Consumer acceptability, metabolite profile analysis and storage stability of sorghum-Bambara groundnut mahewu

Abstract

Cereal-based diets supplemented with legumes have proven to be an effective approach to enhancing nutritional value. This study evaluated the consumer acceptability and metabolite profile of fermented sorghum mahewu improved with different proportions (20% and 30%) of Bambara groundnut (BGN). Consumer acceptability, metabolite profile analysis using gas chromatography high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-HRTOF-MS), storage stability and microbial quality of mahewu were determined. Sorghum (100SORG) mahewu without BGN was the most preferred by the consumer panellists followed by 80SORG:20BGN. Metabolites identified in all three mahewu products included esters (21%), alcohols (17%), alkanes (12%), acids and derivatives (9%). Overall, 70SORG:30BGN had an improved metabolite profile but least preferred by consumer. The sorghum-BGN mahewu maintained their pH, while increases in consistency and TTA were observed with storage time and BGN supplementation. Inclusion of BGN in sorghum mahewu did not alter microbial quality; however, more awareness is required to increase its acceptance among consumers.