Higher amounts of proximate and minerals in composite biscuit made from African locust beans pulp

Abstract

Food insecurity (FI) is still endemic in most parts of Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs), including Ghana. This study was a quasi-experimental design carried out in the Wa Municipality. We assessed the proximate and minerals in African locust fruit pulp (Parkia biglobosa) and biscuits made from composite flours. We also did sensory evaluation on the formulated biscuits. We also assessed the acceptability of biscuits manufactured. We performed proximate analysis and used two treatments: control sample, wheat flour (WF) and ALFPF at 100, 75, 25, and 0%. A total of 100 respondents randomly selected, sensory evaluate the products based on appearance, texture, scent, taste, and acceptability, based on a nine-point hedonic scale questionnaire. Generally, the mineral and nutrient quantities were higher in the composite biscuit compared to the control except for fat and oil. Protein, fibre, carbohydrate content was statistically significantly (p < 0.001) higher for the sample with 25% flour and 75% ALFPF compared to the control and 50/50 and 75/25. Probably, this consumption can improve food insecurity and the consumption of this can improve food insecurity, hidden hunger levels among the population.   Key words: Parkia biglobosa, African locust bean, proximate, minerals, Wa municipality, Ghana.