The proximate composition, mineral contents and functional properties of BK2 FTM flour was determined and compared with three major cereals commonly consumed in Bangladesh like rice, wheat and maize flour. The samples were cleaned of foreign materials, milled and sieved through 60 μm meshes. The results showed that the BK2 FTM flour contained significantly higher (P<0.05) amount of energy (382.01 kcal) and fat (5.01 g/100g) compared to other major cereals. It also took the second highest value of protein, 9.06%, whereas wheat contained 10.39%, Rice, 6.31% and maize, 6.86%. Similarly, BK2 FTM flour enriched with iron 7.01 mg/100g, copper 1.43 mg/100g and phosphorous 595.12 mg/100g. The foaming capacity and bulk density of BK2 FTM flour were very similar to wheat flour. However, it varied significantly (p<0.05) as compared to rice and maize flour.Progressive Agriculture 29 (2): 186-194, 2018

Noodles are a popular snack mainly produced from wheat flour; however, the low contents of protein, minerals, and lysine are a concern. Therefore, this research developed nutri-rich instant noodles by using foxtail millet (FTM) (Setaria italic) flour to improve the contents of protein and nutrients and increase its commercial importance. FTM flour was mixed with wheat flour (Triticum aestivum) at a ratio of 0:100, 30:60, 40:50, and 50:40, and the samples were named as control, FTM30, FTM40, and FTM50 noodles, respectively. Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) and rice bran (Oryza sativa L.) flour were added at a percentage of 5% to all the composite noodles (FTM30, FTM40, and FTM50 noodles). The contents of biochemicals, minerals, and amino acids, as well as the organoleptic properties of the noodles, were examined and compared with wheat flour as a control. The results revealed that the carbohydrate (CHO) content of FTM50 noodles was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than all the developed and five commercial noodles named A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, and A-5. Moreover, the FTM noodles had significantly higher levels of protein, fiber, ash, calcium, and phosphorous than the control and commercial noodles. The percentage of lysine calculated protein efficiency ratio (PER), essential amino acid index (EAAI), biological value (BV), and chemical score (CS) of FTM50 noodles were also higher than that of the commercial noodles. The total bacterial count was nil for the FTM50 noodles, and the organoleptic properties were consistent with those of acceptable standards. The results could encourage the application of FTM flours for the development of variety and value-added noodles with enhanced level of nutrients.