Fermentation Dynamics of Ethiopian Traditional Beer (Tella) as Influenced by Substitution of Gesho (Rhamnus prinoides) with Moringa stenopetala: An Innovation for Nutrition

Abstract

This study was designed to improve Ethiopian traditional beer (tella) with the substitution of gesho by moringa leaves to enhance micronutrients. Substitution of gesho by moringa from 50 to 100% against the biochemical dynamics and nutritional and sensorial profiles of tella was assessed. Incorporation of moringa suppressed the activity of yeast and favored those of lactic acid bacteria, which shifted the properties of the product from a mild alcoholic nature to a low alcoholic and mild acidic nature, revealing the probiotic potential of tella. Moringa leaves at 100% substitution for gesho resulted in the least yeast count compared to the other formulations. The storage of tella samples over periods of 10 days also strengthened the probiotic nature of tella by drastically reducing the yeast cell counts (from 5 logs to <1). This corresponded to the slow increase in the acidity (0.63 to 0.99%), indicating comparatively higher activity of lactic acid bacteria. The best nutritional contents (dietary minerals) and sensorial acceptance of the product were attained at the 50% substitution of gesho by moringa. The implication of the present study is that ethnic foods and beverages can be innovated to meet the nutritional needs of the community.

A review of the production, quality, and safety of traditionally fermented cereal‐based alcoholic beverages in Ethiopia

“…Research by Birhanu et al. ( 2021 ) revealed that Tella contains a low alcohol content in the range of 2%–4% or g/100 mL, making it a crucial source of nutrition in rural areas due to its turbidity with suspensions and significant presence of lactic acid bacteria. They also reported that Tella is rich in calories and minerals, particularly zinc, calcium, magnesium, and iron.…”

Impact of dietary supplementation of Rhamnus prinoides leaf extract on the growth performance, nutrient retention and intestinal microbial count of “japanese quails”

“…They also provide nutrients and biological compounds that are necessary for disease treatment (Berhanu, 2014;Asmare et al, 2018). Medicinal plants also include a diverse spectrum of bioactive chemicals or phyto-constituents that have antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and immune-stimulatory properties, among other things Alagbe, 2020).…”

“…Traditionally, the extracts from the leaf of R. prinoides is used for the treatment of malaria, rheumatism, gastrointestinal disease, body pain, constipation, cold, tooth ache, sexually transmitted disease, brucellosis amongst others (Berhanu, 2014;Bitew et al, 2019). Root infusion can be used to treat cough, respiratory infection, stomach discomfort, joint pain and sore throat (Dzoyem et al, 2016).…”