Taste profile and consumer preference of “dawadawa” produced from the seeds of<i> Parkia biglobosa, Glycine max </i>and <i> Hibiscus sabdariffa</i>

Abstract

Proteolytic process is a key step that influence taste profile of African condiments. This process involves the degradation of protein to yield free amino acids. Very few studies have made effort to determined how the amino acid taste profile influence the consumer preference of the condiments. The aims of this research is to analyse taste profile and consumer preference of "dawadawa"" produced by the fermentation of seeds of P. biglobosa, G. max and H. sabdariffa to determine whether key taste characteristics influence consumer preference of the condiments. The analysis of amino acid of "dawadawa" produced from the seeds of locust beans (Parkia biglobosa), soya beans (Glycine max) and roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) was conducted to understand how the fermenting organisms ferment these unusual legumes seeds during condiment production and the role the organisms play in improving the free amino acids, flavour and consumer preferences for the condiments. The amino acid content was analysed using amino acid analyser and the sensorial analysis was performed using the Hedonic scale. Bitter taste profile was high in the condiment produced from P. biglobosa and G. max, followed by monosodium glutamate-like (MSG-like) and sweet taste in the respective condiments. The latter two seem to play greater role on the final taste profile of the condiment while higher concentration of MSG-like taste was observed in the locally produced condiments from the three seeds compared with the laboratory produced condiments. The laboratory prepared "dawadawa" from P. biglobosa and H. sabdariffa seeds was the most preferred than that prepared from the seeds of G. max. "Dawadawa" if properly developed have a strong potential of improving the nutritional status of the rural population and provide income to rural masses.

Quality attributes of condiments made from some locally underutilized seeds

“…However, the mouth feel for the locust bean condiment in kuka soup was significantly lower than all other samples. The uniformity in the taste and aroma of the food sample prepared may be due to similar treatment applied on the seeds before fermentation or the use of same starter culture given it a unique taste and aroma in all the sample (Adamu, et al, 2019).…”

“…Although, locust bean condiment sample were more preferred by the panelists in all the sensory attributes evaluated. The locust bean seeds had a unique flavour and aroma which made it more preferable in most of the local dishes and getting more popularity in intercontinental dishes (Ganiyu, (2006);Adamu, et al, (2019)). KEY: LBC J -Locust bean seed condiment Jollof rice, PSC J -Pumpkin seed condiment Jollof, LBC K -Locust bean seed condiment Kuka soup, PSC K -Pumpkin seed condiment Kuka soup.…”

“…Fermentation is usually carried out in a most solid state, involving contact with appropriate microorganism at an ambient temperature of the tropics. The completion of fermentation indicated by the formation of "mucil" leading to the production of ammonia as results of the breakdown of amino acids during the fermentation (Adamu, et al, 2019). The sensorial characteristics such as aroma and flavor of the condiment enhance the taste in soup and sauces especially the various soup accompanied with the starchy foods (Adamu, et al, 2019).…”

“…The completion of fermentation indicated by the formation of "mucil" leading to the production of ammonia as results of the breakdown of amino acids during the fermentation (Adamu, et al, 2019). The sensorial characteristics such as aroma and flavor of the condiment enhance the taste in soup and sauces especially the various soup accompanied with the starchy foods (Adamu, et al, 2019). Fermented seasoning used in Nigeria includes (Pentadethra macrophylla), "ogiri" fermented melon, soybean, or African yam bean, African locust bean "Dawadawa" and "Okpeye" (Prosopis africana) (Achi, 2013;Okafor et al, 2015).…”