ABSTRACT
Traditional processing of fermented maize (“ogi”), a popular weaning food in the West African sub-region, results in considerable nutrient losses. Several attempts at improving its nutritional and sensory properties have focused on fortification with plant and animal products. Banana flour, rich in micronutrients and vitamins, could increase the micronutrient and vitamin contents of ogi. This study aimed at evaluating the physicochemical properties and sensory attributes of ogi as influenced by banana flour supplementation. Fermented maize flour was substituted with ripe Cardaba banana flour at levels of 10% - 50% and the flour mixes subjected to chemical, rheological and sensory evaluation. Crude protein decreased from 1.59% to 1.43% as banana flour substitution increased, while ash, total sugar (3.64% to 4.97%), carbohydrate and acidity increased. However, diastatic activity, crude fibre and fat were not significantly (p ≤ 0.05) affected. Results of functional properties revealed the following: 86.49 - 83.63 g/ml, 0.41 - 0.44 g/cm3, 6.44 - 7.46 g/ml, 3.30 - 4.50 g/ml, and 10.40 - 10.80 g/ml for water absorption capacity, bulk density, gel consistency, syneresis and swelling capacity, respectively. Significant (p ≤ 0.05) variations were observed in the pasting viscosities of the flours. The 50:50 maize-banana flour mix was the most preferred in terms of aroma, taste, colour and general acceptability. The addition of Cardaba banana flour to ogi may enhance its micronutrient content as evidenced by increased ash content, sensory, functional and pasting properties, thereby making it a potential substitute for complementary feeding of infants.