Development of manioc (Manihot esculenta) based nutria mix
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Date
2015
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
Abstract
A simple, convenient and quick to prepare food product besides being hygienic and convenient to eat
is ‘Instant food’. Various technologies are being used to develop “Instant foods” and add immense
value to raw material (Pathania et al., 2013). Fruits and vegetables nutritional value is highest when
they are fresh, but it is not always possible to consume them immediately. Preserving of vegetables
as a means of improving storability has been practiced for many centuries.
Life expectancy of Sri Lankans is 68 years for males and 76 years for females in 2006 (Hans et al.,
2008). Despite the relatively high literacy rate (90.8% in 2006) in the country (Central Bank Annual
Report. 2008), and achievements in economic growth and the nutritional status of children is not
satisfactory. The nutrition status shows a wide variation across the districts & as for wasting, it ranges
from 10.5% to 28.1% substantiating the geographical disparity (Hans et al., 2008). Therefore, the
need to find inexpensive sources of nutritional food of good quality can be over emphasized. Once it
is harvested, the agricultural product is edible for only a limited time, which can vary from a few days
to weeks. Therefore processing of blends of manioc with murunga leaves, soy beans and banana
blossom into forms which combine the advantage of nutritive value, convenience and preservation of
use stands a better chance of success.
Methodology
Manioc flour, soy bean flour (Pb-1), muruga leaves flour and banana blossom flour were prepared.
Flour items were analyzed for protein, fat, fiber, ash and moisture following AOAC(1990) methods.
Prepared flours were used to prepare nutria mix with either 80% manioc flour and 10% soy bean flour
(T1) or 75% manioc flour and 15% soy bean flour (T2) or 70% manioc flour and 20% soy bean flour
(T3) or 60% manioc flour and 30% soy bean flour (T4) or 55% manioc flour and 35% soy bean flour
(T5), following nutria mix preparation methods. Nutria mixes were analyzed for physico chemical
characteristic following Sri Lanka standard methods of SLS 280 (2009). Sensory evaluation was
conducted to evaluate and comment on sensory characteristics by untrained twenty sensory panels.
Complete Randomized Design (CRD) was performed to compare values obtained from proximate
composition. The data gathered from sensory evaluation were analyzed by using Friedman statistical
technique.
Description
Keywords
Science and Technology, Technology, Agriculture, Crop Production, Food Technology, Food Science