Proximate composition and organoleptic properties of Kunun-Zaki enriched with date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera)

Abstract

This study determined the proximate composition and organoleptic properties of kunun-zaki enriched with date fruit. The resulting  kunun-zaki samples were analyzed for proximate composition (Ash, protein, fiber, moisture and carbohydrate) and organoleptic  properties using standard methods. The proximate values for kunun-zaki processed from the combination of millet and sorghum with  10% date fruit (KMSD) had the highest moisture and carbohydrate 90.68±0.28 and 2.73±0.71% respectively. The protein contents ranged  from 1.52±0.20% to 4.32±0.54%. The kunun-zaki sample with only millet had the highest crude fiber content of 1.38±0.13%. The  organoleptic properties results denoted that highest mean scores were recorded for colour, taste and aroma in the samples processed  with millet containing the date fruit slurry at (10%) concentration. The KMD sample was the most preferred, having the highest mean  scores of 6.5±0.85, 6.4±1.17, 6.9±0.99, 6.3±1.49 and 6.6±1.27 in the attributes of colour, taste, aroma, mouth feel and general acceptability.  The study showed that inclusion of date fruit slurry in kunun-zaki resulted in improved nutrient composition and sensory qualities.