The effects of cooking and natural fermentation on the chemical composition, functional properties and protein digestibility of Hura crepitans seeds were investigated. The results showed a high protein content and in vitro protein digestibility which increased with cooking (at 100C) and increase in fermentation period (24-96 h). Functional analyses showed a decrease in oil absorption, water absorption, foaming and emulsion properties while fermentation increased the pH, bulk density and least gel concentration. The protein solubility profile of H. crepitans was pH-dependent as higher solubility was observed in the alkaline than acidic region. The foaming and emulsifying properties were decreased with increase in salt (NaCl) concentration. Therefore, cooking and fermentation processes of H. crepitans seeds can enhance utilization of the seeds. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSSandbox (Hura crepitans) seed is one of the underutilized oilseeds in Nigeria that is rich in protein. This study shows that through cooking and fermentation processes, the chemical composition and functional properties of the seeds can be enhanced. These processes will also increase availability and digestibility of protein in the seeds. Therefore, cooked and fermented sandbox seeds can be used as ingredients in food fortification owing to the high protein content and good functional properties.

Sweet orange ranks as one of the most acceptable fruit juices across the globe as it offers a healthy choice and pleasant taste to a wide spectrum of consumers. This makes it a promising vehicle for conveying functional ingredients into the human body. The present study was designed to produce functional orange juice by incorporating Kersting's groundnut proteins (isolate and hydrolysates) at different proportions (0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 w/v) into freshly produced sweet orange juice. The sample formulations were further analysed for changes in their physicochemical (pH, titratable acidity, total soluble sugars, ascorbic acid and total phenol content), sensory (appearance, colour, flavour, mouthfeel and overall acceptability), antioxidant (radical scavenging, metal chelating, ferric ion-reducing abilities, DPPH, total antioxidant) and antidiabetic (inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme activities) properties as well as their storage stability over a 90-day storage period. The functional orange juice exhibited an improved physicochemical, antioxidant, antidiabetic and shelf life properties based on the respective protein concentrations used over the 90-day study period while the sample with the lowest proportion (0.6%) of functional ingredient had the highest sensory acceptability. Hence, the study concluded that Kersting's groundnut proteins could find useful applications in the formulation of functional orange juice.

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