NUTRIENT COMPOSITION OF BISCUIT MADE FROM BAMBARA GROUNDNUT AND WHEAT FLOUR BLEND

This study evaluated the nutrient composition of biscuit made from Bambara groundnut and wheat flour blend. The raw material and other baking ingredients were purchased from Eke-Ukwu market, Owerri Imo State. the Bambara groundnut seeds were sorted, soaked, dehulled, air-dried, milled and sieved into flour. The raw material was formulated into four BISCUIT namely, sample A (Wheat 100%), sample B (Wheat 90%, bambara groundnut 10%), sample C (Wheat 80%, Bambara groundnut 20%) and sample D (Wheat 70%, Bambara groundnut 30%). The formulated samples were packaged and analysed for proximate, mineral and vitamin compositions. A 25-man panelist was used to determine the sensory evaluation using a 9-point hedonic scale method. Data obtained were analysed using Statistical package for Service Solution 20.0 while Turkey test was used to separate the means among the samples. The result for the proximate composition of the BISCUIT should that sample D recorded the highest value for ash (6.02%), fat (7.17%), fibre (4.00%), protein (7.91%) while sample A recorded highest for moisture and carbohydrate content. The result for mineral composition showed that sample C (0.02) recorded highest value for calcium, sample D had the highest value for potassium (0.29) and zinc (18.89) while B (130.10) had the highest for iron. The result alue for vitamin A (1.6µg/g), sample D recorded the highest value for vitamin B1, (3.39mg), B2, (2.39mg/g) and vitamin E (4.12mg/g) while sample C had the highest value for vitamin C (4.08mg/g). The result for sensory evaluation showed that sample A recorded the highest value for colour (8.27), taste (8.38), Aroma (7.88) mouthfeel (7.66) and overall acceptability (8.04). From the study, it was observed that the products had good, moisture, ash, fibre and carbohydrate content and they are also rich in minerals. Therefore, production of biscuit from underutilized plants should be encouraged as it could lead to increase in the cultivation of these plants.