Optimization of the griddling process of kpejigaou (a traditional low fat nutritious cowpea food) using response...

Kpejigaou is a griddled cowpea paste product eaten mainly in West Africa. As its processing does not involve the use of fat, it has the potential of meeting consumers' demand for healthy, low fat nutritious foods. Product texture is considered an important quality index by kpejigaou consumers. The objective of this study was to determine the optimum processing conditions of kpejigaou with respect to its textural properties. The study followed a 2 × 3 design with two processing variables each at three levels as follows: griddling temperature (130, 200, 270 °C) and time (5, 7.5 and 10 min). Texture Profile Analysis (TPA) was done on freshly processed samples. The data were fitted into multiple regression models from which the optimum griddling conditions for kpejigaou were determined. Kpejigaou processed at the optimum conditions was evaluated by untrained consumers for acceptability. Traditionally processed kpejigaou served as the control. The TPA results showed that hardness, chewiness and modulus of deformability were significantly affected by griddling conditions. Adjusted R(2) for the models for hardness, chewiness and modulus of deformability were 96%, 97% and 78%, respectively. Using response surface methodology, the optimum griddling conditions for kpejigaou (for acceptable textural properties) were determined to be 170 °C for 5-6 min. The texture of optimized kpejigaou was very much liked for its higher degree of sponginess as compared to the control. It also had acceptable sensory attributes of color, taste and flavor. These findings provide the basis for the development of a process for mass production and quality assurance of kpejigaou.