摘要
Background:Raphia fruit pulp is a good source of phytochemicals and some micronutrients and is locally consumed as a snack.The aim of this study was to valorize raphia pulp in biscuits production by partially substituting wheat flour in different proportions with flour obtained from the pulp of the raphia fruit.Methods:Ripe raphia(Raphia hookeri)fruits were purchased from local farms,thoroughly washed and the pulps extracted using a stainless-steel knife.These pulps were dried at 60℃for 12 h and grounded into flour.Wheat flour was substituted with the raphia pulp flour(RF)in five different proportions(10,20,30,35,and 40%).The functional properties and nutrient profile of the raphia flour and the biscuits obtained from these composite flours were evaluated.Sensory evaluation of the biscuits was also carried out using a nine-point hedonic scale.Results:The RF has a high-water absorption capacity WAC(680%)and oil absorption capacity OAC(560%)favoring its use in pastry processes.The RF is rich in polyphenols 435.0±20(μg/100g),saponins(155±5 mg/100g)and potassium(922±20 mg/100g).The incorporation of the RF in biscuits significantly affect the chemical composition.The total polyphenols increased from 182±10μg/100g in the sample containing 10%of RF to 342±17μg/100g in the sample containing 40%of RF.Fibers increased from 8.75±0.03 mg/100g in the sample with 10%of RF to 10.08±0.27 mg/100g in the 40%substituted biscuit.Saponins increased from 69.9±0.01 mg/100g in the sample with 10%of RF to 90.22±0.01 mg/100g in the sample with 40%RF and potassium increased from 434.2±10 mg/100g in the sample with 10%of RF to 647.6±5 mg/100g in the sample with 40%of RF.Biscuit samples made with composite flour containing 20%of RF was the most accepted.Conclusion:RF can be used as a raw material to replace 20%of wheat flour in biscuit formulations and improve its nutritional and sensory properties.
