Production of Bambara Groundnut (Voandzeia subterranean) Flour for Use in the Preparation of Koki (a Steamed Cooked Paste): Effect of pH and Salt Concentration on the Physicochemical Properties of Flour

Abstract

The present study is part of a project aimed at producing bambara groundnut (Voandzeia subterranean) flours for the preparation of koki (a steamed cooked paste). The flours were produced from the black (BBG) and white (WBG) varieties by the combined processes of soaking, drying, dehulling and milling. Some physicochemical characteristics of the flours were evaluated and the effects of flour particle size, salt concentration and pH on their functional properties were investigated. Significant varietal influence was indicated on the proteins and carbohydrates with the WBG variety showing high level of proteins (19.7%) and the BBP variety the highest carbohydrate content (61.7%). It was equally observed that an increase in NaCl tends to induce a reduction in the water absorption capacity (WAC), foam capacity and emulsion properties. The emulsion and foam capacities were observed to be at their minimum values within the pH range 2 and 4.