Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This research project aims to investigate the effect of processing on Afzelia africana (Akpalata) and Brachystegia spp flour as soup thickeners. The study will involve the collection of Afzelia africana (Akpalata) and Brachystegia spp seeds, which will be processed into flours using traditional and modern techniques such as grinding, drying, and milling. The physical, chemical, and functional properties of the flours will be analyzed before and after processing to determine the impact of processing on the quality of the flours. Furthermore, the sensory attributes of soups thickened with the Afzelia africana (Akpalata) and Brachystegia spp flours will be evaluated to determine consumer acceptability. The study will also assess the nutritional composition of the flours to determine their potential as a source of essential nutrients in soups. Additionally, the microbial load of the flours will be evaluated to ensure food safety. The results of this research will provide valuable information on the effect of processing on the quality, nutritional value, and safety of Afzelia africana (Akpalata) and Brachystegia spp flours as soup thickeners. This knowledge can be used to improve processing techniques and promote the utilization of these underutilized legume seeds as functional food ingredients. Ultimately, this research aims to contribute to the development of nutritious and safe food products that can enhance the dietary diversity and food security of populations in regions where Afzelia africana (Akpalata) and Brachystegia spp are commonly found.

Thesis Overview

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Nigeria is presently passing through a developmental stage in which there is showing emphasis on local sourcing of raw materials and so there is a growing commercial interest in processing Nigerian foods.
The mechanism by which culinary products are thickened to varying degrees can be subdivided into three separate processing such as starch thickening, protein coagulation and emulsification.

The role of the skilled cook when preparing starch achieve an overall product quality in terms of texture, consistency, appearance, flavour and yield.

The techniques used are many and varied which many include adequate dispersal of raw starch flour in the soup.

The processes ensure that each starch granules is free to take part in the thickening gelatinization process, hence, using correct recipe balance method and thorough stirring or agitation at all stages of preparation of cooking to prevent starch clumpiness and lumpiness.

Richard Maryland, Derek Welsby (1979)

The seeds of Afzelia Africana (Akpalata) and (Brachystegia spp) (Achi) undergo various mechanical devices like cracking the seed before boiling in water followed by dehulling and grinding into flour in large quantities before it can be preserved for future consumption.

If this is achieved it helps to reduce the seasonal glut of the product and scarcity of the local thickening agents experienced each year.

Functional properties are influenced by the method of processing. Those processing methods are influenced by the functional, rheological and cooking qualities of the soup (Anazonwu, 1976).

Information are required to guide the food processor to choose the processing method that will give the most acceptable product.

Commercial production of tradition thickening agent will help the food engineer in the design choice of appropriate handling equipment and food processing system to be adopted.

The constraint encountered in the use of many thickening agents in soup-making is generally there composition of some anti-nutritional factors which nay induced flatulence and other digestive disorder arising from their consumption.

1.1 PROBLEM OF THE STUDY

People have been dealing on these edible indigenous woody plants (Akpalata and Achi) without knowing the food values, how to process, grow and preserve them.

Meanwhile, the general causes of all these negligent

1. Are due to dealing much on imported thickening agent and as a result overlook the locally made ones.
2. Lack of encouragement and lack of skills on how to prepare them.
3. Non-availability of these traditional thickening agents all the year round.
4. People having little or no knowledge of some of soup thickeners.

Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, it will be very important to identify, classify and to find out utilization of these plants or seeds.

Again, to inculcate the knowledge into people in order to eliminate those factor like negative attitude, ignorance or non-availability of these thickeners all the year round.

1.2 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

1. To compare the effect of processing on the thickening qualities of (Brachystegia spp) and Afzelia Africana.
2. To determine the method of processing which will product the most acceptable soup for the consumers?
3. To determine the proximate composition of Brachystegia spp (Achi) and Afzelia Africana (Akpalata).