Chemical and Physical Properties of Weaning Food Containing Legumes

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the chemical composition and physical properties of six weaning formulations (M1 to M 6) containing 10 or 20g /100g of some legumes as cowpea, lentil and crushed ground bean when added as powder flour, 2.5% carrot, 2.5% peas, 5% sugar and 8.5% skim milk powder. These formulas were compared with Cerelac product. The results indicated that high protein contents were found in formulas M2 and M6, (18.75% , 18.09%), then M1 and M5, (17.21%, 16.99%) then M4 and M3 (15.68 % , 15.00%) respectively in compare with Cerelac (10.00%) with a significant differences. The high energy contents were found for M2 and M6 (376.08, 374.93 Kcal) and the low energy contents was noticed for Cerelac with a significant differences. The high fiber contents were noticed in M 2 (1.59%), M 1 (1.54%), then M6 (1.42%) and M5 (1.34%), then Cerelac (1.33%) with a significant differences. Also ,the high ash content was recorded for Cerelac 1.72% then M 2 (1.71 %) while the lower was M3 (0.98%) and M4 (1.05 %). It was also observed that bulk density values ranged from 5.56 g/ml to 6.78 g/ml where the highest was M2 (6,78 g/ml) while the lowest was Cerelac (5.56g/ml). Water absorption capacity showed a significant differences. The lowest viscosity was for Cerelac (1050 cps) ,then M3 (1600 cps) and M4 (1700cps) with a significantly differences.. Formulas had chemical composition and physical properties similar to the Cerelac and were a good potential for using of high-protein-energy weaning formulas. The formulas of M2(20% Cowpea) or M6(20% Crushed Ground Bean) could be recommended due to their higher protein , energy and essential amino acids contents than other formulas or Cerelac.