Effect of Firm Ripe Plantain Fruit Flour Addition on the Chemical, Sensory and Microbial Quality of <i>Fura</i> Powder

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the effect of firm ripe plantain fruit flour addition on the chemical, sensory and microbial quality of fura powder. Millet flour was supplemented with plantain flour at substitution levels of 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 to obtain fura powder. The chemical composition, sensory properties and microbial quality were determined using standard methods of analysis. Addition of firm ripe plantain fruit flour significantly (p < 0.05) increased vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, fibre and soluble solids (^oBrix) levels of plantain-fura with the increasing level of plantain flour substitution. Fat content decreased from 6.0% to 3.0% with increased levels of plantain fruit flour addition. Similar trend was observed in protein content as it decreased from 13.0% to 10.0%. Microbial analysis results during three months of storage showed significant (p > 0.05) decrease in the microbial population with the increasing level of plantain flour addition. The results showed that blending of firm ripe plantain flour with millet flour would produce fura that is shelf stable, rich in natural anti-oxidant vitamins and safe for consumption.

Keywords: Plantain, millet, fura, powder, grain.