Utilisation of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L) byproducts in biscuit manufacture

Biscuits were prepared by substituting wheat flour with dehulled pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L) flour (PPDF) or pigeon pea byproduct flour (PPBF). PPBF was obtained by recovering edible cotyledon material from milling byproducts. PPBF had a higher level of protein (29.42 g/100g) compared to PPDF (24.67 g/100g). Composite flour blends were prepared by substituting wheat flour (WF) with either PPDF or PPBF at 95:5, 90:10, 85:15, 80:20 and 75:25 incorporation levels. Biscuits were analysed for composition, physical and sensory parameters. Protein content of PPDF and PPBF fortified biscuits increased by 1.3 and 1.4 times respectively compared to control along with a significant increased in fibre content. Results indicate that good quality biscuits with increased levels of protein and fibre can be prepared by substituting wheat flour using 85:15 of PPDF or 90:10 of PPBF without significantly affecting the sensory quality of biscuits. This study demonstrates the potential feasibility of incorporating pigeon pea milling byproducts in the manufacture of biscuits.