A b s t r a c t. Physical properties of two wild mango varieties were studied at 81.9 and 24.5% moisture (w.b.) for the fruits and nuts, respectively. The shape and size of the fruit are the same while that of nuts differs at P = 0.05. The mass, density and bulk density of the fruits are statistically different at P = 0.05 but the volume is the same. The shape and size, volume and bulk density of the nuts are statistically the same at P = 0.05. The nuts of both varieties are also the same at P = 0.05 in terms of mass and density. The packing factor for both fruits and nut of the two varieties are the same at 0.95. The relevant data obtained for the two varieties would be useful for design and development of machines and equipment for processing and handling operations.K e y w o r d s: physical properties, wild mango, moisture content, postharvest, processing
The underutilization of African oil bean seed necessitated the study of its post-harvest operations. This work reviews the status of research on postharvest processes of African Oil Bean (AOB) seed. Information was sought through a search query with African oil bean post-harvest processing, packaging and storage as keywords on Google Scholar, internet, publishers' website, textbooks and oral interview with local processors. The results showed that researchers have focused on the fermentation, proximate, phytochemical, mineral and vitamins composition of AOB seeds. This study also revealed the dearth of research on characterization, improved variety, packaging, storage, value addition and oil extraction from AOB seeds. Research on postharvest handling, storage, packaging and processing of AOB seed is imperative for optimal utilization of the seed, and to prevent the prevalent post-harvest losses.
Ginger juice obtained from mechanical expression of fresh ginger rhizomes offers a value-added ginger product which increases market opportunity for farmers. In this study, the performance of a developed motorized ginger juice expression machine was evaluated to determine the effects of moisture content of ginger and screw shaft speed on the expression efficiency, juice yield, expression loss and throughput capacity. Three levels of moisture content (84, 79 and 72%) (wet basis) and three levels of screw shaft speed (420, 472 and 660 rpm) at two replications were used for the study. A 3 × 3 factorial experiment in a completely randomized experimental design was used. Data for the performance evaluation were subjected to analysis of variance for test of significance of the experimental factors and their interactions. The result showed that mean expression efficiency decreased with increase in screw shaft speed and with decrease in moisture content for the speed and moisture content range studied. The highest expression efficiency of 91.62% and juice yield of 61.28% were obtained at screw shaft speed of 420 rpm and at 72% moisture content (wb). The mean juice yield decreased with an increase in screw shaft speed and with a decrease in moisture content of ginger considered. The lowest expression loss of 11.69% was obtained at 472 rpm and 72% moisture content. The machine had highest throughput capacity of 9.47 kg/h at 420 rpm. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) results showed no significant effect of moisture content levels considered, speed and their interactions on all the performance indicators of the machine at P<0.05.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.