Impact of some treatments on improving the nutritional, phytochemical, antioxidant, and techno-functional properties of Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) seed flours

Abstract

Exploiting neglected local resources rich in both nutrients and bioactive compounds is one way to combat malnutrition. Jackfruit seeds are consumed in many parts of the world following treatments to improve their nutritional and biological properties. The present work aimed to contribute to the fight against malnutrition by determining the best treatment(s) to obtain Jackfruit seed flours with good nutritional properties. To this end, Jackfruit seeds were divided into four batches: the first batch was considered as control (untreated), and others were roasted, blanched, soaked plus cooked, respectively. The chemical and functional parameters were assessed. The results showed that the treatments led to a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in protein content (18.11 to 15.93 %), lipid content (1.81 to 1.15 %), and a general decrease in anti-nutrients, while carbohydrate content (79.90 to 80.42 %) increased. The phenols and flavonoids contents increased significantly (p < 0.05) with the treatments in the ethanolic extract. The antioxidant activity of blanched seeds in terms of their ability to trap 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was the best. Soaking plus cooking have shown the higher water and oil absorption capacity (24.20 % and 23.00 % respectively). Blanching and soaking plus cooking, were the best treatments to apply for obtaining flour containing more potential health beneficial constituents.