Nutritional, Chemical and Organoleptical Characteristics of Low-Calorie Fruit Nectars Incorporating Stevioside as a Natural Sweetener

The study is aiming at preparation of low-calorie fruit nectars for diabetes and weight maintaining approaches as well as consumer satisfaction. Therefore, twenty low-calorie fruit-based formulated nectars were prepared mainly from orange, pomegranate, guava and mango pulps which sweetened with sucrose or sucrose— replaced at 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% using stevioside. Primitively, the yield of fresh fruits had been calculated. Consequently, nutritional, chemical and organoleptical characteristics of prepared fruit nectars have been determined. Results indicated that total solids content was in range of 5.57% - 13.20%, 9.90% - 14.37%, 8.25% - 13.27% and 8.25% - 16.50% for orange, pomegranate, guava and mango nectars, respectively. Dependently, caloric value resulted 21.57 to 51.08, 38.31 to 55.62, 31.93 to 51.37 and 31.93 to 63.86 kcal 100 g-1 fw for orange, pomegranate, guava and mango nectars, respectively. Total phenols content [TPC, mg GAE 100 g-1 dw] ranged from 665.12 to 747.41, 1180.42 to 1319.47, 742.54 to 848.27 and 418.01 to 472.42 for orange, pomegranate, guava and mango nectars, respectively. The antioxidant capacity by DPPH method [μmol TE g-1 dw] ranged from (20.79 to 26.51), (47.13 to 56.56), (60.68 to 69.25) and (8.39 to 13.32) for orange, pomegranate, guava and mango nectars, respectively. Total carotenoids [mg 100 g-1 dw] were the highest in mango nectars ranged from (102.99 to 110.52) in mango nectar with 100% sugar and mango nectar with 100% stevioside, respectively. Anthocyanins content recorded 6.14 mg 100 g-1 dw in pomegranate nectar with 100% sugar, while increased to be 9.01 mg 00 g-1 dw in pomegranate nectar with 100% stevioside. Ascorbic acid [mg 100 g fw] ranged from 23.41 to 27.53, 15.73 to 18.32, 25.72 to 30.87 and 18.07 to 20.98 for orange, pomegranate, guava and mango nectars, respectively. The results of organoleptical attributes showed no effect of sugar substituting by stevioside on color, odor and mouth feel. The most dramatic effect of sugar substituting had been observed on taste, bitter after taste and the overall acceptability of prepared nectars with high substitution levels. Practically, using stevioside to produce low-calorie nectars was shown to be satisfactory up to 50% - 75% substituting level, resulting low-calorie nectars and could be applied commercially.

Chemical, Nutritional and Organoleptical Characteristics of Orange-Based Formulated Low-Calorie Jams

Twelve low-calorie orange-based formulated jams were prepared mainly from orange, pumpkin and papaya, and then sweetened using fructose (F), stevioside (St) and sucralose (Su). The nutritional value of formulated jams was estimated after the approximate chemical composition and total soluble solid have been determined. The effect of storage on total phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, carotenoids content and vitamin C was investigated. Organoleptical attributes of prepared low-calorie jams were done as well. Results indicated that the nutritive value [kcal 100 g–1 fw] ranged from 88.10 ± 0.60 to 164.34 ± 0.41;total phenol content (TPC, mg GAE 100 g–1 fw] ranged from 188.52 ± 2.45 to 411.79 ± 3.3;the antioxidant capacity (μmol TE g–1 fw) ranged from 14.57 ± 0.86 to 32.39 ± 1.19;total carotenoids [mg 100 g–1 fw] ranged from 115.20 ± 5.66 to 204.33 ± 4.21;vitamin C [mg 100 g fw] ranged from 8.94 ± 1.07 to 28.77 ± 4.46;total soluble solids [Brix] ranged from 22.53 ± 0.05 to 43.37 ± 0.13. Jams storage for a period of 12 months at room temperature led to a decrease in vitamin C content, TPC, antioxidant capacity, while total soluble solids (TSS) and carotenoids increased during storage. The results of organoleptical attributes showed that the formulas O11, O1 had the highest score of color and odor respectively while O7 recorded maximum score for taste, texture and bitterness respectively. Statistical analysis showed that storage intervals and treatments had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on sensory quality of diet jam. The organoleptical characteristics were affected with the extension of shelf-life. Addition of stevioside and sucralose to formulate the low-calorie jam increased total phenol and antioxidant capacity, improved color, taste and produced targeted low-calorie jams. The use of sweeteners such as fructose, sucralose and stevioside in the manufacture of orange diet jam was shown to be satisfactory, resulting in low-calorie jams, improved the quality and could be produced commercially.

Influence of Traditional Inoculum and Fermentation Time on the Organoleptic Quality of "Attiéké”

To improve the process of “Attiéké” production by the standardization of the traditional inoculums, the effects of inoculums amount (6%, 8%, 10% and 12%) and fermentation time (6, 12 and 18 h) were studied and analyzed for their microbiological and sensory qualities using standard analytical procedures. The microbial analysis showed that Lactobacillus species (9.14 Log cfu/g) as the most important popular microorganism in the paste, followed by enterococci (7.64 Log ufc/g) species, yeasts and moulds (7.30 Log cfu/g) respectively. Sensory analysis revealed significant effects (p < 0.05), of inoculums quantity and fermentation time on the “Attiéké” quality. “Attiéké” obtained with 10% inoculums and after 12 hours of fermentation was identified as the optical inoculums amount and time for “Attiéké” production. The importance of traditional starter inoculums in “Attiéké” processing could be necessary to standardization at small and industrial scale the process of production.

Carcass Traits and Organoleptic Properties of Weaner Rabbits(Oryctolagus cuniculus)Fed Cooked Rubber Seed Meal-based Diets

The carcass traits and organoleptic properties of meat obtained from crossbred weaner rabbits fed cooked rubber seed meal(CRSM)-based diets were investigated.The rabbits were reared in hutches placed under mature rubber plantation.A total of 72,8-week old weaner rabbits were randomly allotted,two per cell of 6-celled rabbit hutch,with 6 replicates per diet or treatment in a completely randomized design to 6 CRSM-based diets containing 16%dietary protein.The CRSM was included at 10,20,30,40,and 50%levels in diets 2,3,4,5 and 6 respectively.Diet 1 without CRSM(0%)served as the control.Feed and water were served ad libitum for 10 weeks.The carcass weights of rabbits fed up to 10%CRSM-based diets were similar and significantly higher than that of rabbits on 20%CRSM-based diet(740.30 g)which in turn was higher(p<0.05)than what obtained for those fed 30-50%CRSM-based diets.Other carcass traits varied significantly.The weight of bled and de-furred rabbits(92.77-94.54%),carcass(56.98-60.78%),fore limb(9.72-10.69%),lung(0.66-0.79%),kidney(0.62-0.75%)and the heart(0.26-0.29%)expressed as percentage of live weight were similar(p>0.05)across board.Feeding beyond 30%CRSM-based diets had significant effects on the cooked meat’s juiciness,chewiness and texture.The inclusion of CRSM in rabbit diets had no detrimental effect on the proportion of carcass,limbs and internal organ weights.Meats from rabbits fed CRSM-based diets were well accepted by sensory evaluators but the taste,flavor,juiciness and acceptability decrease with increasing levels of CRSM in the diet.

Sensory and Organoleptic Characteristic, Zinc and Iron Content of Fortified Chips from Cassava Flour

Iron fortification can cause several biophysicochemical modifications. Those depend on many factors, such as iron fortificant and the food carrier. There were four groups of chips： 1） non-fortified wheat flour chips （K1）; 2） non-fortified cassava flour chips （K2）; 3） fortified cassava flour chips, each with ZnSO4 30 ppm and NaFe EDTA （K3） 30 ppm and 4） fortified cassava flour chips, each with ZnSO4 50 ppm and NaFe EDTA （K4） 50 ppm. The chips were evaluated for sensory characteristic （color, taste, flavor, and texture）, organoleptic characteristics tested by preference test, as well as zinc and iron contents. Zinc and iron contents were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectophotometric method. The results showed that both fortificants did not affect the sensory characteristic of cassava flour chips. The preference test showed that color, taste, and flavor of Kl chips as a control, were mostly liked, but there was no significant difference preference of texture. Moreover, preference test using K2 as control showed that color of K3 was mostly liked, but there was no significant difference preference of taste, flavor and texture. Fortification can increase the contents of zinc and iron in cassava flour chips. The panelist can accept the fortified cassava chips as well as wheat flour chip, as a consequence, both can be a potential way to combat the iron deficiency anemia.

Organoleptic Acceptability, Selected Nutrient Content and Physicochemical Characteristics of Coconut Neera on Storage

Neera is the sweet juice or sap, obtained by tapping the unopened inflorescence of the coconut palm and is rich in minerals. In order to improve the nutritional quality and acceptability of the product a trial was carried out to combine aloe cubes and strawberry flavour with neera. Aloe vera is a flavourless and translucent white soft gel with bland taste and rich in phytonutrients and electrolytes. Standard neera （SN） was prepared with neera alone （100%） and compared against experimental neera （EN） prepared with neera （87%）, aloe vera cubes （10%） and strawberry extract （3%）. The processed neera was packed in presterilized bottles and stored at 5 ℃. Organoleptic acceptability and storage stability study were carried out every week. Physicochemical characteristics and selected nutrient content were analysed on 0th day and at the end of storage period. Overall acceptability of EN （8.5 ± 0.53） was higher than SN （8 ± 0.82） on 0th day and over different storage periods. There was a gradual decrease in the organoleptic scores of both EN and SN on storage and it was unacceptable on 56th day of storage. The sodium, potassium and vitamin C content of EN were significantly higher than SN. The TSS of SN and EN were 14 ± 0°B/100 mL and 15.6 ± 0 °B/100 mL respectively on 0th day. Significant （p ≤0.01） increase in the microbial count in EN was noticed on storage.

Variation in physico-chemical, organoleptic and microbial qualities of intermediate moisture pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) slices during storage

Pineapple is a commercial tropical fruit ranking sixth in global fruit production. Seasonal market gluts result in huge postharvest losses in all pineapple-growing nations. To reduce postharvest losses of fruits, viable, cost-effective and market-oriented value-added products are needed urgently. The present study was carried out to determine the suitability of two commercial varieties, Kew and Mauritius, for the development of intermediate moisture (IM) fruits and to evaluate product quality during storage. Pineapple slices were steam blanched for 2 min, followed by immersion in osmotic solution containing sucrose and sorbitol (fruit: solution ratio of 1:4), in combination with 0.5% ascorbic acid and 0.25% potassium metabisulfite, for 6 h and were subsequently dehydrated in a tray drier at 50 °C until the moisture content of the product attained equilibrium. The initial moisture contents of IM Kew and Mauritius pineapple slices were 26.53 and 21.65 g/100 g, respectively, while the water activity ranged between 0.671 and 0.666. The L* and b* values showed a decreasing trend, while a* value increased throughout storage, irrespective of variety and storage conditions. The initial TSS of IM pineapple from both varieties was 72 0 Brix, which declined during storage. Though titratable acidity of the product decreased during storage, the decline was insignificant. The total carotenoids of the product from Mauritius was significantly higher (0.809 mg 100 g− 1) compared to the one from Kew (0.215 mg 100 g− 1). Total phenolics contents in IM slices showed an increasing trend during storage, irrespective of varieties and storage conditions. IM pineapple slices from the variety Mauritius had significantly higher flavonoids (40.50 mg) than the product from Kew (30.0 mg 100 g− 1). DPPH radical scavenging activity was highest (3.0 μl ml− 1) in IM slices from the variety Mauritius as compared to those from Kew (5.0 μl ml− 1). IM pineapple from Mauritius recorded higher organoleptic scores throughout storage. Fungi were not detected in any of the samples throughout the storage period while the population of bacteria and yeast was negligible.

Efficacy of plant extracts in plant disease management

The overzealous and indiscriminate use of most of the synthetic fungicides has created different types of environmental and toxicological problems. Recently, in different parts of the world, attention has been paid towards exploitation of higher plant products as novel chemotherapeutants in plant protection. The popularity of botanical pesticides is once again increasing and some plant products are being used globally as green pesticides. Pyrethroids and neem products are well established commercially as botanical pesticides and recently some essential oils of higher plants have also been used as antimicrobials against storage pests because of their relatively safe status and wide acceptance by the consumers. Some of the volatile oils, which often contain the principal aromatic and flavouring components of herbs and spices, have been recommended as plant based antimicrobials to retard microbial contamination and reduction in spoilage of food commodities. In the context of agricultural pest management, botanical pesticides are best suited for use in organic food production in industrialized countries but can play a much greater role in the production and post harvest protection of food products in developing countries.

A Study on Tomato Candy Prepared by Dehydration Technique Using Different Sugar Solutions

The aim of the research was to develop a self-stable dehydrated tomato product using different sugar solutions and to study the effects of the sugar solution on the characteristic of tomato candy. Tomato was immersed into the sugar solution with the concentrations of 40%, 50% and 60% for 24 hours. Moisture, ash, protein, fat, vitamin C, acidity, total sugar, crude fiber, total SO2 and salt content and organoleptic quality and microbiological status of the prepared candy were analyzed. There was a tendency of decreasing moisture, ash, protein, fat, vitamin C, acidity, crude fiber and increasing total sugar content with increased concentration of sugar solution used. On the microbiological analysis, total bacteria and total fungus load were increased with increasing the concentration of sugar solution. The best characteristic of tomato candy was found with 40% sugar solution, with highest nutrient and sensory score and lowest microbial load than candy prepared with 50% and 60% sugar solution.

Quality Evaluation of Ginger Candy Prepared by Osmotic Dehydration Techniques

The study was carried out to develop and compare Ginger candy from fresh indigenous and China Ginger. Ginger was immersed into the sugar solution with the concentrations of 50%, 60% and 70% sugar solution. Moisture, ash, protein, fat, crude fiber and total sugar content and organoleptic quality and microbial status of the prepared candy were analyzed. Moisture, ash, protein, fat and crude fiber content was found to be lower with increased concentration of sugar solution used, whereas total sugar content was found to be higher. Total bacterial count was increased with increasing the concentration of sugar solution. The best characteristic of Ginger candy was found with 50% sugar solution, with highest nutrient and lowest microbial load than candy prepared with 60% and 70% sugar solution.

Study Properties of Fermented Camels’ and Goats’ Milk Beverages Fortified with Date Palm (<i>Phoenix dactylifera L</i>.)

Camels’ milk (CM) and goats’ milk (GM) are rich in nutrients and vitamins necessary for the health of humans and have therapeutic properties as they are rich in antioxidants and have a protective role against free radicals that have harmful effects on human health. Date palm (DP), camels’ milk and goats’ milk have been reported to be used for the prevention and treatment of various diseases in Arab countries. This study was designed to mix date palm with camels’ milk and goats’. Eight formulations of both camels’ milk and goats’ were made from different percentages of date palm. These formulations were added at ratios of 0 (control), 10%, 20% and 30% (w/v) to camels’ milk and goats’ and the effect of this date palm on the composition and texture properties of the fermented obtained products were followed. It has been found that pH, protein, fat decreased and total solid, carbohydrate, ash, viscosity, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants increased with the increase of the added percentage of date palm compared to control. Microbial counts of the fermented camels’ milk (FCM) and goats’ milk (FGM) increased significantly (P < 0.05) with the addition of different formulations and during storage. Also, fermented camels’ milk (FCM) and fermented goats’ milk (FGM) fortified with different ratios date palm (DP) concentration resulted in good properties and higher acceptable sensory values (at a rate of 10% - 20%) in fresh and till the end of storage periods. The addition of the date palm to all treatments improved the composition, viscosity, microbiological quality of fermented camels’ and goats’ milk with nutritional functional values and acceptable sensory attributes.

Pharmacognostic evaluation of leaf and root bark of Holoptelea integrifolia Roxb.

Objective:To evaluate the pharmacognostic characters of an important medicinal plant, Holoptelcu integrifolia(H.integrifolia) Roxb.Methods:The pharmacognostic studies were carried out in terms of organoleptic,microscopic,macroscopic and fluorescence analysis.Results: The characteristic microscopic features of leaves were observed as trichomes,multicellular trichomes,xylem cells,phloem cells,collenchyma,vascular bundles,spongy parenchyma and palisade cells.The characteristic microscopic features of root bark included cork cambium, primary cortex,phloem fibers,medullary rays,endodermis,pericycle and lignified fibers in the transverse section and longitudinal section.The characteristic microscopy of root bark powder showed the presence of cortex cells,sieve tubes,calcium oxalate crystals and lignified fibers. Macroscopic study showed that leaf shape-oval,apex-acute,base-cordate and leaf margin was entire with glabrous surface,bitter taste and characteristic odour.The morphological features of root bark showed deep fissured,rough and firm surface with rhitydome and the periderm parallel to cambium.Conclusions:Various pharmacognostic characters observed in this study help in the identification and standardization of H.integrifolia.

Evaluation of Quality of Drinking Water in the City of Casablanca(Morocco)

This study falls within the framework of a partnership project between Lyonnaise des Eaux de Casablanca (LYDEC) and HassanⅡUniversity in Casablanca.It’s overall objective is to evaluate the organoleptic quality of water feeding the great Wilaya of Casablanca.The project has set specific targets based on monitoring water quality in the different levels of the chain of

Protective Effect of Sweet Potato Peel against Oxidative Stress in Hyperlipidemic Albino Rats

In the present investigation, the valorization of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) wastes into food application with health benefits was studied. Growing interest in the replacement of synthetic food antioxidants by natural ones has fostered research on vegetable sources and screening of raw materials to identify new antioxidants. Different parts of sweet potato contain various phenolic activities. The sweet potato peel had the highest antioxidant activity as compared to other parts. It was reported that sweet potato contains bioactive compounds such as Flavonoids, Polyphenols, The present study was executed to examine the antioxidant components of sweet potato peel and their addition to fermented cow’s milk to improve lipid profile in rats fed high fat diet. Fermented milk was prepared from cow’s milk fortified with 1% and 2% of sweet potato peels (SPP), before inoculation with starter culture containing (S. thermophilus TH4, L. acidophilus La5 and L. bulgaricus). It was found that addition of SPP had no significant effects on the sensory attributes (appearance, body, texture, and flavor) as compared to the control samples. Increasing the percentage of SPP resulted in a decrease in the viscosity of the fermented milk. When SPP powder was included in the diet and fed to rats, there was a significant decrease in the activities of serum transaminases (ALT and AST). Results also showed that the fermented milk administration to hyperlipidemic/hyper-cholesterolemic rats induced a significant decrease in the total cholesterol, LDL, protein and triglycerides, and a significant increase in HDL concentration. Histopathological examination showed that groups fed with SPP blended fermented milk showed less pathological changes compared to the positive control group. The main results indicated that there is a high potential for sweet potato peel extract to be utilized as antioxidant in food systems due to its high phenolic contents. It can be concluded that the antioxidant components in purple sweet potato peel when administered with fermented cow’s milk can improve serum lipid status in rats fed high fat diet.

Influence of Bleaching Powder on the Quality of Giant Freshwater Prawn (<i>Macrobrachium rosenbergii</i>)

Calcium hypochlorite commercially known as bleaching powder is used as a bleaching agent in shrimp processing industries in many countries and known to effect biochemical alteration in shrimp muscle. Studies were, therefore, undertaken to determine their effect in different concentrations viz., 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 ppm with different time intervals on the quality of head-on, headless shell-on and peeled giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) by determining biochemical and organoleptic aspects. Myofibrillar protein solubility of fresh head-on, headless shell-on and peeled samples were 90.5%, 90% and 88%, respectively indicating a gradual decrease in protein solubility with increasing concentration of bleaching powder. Decrease in protein solubility was also higher in samples kept at longer duration in different concentration of bleaching powder. At a given concentration of 50 ppm for 30 min treatment, the loss of myofibrillar protein was higher (26.14%) in peeled samples than those of head-on and headless shell-on samples (20.44% and 21.11%). Shelf life of bleaching powder treated prawn samples was found to be reduced to 4 - 5 days in iced condition compared to 6 - 7 days for control samples. Peeled samples were also found to be more susceptible to bleaching powder than that of head-on and headless shell-on samples.

Development of Quality Parameters for Yogurt with Strawberry Juice

In this research, we improve the quality parameter of prepared yogurt using different levels (5%, 10%, and 15%) of strawberry juice. We investigated different organoleptic, chemical and microbiological quality characteristics. We found that plain yogurt is clearly better than 15% strawberry juice yogurt while 5% strawberry juice yogurt is almost as like as the plain yogurt. Acceptance of 10% strawberry juice yogurt is between 5% and 15%. We note that the organoleptic characteristics decrease with the addition of strawberry juice level. Analyzed chemical composition showed that strawberry juice incorporation increases the moisture content and acidity from 0% to 15% as strawberry juice contains higher moisture content (90.329%) and acidity (1%) than collected milk which contains 87.15% moisture content and 0.19% acidity. On the other hand, ash and fat content decreases as strawberry juice contains low ash (0.311%) and fat (1.64%) content than collected milk which contains 0.74% ash and 4.36% fat. Thus, nutritional quality decreases with the addition of strawberry juice. After performing the microbiological tests, it was recommended to consume the samples before the 5th day. We also found that various types of microbial (TPC, TCC, TFC) counts decline due to the high acidity of strawberry juice.

Identification of Ethiopian Yam (<i>Dioscorea</i>spp.) Collections and Their Phenotypic Diversity Study

Yam plant has a major role in Ethiopia particularly in densely populated areas of south, southwestern, and western parts of the country. It grows in a wide range of soils with an altitude range of 1140 to 2200 masl. This study was done to identify yam species collected from major producing areas of the country. The total of sixty yam accessions from ten different geographic origins of South and Oromiya region of Ethiopia were used. The collected samples were planted in complete randomized block design at two research sites of South Agricultural Research Institute. Forty-five qualitative morphological characterizations were used to characterize and identify Dioscorea species. Among these qualitative characters observed in the study presence and absence of spines on stems and roots, number of male and female inflorescence, stem length, twining direction, and flesh color were the major traits considered for species identification. The organoleptic properties evaluation was carried out using fifteen selected local farmers. Statistical analysis was done using Numerical Taxonomy and Multivariate Analysis System Version 2.02 NTSYpc software program and the data reduction function of SPSS for windows. Based on this study, sixty yam germplams of ten major growing areas of the country were identified into six Dioscorea species. These identified Dioscorea species were again subjected to qualitative morphological characterization and 33 morphological traits revealed variability. This implies presence of high diversity in yam (Dioscorea species) of Ethiopia. Most of the morphological variations among the yam genotypes were contributed by young petiole color, tendency of tuber to branch, and tuber flesh color. Hence, these morphological traits could be taken as useful traits for identification of yam cultivars.

Assessment of the Physicochemical Quality of Unrefined Shea Butter Produced in the Localities of Sarh and Koumra (Chad)

Introduction: The shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) is one of the plant species supplying Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in Chad. His edible fruits containing almonds are used as a raw material in butter processing. This processing activity is carried out by both informal units and cooperatives. Aim: The aim of the study is to contribute to the improvement of the physicochemical quality of unrefined shea butter produced in the localities of Sarh and Koumra (Chad). Methodology: The methodology consists of conducting surveys in these units and cooperatives to identify production stages and sample butter. The samples taken were analysed for seven (7) physicochemical parameters to assess their quality. The tests are carried out in the laboratories of the Food Quality Control Center (CECOQDA). The results take into account for seven (7) physicochemical parameters that are: 1) Criteria Organoleptic: 50% black and fondant butter;50% yellow and compact butter;28.57% strong smell, 28.57% low odour, 21.43% medium odour and 21.43% rancid;2) Water Content: 0.14% ± 0.020% for yellow butter and 0.25% ± 0.040% for black (p = 0.002);3) Insoluble Impurities: 3.49% m/m ± 0.27 for yellow butter and 3.88% m/m ± 0.38 black;4) Acid Index: 5.11% ± 0.090% for yellow butter and 3.57% ± 0.130% for black;5) Iodine Index: 21.12 g I2/100 g ± 0.670 for yellow butter and 20.67 g I2/100 g ± 0.62 for black;6) Peroxide Index: 11.86 mEq/Kg ± 0.42 for yellow butter and 3.65 mEq/Kg ± 0.28 for black (p = 0.008);7) Saponification Index: 182.64 mg KOH/g ± 0.80 for yellow butter and 193.45 mg KOH/g ± 0.70 black (p = 0.037). Conclusion: This study evaluated the quality of the two varieties of unrefined shea butter. The yellow variety proves to be better in view of the results. However, efforts still have to be made on the processes to connect to the values required by the Codex Alimentarius.

Development of Starter Culture for the Production of African Condiments and Seasoning Agents

As a process, food fermentation dates back at least 6000 years and is likely to be derived from microbial interactions of an appropriate nature. Fermentation has allowed our ancestors to survive the winter season in temperate and cooler regions and those in the tropics to survive the periods of drought by improving food shelf-life and safety. Traditional fermentation process is still used as a replacement where there is no refrigeration or other means available for food storage. In general, fermented foods can be defined as foods produced through controlled microbial growth and the conversion of food components through enzymatic actions. They are generally appreciated for characteristics such as pleasant taste, aroma, texture and improved cooking and processing properties. Microorganisms contribute to the development of characteristic properties such as taste, smell, visual appearance, texture, shelf-life and protection by virtue of their metabolic activities. Enzymes indigenous to the raw materials may play a role in enhancing these characteristics. The use of starter cultures is a hallmark of industrial food fermentation and their introduction has been followed by a continuous search to improve them. Examples of desired properties in starter cultures include robustness during manufacturing, fast growth, high biomass yield and product yield and specific organoleptic properties. Quality, safety and acceptability of traditional fermented foods may be significantly improved through the use of starter cultures selected on the basis of multifunctional considerations, also taking into account the probiotic concept and possibilities offered for improved health benefits. Focused studies toward the introduction of starter cultures for small-scale fermentations seem more than justified, and in fact, deserve the highest priority.

Consumer Acceptance and Physicochemical Properties of Developed Carambola (Averrhoa carambola) Candy

The acceptability and physicochemical qualities of carambola candy were evaluated in order to increase fruit consumption. The goal of this investigation was to see whether there were any techniques to preserve carambola in the form of candy. Sugar in various forms (white sugar, corn syrup, icing sugar, and molasses) was employed in candy making process in this study. Moisture, protein, fat, ash, vitamin C, total sugar content, organoleptic quality and microbial status of the prepared candy were analyzed. Protein, fat, vit-C, and total sugar content of carrambola candy were found to be higher with white sugar solution but moisture and ash content was found to be higher with molasses. On the microbiological analysis, total fungal growth was tested visually at 0 to 90 days and compared with refrigeration and room temperature. Fungal growth was found at 90 days at room temperature for all types of carambola candy. Sensory attributes revealed that sample 2 (corn syrup-based candy) was most delicious and appreciated among other samples. The best characteristic of carambola candy was found with white sugar solution, with sufficient nutrient and lowest fungal growth than candy prepared with corn syrup, icing sugar solution and molasses.