Effect of germination on the chemical, functional and pasting properties of flour from brown and yellow varieties of tigernut (Cyperus esculentus)

The chemical, functional and pasting properties of flours processed from germinated (0, 24, 48 and 72 h) brown and yellow varieties of tigernut (Cyperus esculentus) seed was studied. Germination decreased carbohydrate (60.50–53.60%) and fat (60.50–53.60%) while protein and ash increased from 8.23% to 12.40% and 3.28% to 4.26%, respectively. In addition, functional properties such as foaming, emulsion, water and oil absorption capacities increased from 7.75% to 12.91%, 14.32–20.25 ml oil/g sample, 2.56–6.97 g water/g sample and 1.14–1.78 g oil/g sample, respectively, with germination. Least gelation of flour samples were improved as a result of germination process. Conversely, bulk density decreased with germination time (0.58–0.50 g/cm3). Trough, peak viscosity, break down, final viscosity, peak time and pasting temperature values were in the range (120.96–203.04 RVU), (145.28–228.11 RVU), (7.85–14.32 RVU), (180.62–324.73 RVU), (5.01.83–6.00 min) and (63.85–65.47 °C), respectively. Our results suggest that the incorporation of germinated tigernut flours may help in enhancing protein calorie delivery with improved functionality in complementary food formulations and baked products.