Influence of deep fat frying parameters on quality attributes of chicken nuggets from FUNAAB-Alpha broilers and optimization of the process using Box-Behnken experimental design of response surface methodology was investigated. Fried chicken nuggets were obtained using frying temperature (155–175 °C), frying time (3–7 min) and sample thickness (0.5–2.5 cm) as independent variables. Oil and moisture contents, texture (hardness, chewiness, adhesiveness, cohesiveness and springiness) and colour (L*, a* and b*) of samples were analyzed using standard procedures. Significance of each term in polynomial regression equations was evaluated on quality attributes. The accuracy of the regression models varied between 0.727 and 0.939. The effect of frying temperature on quality attributes of fried chicken nuggets was more significant (p > 0.05). The optimum frying temperature, frying time and sample thickness are determined as 175 °C, 3 min, 2.32 cm, respectively. Absolute percent error between optimized and experimental data were within the acceptable limit. Graphic abstract

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A 23 full factorial design was used to investigate the effect of steaming time, dough slice thickness and frying time on some quality attributes of fried cassava-defatted peanut crackers. The sample mixture (cassava starch-75% and defatted peanut flour-25%) was worked up to a moisture content of 40.85%, formed into a sausage-like shape, steamed (40 and 80 min) and then refrigerated at 5 °C for 18 h. Refrigerated dough were sliced into different thicknesses (1 and 2 mm), dried at 60 °C for 4 h and then fried at 170 °C for between 10-20 s. Fried samples were analyzed for moisture and oil contents, expansion, texture, and colour. The effect of the variables was analyzed using ANOVA of Design expert version 12 after which regression models and response surface plots were generated. Optimized samples were obtained and sensory analyses of the sample were conducted. The regression equations were evaluated and verified to be accurate with high determination of coefficient of between 0.87 and 0.99. Linear model terms of steaming time, slice thickness and frying time significantly (p<0.05) affect oil content and texture while interaction of steaming time and slice thickness significantly (p<0.05) affect oil content. The optimized process conditions to obtain high nutritious and healthier fried cassava – defatted peanut crackers were 80 min, 1.00 mm and 10.02 s for steaming time, dough slice thickness and frying time, respectively.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz), popularly called manioc, mandioca, tapioca, or yucca, is one of the major staples and root crop that is extensively cultivated in many developing countries. Its production across the world in the last 2 years is about 277.81 million tons with Nigeria being the largest producer with approximately 50.98 million tons since the last decade (FAOSTAT, 2020). According to Blagbrough et al. (2010), cassava is currently among the most consumed staple foods owing to their starch percentage, and they provide about 37% of calories in human nutrition. Cassava consumption in Nigeria accounts for approximately 238 kcal dietary calorie on a daily basis among populace (Odunze, 2019). Despite being a good source of carbohydrates and energy, cassava has very low level of micronutrients.Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) which causes eye damage, and when severe it can result in blindness particularly in growing children, is one of the most serious public health problems in many developing countries. There is an increasing incidence of VAD in the sub-Saharan region with over 30% of children less than 5 years affected (Bolarinwa et al., 2017). Consumption of carotene-rich food is the

There is consumer's preference for tender meat. The use of tenderizers to soften meat helps to reduce nutrient losses due to prolonged cooking. This study was conducted to compare the effects of four unconventional marinades (Pawpaw leaves extract, Lime-juice, and Carbonated drinks and distilled water) on the quality of beef. One thousand five hundred grams (1500 g) of beef excised from the thigh muscle was cut into twelve whole pieces of similar sizes and were randomly distributed into four experimental groups in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD). Treatment groups were randomly allotted to experimental marinades measuring 300mL with each marinade containing 100mL of tenderizers. Marination spanned for a period of 24 hours at a temperature of 4 °C. Data collected were: beef proximate composition, weights with pH of beef and marinades, cook and refrigeration losses and sensory scores. Results showed significantly (P<0.05) higher fat and Fe content in beef treated with Lime-juice and Pawpaw leaves extract-based marinades respectively. Marination did not affect (P>0.05) crude protein, ash, moisture content, and calcium. Weights and pH from beef and marinades varied significantly (P<0.05) after marination. Pawpaw leaves extract-based marinades produced more (P<0.05) tender beef; while beef marinated with carbonated drink marinade had significantly (P<0.05) better flavour and overall acceptability. It is therefore concluded that carbonated drink based marinades produced beef with the best quality.