PHYSICOCHEMICAL, PASTING AND SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS OF SORREL SEED (Hibiscus Sabdariffa L) PROTEIN ISOLATE FORTIFIED MAIZE (Zea mays L) OGI

The use of sorrel seed protein isolate as supplements in enhancing the nutrients contents of commonly used maize grain weaning food was investigated in this study. Protein isolate was obtained from sorrel seed while maize Ogi was produced using the standard traditional method. The maize ogi samples A, B, C and D was fortified with sorrel seed protein isolate in the ratios; 100:0 (100% maize Ogi as the control), 95:5, 90:10 and 85:15 of the maize ogi to sorrel seed isolates respectively, while .  Standard procedures were used to analyze the samples proximate composition, The pasting and organoleptic properties of the samples were evaluated using a Rapid Visco Analyzer and a Nine-point Hedonic scale respectively. Results showed that the samples protein contentranged between 10.21% and 23.34%, ash content was 3.0 – 3.4, moisture content, 2.3 and 3.8%, fibre content ranged between 1.4 and 2.6%, fat content 6.6 - 10.8% and carbohydrates 59.15- 72.32. Enquiry on the functional properties showed that the water absorption capacity ranged between 71.65% and 76.58%, Oil absorption capacity between 53.39% and 59.11% and bulk densityn 0.53% and 0.74%.  For the pasting characteristics, the samplespeak viscosity ranged between 1527.50- 2243.00 RVA, through, 1034.00 - 1472.00 RVA, breakdown; 495.50 - 775.00 RVA, final viscosity; 1837.50 - 2784.00 RVA, setback; 809.50- 1313.00 RVA, peak time; 5.43- 5.62 min and peak temperature; 78.03- 84.51oC.  Sensory evaluation showed significant difference (P<0.05) across the attributes analyzed. Fortified Ogi with ratios; 95:5 or 5% inclusion of sorrel seed protein isolate was the most preferred among the supplements, while ratios; 85:15 or 15% was the least preferred among all the samples due to its taste. The study showed that maize ogi fortified with sorrel seed protein isolates exhibited higher nutritional properties and could be used as weaning food for infants.Â