PRODUCTION AND EVALUATION OF CACTUS MUCILAGE COATED FRIED CHIP PRODUCED FOR UNRIPE PLAINTAIN (SOGBA VARIETY)

Plantains are rich in carbohydrates, fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C, making them a versatile staple used for energy. Cactus mucilage is rich in antioxidants and essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, making it useful as health-enhancing ingredient in food products. Plantain chips are often lacking in essential nutrients and antioxidants, leading to missed opportunities for health benefits. Hence, this study evaluated the antioxidant properties, mineral content, sensory attributes of plantain chips coated with cactus mucilage. Fresh Unripe plantain was purchased commercially from two different farmers at Ilobu market in Osun state. Freshly harvested Opuntia ficus-indica were obtained from Botanical garden, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State. Plantain were washed and fried at 170 degree for 4 minutes. Plantain chips coated with cactus mucilage were produced from plantain and coated with cactus mucilage. All the plantain Samples were analyzed for total phenolic, total flavonoid, FRAP, DPPH, calcium, magnesium, potassium, colour determination, mold and yeast. Sensory attributes were also evaluated using 7-point Hedonic scale. Data obtained were subjected to Analysis of Variance and mean were separated using New Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5% level of significance. The total phenolic, total flavonoid, FRAP, DPPH were 0.12-0.67 Mg/g, 0.14-0.60 Mg/g, 0.26-0.64 Mg/g and 12.63-28.78%, respectively. The calcium, magnesium, potassium, were in the ranged of 47-68.69 Mg/g, 153.09-184.77 Mg/g and 312.83-466.58 Mg/g respectively. The colour determination were 38.22-53.00, 5.8-10.42, 17.19-34.18 and 61.21-97.60 respectively. Mold and yeast were in the ranged of 0.00-42.50 and 2.00-4.00 respectively. The overall acceptability scores of plantain chips coated with cactus mucilage were 6.68 The study shows that plantain chips coated with cactus mucilage is a good source of antioxidant properties and mineral properties. Hence, it can be used as to improved dietary intake of essential nutrients and antioxidants, potentially supporting cardiovascular health and reducing oxidative stress.