Revista de tecnología y procesamiento de alimentos

Abstracto

Effect of Fermentation Time and Blending Ratio on Nutrients and Some Anti Nutrient Composition of Complementary Flour

Milkesa Feyera, Solomon Abera, Melesse Temesgen

Most complementary foods used in low-income households are often characterized by low nutrient density, poor protein quality, low mineral bioavailability, and low energy. Fermentation and blending are easily applicable approaches to improve the nutrient content and mineral bioavailability of such complementary foods. Therefore, this study aimed to develop nutritionally adequate complementary flour with a safe level of anti-nutrients. Three fermentation times (0, 24, and 36 hr) and four blends of composite flour consisting of maize, haricot bean, and cooking banana, respectively, in the proportion of 65:20:15, 60:30:10, 50:35:15, 30:60:10 were used in the formulation with 100% maize as control. Fermentation causes significant (P˂0.05) reduction in moisture, ash, crude fiber, iron, calcium, condensed tannin, and phytate. On the other hand, an increment of crude fat, protein, total carbohydrate, energy, zinc, Vitamin C were noted as fermentation time increased. Substitution of haricot bean and cooking banana to maize flour increased Ash, protein, crude fat, carbohydrate, energy value, vitamin C, calcium, iron, zinc, phytate, and condensed tannin in formulated composite flour. Based on the present finding fermentation and substitution of maize with haricot bean and cooking banana could be, recommended in the production of nutritious complementary food for older infants and young children.