Project Abstract

Abstract
The physical properties of fresh and dried tiger nuts (Cyperus esculentus) were investigated in this study. Tiger nuts are an important crop with various nutritional benefits. Understanding the physical properties of both fresh and dried tiger nuts is crucial for agricultural and food processing purposes. The study focused on determining the moisture content, size, shape, and bulk density of fresh and dried tiger nuts. The moisture content was found to be significantly different between fresh and dried tiger nuts, with dried tiger nuts having lower moisture content. In terms of size, the length, width, and thickness of fresh and dried tiger nuts were measured, showing variations due to the drying process. The shape analysis revealed that tiger nuts had an irregular shape with varying dimensions. Additionally, the bulk density of both fresh and dried tiger nuts was determined, providing important information for handling and transportation processes. Overall, the findings from this study contribute to the understanding of the physical properties of tiger nuts, which can be beneficial for agricultural practices, food processing, and product development.

Project Overview

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

            Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) is an underutilized crop in the family of Cyperaceae, which produce rhizomes from the base and tubers that are somewhat spherical. Tiger nut tubers contain about 8% protein and have 20-30% tiger nut oil, which is nourishing to the epidermis (Alobo & Ogbogo, 2007). The necessary essential minerals, calcium, magnesium and iron required for bones, tissue repairs, muscles and blood stream, as well as vitamin B that assist in balancing the central nervous system is contained in tiger nut tubers (Oladele & Aine, 2007). Chevalier (1996) also reported that tiger nut tuber could be used for the treatment of flatulence, indigestion, diarrhea, dysentery and excessive thirst and contain higher essential amino acids than those proposed in the protein standard by the FAO/WHO (1985) for satisfying adult needs (Bosch et al; 2005).

            Understanding the physical properties of food is important as they are used in process design, product and process optimization, product development, food quality control and food process modeling.

            Information on physical properties of tiger nut needed in design, of machines used during harvesting, separating, cleaning, handling and storage of the nut and converting them into food, feed and fodder is scarce. Hence, the properties which are useful during design must be known.

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

            Many work has be done on tiger nut, such as processing and preservation; but no work has be done on physical properties of tiger nut in order to ascertain suitable machinery for its process and production. In most of the countries, production of tiger nut into different product such as flour, beverages etc were a challenge to producers. As a result of this, there is need to ensure that all potential sources of tiger nut are exploited effectively and utilized industrially, study on physical properties of tiger nut will form a platform for mechanization of the process. That is;

The study is to determine the physical properties of tiger nut in order.

• To construct agricultural machinery.
• To improve process design and food process modeling
• To develop the product and food quality control
• To increase its utilization as a food resources.

1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The project work is aimed to investigate some physical properties of tiger nut that is needed in design of machines and processes.

1.4 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

 The current study, sought to determine some physical properties of tiger nut, which are relevant to the mechanization of its processing in order to increase its utilization as a food resource. These include size, shape, surface area, volume, density, porosity, arithmetic mean diameter, geometric diameter, weight, sphericity determination and finally the moisture content. (Wet basis).

1.5 JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY

            Tiger nut is commonly underutilized in Nigeria; it is well grown and available in semi-dried form. Its tubers can be eaten unprepared, roasted with sugar etc. (Umerie, et al; 1997). This work intends to increase its utilization as a food resource by determining some physical properties that aids to mechanization of its processing such as harvesting, separating, cleaning, handling, packaging and storage.