Product development and consumer acceptability of soup made from Clarias gariepinus

Abstract

Fish is a rich source of protein that can play a major role in food security for millions of poverty-stricken people world-wide. Although C. gariepinus was identified as a leading candidate for global aquaculture production, consumers have bestowed a reputation as a mud-covered fish from murky water upon it. This study aimed to find a simple economical method to process leftover material from this species, in an acceptable product for human consumption. The resultant variants of newly developed soup powder were accepted by consumers. Moreover, the soup powder had a moderate fat, carbohydrate and energy content and was low in dietary fibre. Thus, it was found to be well-suited to satisfy the needs of low-income groups in rural communities in Africa, consequently contributing to their food security.