Research papers of the week – December 26, 2022

Helen E. Ufondu; Busie Maziya‐Dixon; Chigozie F. Okoyeuzu; Thomas M. Okonkwo; Charles Okpala

Scientific Reports

Ministerial score = 140.0
Journal Impact Factor (2022) = 4,997 (Q2)

Challenges and constraints deter the effective gathering of adequate information specific to the characteristics of yam (Dioscorea rotundata) landraces capable of producing a promising instant pounded fufu product. This current work, therefore, investigated the effects of yam varieties on flour physicochemical characteristics and resultant instant fufu pasting and sensory attributes. The D. rotundata varieties, obtained from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) (yam-breeding programme) experimental plots, included commercially available Fekatsa (control), alongside ten (N = 10) improved (varieties) namely: TDr 08/00068, TDr 10/00912, TDr 89/02665, TDr 95/01932, TDr 95/18544, TDr 97/00632, TDr 97/00917, TDr Agwekachi, TDr Ebute, and TDr Meccakusa). Compared to control, the improved yam varieties produced promising characteristic range values, for instance, amylose (15.77–33.89%), bulk density (0.77–0.86 g/cm3), setback (99.5–503.46 RVU), peak time (4.93–7.00 min) along with peak temperature (83.99 °C). From the correlation coefficient and principal component analysis, it was possible to deduce how flour physicochemical characteristics were associated with the resultant instant fufu pasting and sensory attributes. Considering the totality of results of this current study, both TDr 10/00912, and TDr Meccakusa yam varieties demonstrate a high potential on instant pounded flour towards producing an acceptable quality and promising fufu product.

DOI:10.1038/s41598-022-22052-z

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