Many plant species that are suitable for food across the world are neglected and underutilized. In order to increase their diversified food uses and thus help enhance food and nutrition security, we studied the chemical and functional properties of Pachyrhizus erosus (yam bean), which is a neglected and underutilized legume species. The chemical properties of flour produced from the yam bean include 5.8% moisture content, 5.7% crude fat, 6.2% crude fiber, and 85% available carbohydrate, indicating appropriate shelf‐stable flour, low fat, and abundant energy. The results also showed a reducing sugar content of 2.0% and 21.0% starch. Pasting temperature was 70.6°C with peak viscosity of 14.5 BU, which supports ease of cooking of the flour. The swelling power obtained was 752.9 g/100 g at 85°C with a solubility index of 54%. Water holding capacity (WHC) obtained for the flour was 363.88%, whereas swelling volume was 14.0 ml and makes the flour appropriate for the production of infant foods. The P. erosus flour therefore exhibits good functional and chemical properties that would make the flour quite suitable as a substitute for other flours in food systems.

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Given the importance of cowpea [Vignaunguiculata(L)Walp] in fighting malnutrition and poverty, a socio‐economic assessment of cowpea diversity found on the Ghanaian market was conducted. The objective was to investigate emerging consumer preference for cowpea and make recommendations for the development of tailor‐made varieties. Forty‐seven cowpea accessions were collected from traders interviewed for morphological characterization to ascertain the degree of diversity. Data was subjected to Hierarchical Cluster Analysis using Genstat Discovery Edition 3 software and variations among the cowpea varieties based on the selected seed traits established. Cowpea varieties found on the markets were broadly categorized into foreign and local varieties and usually named after their sources. Foreign Cowpea varieties were very popular on the markets surveyed as reflected in the per cent distribution of respondents by cowpea varieties sold; Niger (52%), Burkina Faso (50%), Togo (46%), Lagos (36%) and Ghana (18–21%). At the trader level, the order of preference for cowpea characteristics was cleanliness (stone free and no dirt), colour (white seed colour), easy to cook, taste, size, less weevil damage, dryness and place of origin ranked in decreasing order of importance. At the consumer level, cleanliness that was also tied to the extent of weevil damage was ranked most important. This was followed by seed colour (preferable white), short cooking time, size and taste. From the sociological perspective, concerns are raised on the impact of past cowpea breeding activities giving the level of competitiveness and market performance of locally improved varieties observed. Recommendation is made for traders and consumers to be considered as relevant actors in all the stages of crop improvement and breeding activities. This is crucial for enhanced small‐holder farmer market access and strengthened food networks in rural economies.

The nutritional, physicochemical, functional properties of sweet potato‐wheat composite flour and its sensory attributes in four pastry products were studied. Moisture content of 100% sweet potato flour was significantly (p < .001) lower than 100% wheat flour and sweet potato‐wheat composite flours (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 30%). The 100% sweet potato flour had 89.2% carbohydrate and 378.6 kcal of energy per 100 g. The pH of 100% sweet potato flour was significantly (p < .05) lower, compared to 100% wheat flour. Emulsion capacity was higher (52.4%) for sweet potato flour than wheat flour (48.4%). Pasting temperatures were similar for the flours but duration differs. Sweet potato‐wheat composite flour substitution levels at 5–15%, 5–20%, and 30% were acceptable for doughnuts, bread, chips, and biscuits, respectively. Practical applications There is an increasing demand for pastry products. Sweet potato flour possesses desirable proximate, physicochemical, functional, and sensory properties suitable to partially substitute wheat flour in the pastry industry. This study indicated that sweet potato flour is low in fat and high in vitamins, dietary fiber, and minerals and its composite flour in products were acceptable. Further, the acceptance of the sweet potato composite flour in pastry products addresses the challenge of people who suffer celiac disease associated with the consumption of gluten from cereals.

Aims: To determine the effects of sodium metabisulphite and blanching pretreatments on the quality characteristics of yam bean (Pachyrhizus erosus) flour. Study Design: Evaluation of the effects of peeling, blanching and sodium metabisulphite pretreatments on the ease of drying, particle size distribution, colour and pH of yam bean flour using a 2 x 3 factorial design. Place and Duration of Study: Yam bean roots were obtained from the CSIR-Crops Research Institute, Kumasi, Ghana. All reagents used were obtained from accredited suppliers in Accra, Buckman et al.; BJAST, 6(2): 138-144, 2015; Article no.BJAST.2015.074 139 Ghana. Actual experimental studies were conducted at the laboratories of the CSIR-Food Research Institute, Accra, Ghana, between August 2012 and November 2013. Methodology: We subjected peeled and unpeeled yam bean tubers (Pachyrhizus erosus) to three pretreatments involving blanching at 100ºC for 3 min; soaking in 0.1% sodium metabisulphite solution for 3 min and no treatment control. Samples were dried at 55ºC for 6 hours, cooled to room temperature, milled, sieved and the flour analyzed for ease of drying as indicated by the final moisture content, colour, pH, and ease of milling as indicated by particle size distribution. Results: The pretreatment methods had significant (p>0.05) effects on the colour of the flour samples. Peeling, followed by sodium metabisulphite pretreatment produced whitest yam bean flour (L*-value of 90.89). Flour samples from unpeeled roots recorded lower pH (p>0.05) than those from peeled samples. The combined effects of peeling and sodium metabisulphite or blanching pretreatments produced flours with desirable pH values. The blanched sample had coarser particles (50%>100 µm) compared to the no treatment control and sodium metabisulphite treated flours (30%>100 µm). Peeling, metabisulphite or blanching pretreatments did not affect the rate of drying significantly as indicated by their final moisture values. Conclusion: A standard procedure for yam bean flour production has been suggested to include peeling and sodium metabisulphite pretreatment. Original Research Article