Sensory quality of marama/sorghum composite porridges

The edible seeds of marama beans are a good source of protein and fat and can potentially enhance the nutritional quality of sorghum products. Utilisation of marama flour in a composite porridge depends on sensory acceptance. Heating of marama beans before milling is used to inactivate trypsin inhibitors. Defatting of marama flour would improve shelf life. In this study, marama/sorghum composite porridges (10% solids) were prepared and subjected to descriptive sensory analysis, consumer acceptance testing, texture analysis, pasting and colour measurements.

Composite porridges had less cooked sorghum aroma/flavour but more intense overall aroma/flavour and were less viscous and less firm than sorghum porridge. Composite porridges prepared with flour from heated marama beans had a roasted nut flavour and were darker in colour compared with porridges prepared with unheated marama beans, which had a strong boiled nut aroma/flavour. Composite porridges from full-fat marama flours tasted more buttery/creamy. A bitter aftertaste was perceived in porridges from defatted marama flours. The 100% sorghum porridge and the composite porridge with full-fat flour were more acceptable to consumers.

Combining sorghum meal with full-fat marama bean flour has the potential to improve the sensory quality of sorghum porridge as a staple by providing acceptable sensory appeal.