ABSTRACT'Kokoro' a popular Nigerian snack obtained from maize has nutritional deficiencies, especially in terms of protein and amino acid contents. In this study therefore, it was enriched with partially defatted peanut paste by partially substituting the maize with the groundnut paste in varying proportions ranging from ten to fourty percent paste. The various mixtures obtained were separately processed into snacks following essentially the traditional method of production, involving thorough mixing, dough formation and deep frying in vegetable oil. The products obtained were analysed for proximate composition, some physico-chemical properties and pasting characteristics. The sensory attributes were also evaluated. Results obtained indicated substantial increases in the level of protein with increases in the level of substitution with peanut paste, ranging respectively from 12.33 to 23.77% in the zero and 40% levels of substitution with peanut paste. This may be an indication of the potentials of the peanut paste in improving the nutritional status of the snack. While similar trends were observed with respect to the fat contents, the levels of ash, crude fibre and carbohydrate showed a reverse trend. The swelling capacity of the resulting flour mixtures before frying decreased in value with increases in the level of substitution, but increases, although only slightly in the values of water absorption capacity respectively. Slight increases were also recorded with respect to the generally low values of bulk density, an indication of a possible positive impact on the ease of packaging and transportation of products. There were no significant changes in the pasting properties of the resulting flour mixes regardless of the level of substitution. Sensory evaluation of the products obtained indicated that the greater the level of substitution with the defatted peanut paste in the mixture, the more acceptable the product is to consumers.

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Cardaba banana (Musa ABB) pulp and flours were evaluated for changes in some physicochemical properties during ripening. Compositional changes in the pulp showed that ripening significantly (P < 0.05) increased the crude protein (2.48-9.88%), fat (1.33-4.67%), crude fibre (0.80-0.93%), ash (1.66-2.32%) and Vitamin C (12.60-24.28%), while carbohydrate and tannin reduced. Mineral composition varied, following this trend: K > Mg > P > Na > Zn. pH and 'whiteness' reduced, while yield, softness index and pulp ⁄ peel ratio increased significantly (P < 0.05). Pasting and functional properties of the flours were lowered, however, ripening enhanced better pasting properties. Flours from stages 1-7 could be used as binders, emulsifiers and thickeners, while flours from stages 5-7 may be useful as aerating agents and in preparation of baby formulas and flours from stages 1-2 may be used in bakery products. This investigation proposes the utilisation of the Cardaba banana flour as an industrial raw material and a good substitute to potato, corn or tapioca starches.

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