CHARCOAL-BASED CONSERVATION METHODS’ IMPACT ON SOME FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF FLOURS OF THREE PLANTAIN VARIETIES (MUSA SP.)
The plantain contributes significantly to food security in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the sector is faced with several difficulties, in particular the lack of inexpensive conservation techniques accessible to all. In response, a conservation method combining charcoal and polyethylene bags was test...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Stefan cel Mare University of Suceava
2023-03-01
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| Series: | Food and Environment Safety |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://fens.usv.ro/index.php/FENS/article/view/955/835 |
| Summary: | The plantain contributes significantly to food security in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the sector is faced with several difficulties, in particular the lack of inexpensive conservation techniques accessible to all. In response, a conservation method combining charcoal and polyethylene bags was tested on the SACI, Big-Ebanga, and Orishélé varieties, harvested at the mature stage. The water and oil absorption capacity and the solubility index were determined according to standard methods. The results indicated a significant increase in these properties during storage. The water and oil absorption capacity and solubility index of fruit flour preserved in a control environment without polythene and charcoal are between 197.35% and 242.21%, 30.56% and 59.80%, and between 29.19% and 43.7 2%, respectively. Plantain bananas stored in a control environment consisting of charcoal-free polyethylene packaging recorded water and oil absorption capacities and solubility index of between 214.12% and 241.19%, 35.86% and 59.21% then between 35.29% and 44.27%, respectively. Fruit flours packed in polythene bags containing dry or moistened solid charcoal or dry or moistened charcoal powder have recorded water and oil absorption capacities and solubility between 215.11% and 241.14%, 35.90% and 59.51% and between 35.32% and 43.72%, respectively. Charcoal preservation can be a solution approach to the problem of post-harvest loss. |
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| ISSN: | 2068-6609 2559-6381 |