This study investigated the effect of fermentation durations on the
acha flour and resultant cookies. The acha sample was
fermented at 24, 48 and 72 h, while the native acha flour served
as the control sample. The functional, pasting, nutritional and
micro-structural properties of the fermented acha flour and
sensory evaluation of the cookies were examined. The results indicate
significant differences (p<0.05) in the functional and pasting
properties of the flour and cookies samples. An increase in fermentation
duration enhances oil absorption capacity and dispersibility of the
samples. The protein and ash content of the acha flour samples
increased. The mineral element showed significant difference
(p<0.05) in the calcium, sodium, and zinc content. The Fourier
transform infrared (FTIR) spectra increase the band intensities. The
peaks occurred in the range 3860 - 3650 cm . The
X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern revealed a slight increase in the
crystallinity of the fermented flour samples. The flour samples
exhibited an A-type XRD pattern while the cookies samples had V-type XRD
pattern. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that fermentation
modified the microstructure of the flour, causing it to change from an
irregular compact granular to a regular loose structure. Cookies samples
produced from native and fermented acha flour were acceptable by
the panelist. Therefore, cookies with improved nutritional and
acceptable sensory properties were produced from native and acha
flour fermented between 24 and 72 h. This suggests that fermented
acha flour holds promise for various food applications, including
complementary foods, and gel formulations with reduced syneresis.