Production of a cereal based product (<i>Ogi</i>): Influence of co-fermentation with powdered garlic and ginger on the microbiome

Abstract

Many African foods undergo lactic acid fermentation; alterations of these germane microorganisms during fermentation of ogi can affect its acceptability as a weaning food. Effects of garlic and ginger on microorganisms’ load during the production of fermented cereal (ogi) from quality protein maize were explored. Powdered garlic and ginger individually and mixed at ratio (2 and 4%) resulted in 7 treatments. The microbial loads were enumerated, isolates identified, pH and total titratable acidity were also determined. Ogi with 4% garlic-2% ginger had the lowest microbial count value (19.5×107cfu/ g). Ogi containing 4% garlic-2% ginger had the best effect on microbial loads. 4 Lactic acid bacteria were prominent while 6 yeast isolates were identified. Garlic inhibited the growth of Candida utilis, Candida mycoderma, Candida tropicalis and Candida krusei. Combination of ginger-garlic exerted better synergistic effect and addition of garlic and ginger did not affect important microorganisms involved in the fermentation of ogi.

Keywords: Ogi, quality protein maize, sorghum, powdered garlic-ginger, co-fermentation, microbiome