Philippine Journal of Science
152 (1): 231-243, February 2023
ISSN 0031 – 7683
Date Received: 01 Jul 2022

Nutritional Composition, Physicochemical
and Functional Properties of Black Fonio
(Digitaria iburua Stapf)

Fidelis C.K. Ocloo1,2*, Wisdom S.K. Agbemavor1, Ernestina A. Ayeh1,
Martin N.Y.H. Egblewogbe3, and Bernard T. Odai1,2

1Radiation Technology Centre, Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute,
Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Legon, Accra, Ghana
2Department of Nuclear Agriculture and Radiation Processing,
School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, University of Ghana, Atomic Campus, Accra, Ghana
3Department of Physics, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana

*Corresponding author:
fidocloo@gmail.com; fidelis.ocloo@gaec.gov.gh

[Download]
Ocloo F et al. 2023. Nutritional Composition, Physicochemical and Functional
Properties of Black Fonio (Digitaria iburua Stapf). Philipp J Sci 152(1): 231–243.
https://doi.org/10.56899/152.01.17

 

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated some physical, physicochemical, and functional properties of three fonio types (early maturing, intermediate maturing, and late maturing) cultivated in the Northern part of Ghana. Black fonio types were purchased from a local farmer at Chereponi, sorted, milled, and stored for further analysis. Nutritional composition, physicochemical and functional properties were determined using appropriate methods. Proximate and nutritional compositions of the black fonio types varied. Thousand-grain weights and bulk density of the fonio types ranged from 0.407–0.513 g and 0.655–0.688 g/mL, respectively. Water absorption capacity, solubility, and swelling power of the samples ranged from 1.63–1.97 mL/g, 5.43–6.27%, and 5.88–6.33 g/g, respectively. Viscosities of the intermediate fonio types were lower than those of the other two fonio types. The fonio samples showed a typical A-type crystal starch structure. The three fonio types studied have potential applications in infant weaning food formulations and even in bakery and related products to address food security, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.