Heating and Biochemical processing of Kariya (Hildegardia bateri) seeds: Chemical composition, antinutrients and functional properties

This study evaluated the effects of processing methods on chemical composition, physicochemical and functional characteristics of defatted and full fat flour samples from processed kariya seeds. The seeds were cleaned and subjected to heating processes (cooking and autoclaving) and biochemical processes (germination and fermentation), the seeds were dried and milled to flour. A portion was defatted and another portion left as full fat. The flour samples were analysed for the selected parameters using standard methods. The results showed that the bulk density ranged between 0.52-0.75 g/ml. The oil absorption and water absorption capacities ranged from 65.50–144.60% and 46.40–218.50% respectively. The water absorption and swelling capacities of the defatted samples increased with temperature increase. All processing treatments were found to increase protein content (22.16-49.94%) and in vitro digestibility (27.86–82.63%). Both the heating and biochemical processes reduced the level of antinutrients significantly. In conclusion, the kariya flour samples subjected to both fermentation and germination had better chemical composition, physico-chemical and functional properties.