Consumption pattern and standardization of some food recipes from Lima Bean in Kaduna State, Northwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Adequate nutrients are vital for healthy growth and development, in this regard, assessing the nutrient content of foods is very essential. However, many Nigerian dishes are difficult to assess because, they have not been standardized.

Objective: This study was carried out to assess the consumption frequency of lima bean foods and to standardize the commonly consumed lima bean foods in Kaduna State.

Methods: A validated semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on the consumption of lima bean foods. The study involved 400 households selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. The means for each ingredient of commonly consumed foods were calculated from twenty randomly selected recipes and then used for the preparation of the standardized foods. These foods were then subjected to sensory analysis using standard procedures.

Results: Data revealed that only 54.3% of the population consumed lima bean foods, four out of ten (23.1%) of the respondents consumed lima beans at least once to twice a week with 17.5% consuming only once or occasionally per year. The most consumed lima bean foods in Kaduna state are lima bean porridge (64.9%), followed by lima bean-benniseed (14.8%) and lima bean-hungry rice (11.5%). All the foods scored more than 3, the benchmark for acceptability.

Conclusion: The three commonly consumed lima bean foods were considered acceptable. There is need for an increase extension work in the utilization of lima bean foods to help in alleviating the effects of malnutrition.