Influence of fermentation on carotenoids and the sensory appeal of a solid-state fermented biofortified cassava product

Abstract

The introduction of biofortified cassava (BC) varieties was aimed at addressing vitamin A deficiency identified in sub-Saharan African countries. However, the challenges lie in preserving the carotenoids during the processing of BC roots due to the susceptibility of carotenoids to degradation. This study focused on investigating the impact of fermentation conditions on the retention of carotenoids and the sensory appeal of its gari and its cooked dough, eba, using Hedonic and just-about-right (JAR) scales. The solid-state fermented samples consistently retained high levels of trans isomer of beta carotene after 48 h in samples subjected to daylight conditions as well as those in a dark environment. Additionally, a negative correlation was observed between the percentage retention of total beta carotene and the yellowness of the fermented samples. The fermentation time had a significant (p<0.05) effect on the sensory attributes on the hedonic scale. The colour, aroma, mouldability, and texture of eba, were significantly (p<0.05) affected by the light exposure during fermentation. The texture and overall acceptability were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by the fermentation time when assessed using the JAR scale. In conclusion, carotenogenesis was achieved during the solid-state fermentation of biofortified cassava, and the most bioactive isomer of beta-carotene was optimally retained.