326 starch was higher than TME 419 starch (approx. 22%). Cassava starch granules of both varieties had smooth surfaces with mostly round granules while some granules were spherical, elongated and irregular in shape. TME 419 had smaller granule (approx. 11 μm) compared to that of TMS 326 (13 μm). Both starch type showed the A-type crystallinity pattern. The peak gelatinisation temperature of TMS 326 starch (approx.71 oC) was higher than that of TME 419 starch (approx. 61oC). Peak viscosity of TMS 326 starch was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of TME 419 starch, which could be related to the higher amylose content. However, the peak viscosity of flour from TME 419 cassava was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of TMS 326. Cassava starches displayed higher swelling power than the flour samples. TME 419 flour and starch showed higher swelling power and cold paste viscosity suggesting that the starch could be used as thickening agents in various food applications.Keywords: Cassava, Flour, Starch, Pasting properties, Functional propertie

Physical, chemical and sesnory properties of flakes (Gari) prepared from refrigerated cassava roots

Cassava is a tropical crop that can be processed into a variety of products including flakes popularly called gari. Gari is a product obtained from cassava root by fermentation, but the root from which the gari is obtained spoils rapidly. Efforts have been made to extend the shelf life of the root through the use of traditional and improved storage techniques, for example storage in boxes, freezing and refrigeration. However, the quality of the products from refrigerated roots, such as gari, has not been reported. In this study, cassava roots were refrigerated for a period of three weeks and the physicochemical properties of gari from the stored roots were determined. With the exception of the carbohydrate content which was very similar (approx. 88%), refrigeration of cassava roots significantly (p < 0.05) affected the physical and chemical properties of the resulting gari. The cyanide content decreased from 2.96 to 1.90 mg/ kg with increase in refrigeration period, while the functional properties including bulk densities and swelling power were only slightly affected. Cassava roots can be refrigerated for a period of two weeks without substantial changes in the eating quality of the resulting gari, if the storage condition is closely monitored. Future studies are required to investigate the physicochemical properties of other valuable products from refrigerated cassava roots to determine their potentials in food and non-food applications. Keyword: Cassava; Functional; Gari; Refrigeration; Pasting; Sensor

The role of nutraceutical fruit drink on neurodegenerative diseases: a review

A changing lifestyle in food consumption due to the frequent taking of junk drinks based on the fastfood and ready-to-eat concept has brought about overloaded oxidative stress, thus weakening the body’s defence mechanism to scavenge free oxygen radicals by destroying antioxidants. Oxidative stress occurs as a result of an imbalance between pro and antioxidant levels in favour of pro-oxidants resulting in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Though researches on the probable cure for neurodegenerative diseases are ongoing, fruits have been found to play an important dietetic role in preventing neurodegenerative diseases and other physiological disorders. Most fruits have their own valuable, unique active ingredients, having tremendous nutraceutical potentials and therapeutic implications. Therefore, people are required to make rational choices on the correct type of food for consumption to engender proper growth and development. The role of fruits or fruit juice in ameliorating neurodegenerative diseases has created a reawakening in nutrition and human health research