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Open Access
Utilization of selected underexploited fruits for product development
(Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2003) Teena, Joy; KAU; Omana, Pavunny
In the present study entitled "Utilization of selected underexplotied fruits for product development" include developing products from underexploited fruits like bilimbi, roseapple (rose and white types) and lovi-Iovi (sweet and sour type). The products prepared from these fruits were bilimbi jam, bilimbi pickle, roseapple squash (rose), roseapple squash (white), lovi-Iovi preserve in sugar and lovi-Iovi in brine. Physico-chemical examination of the fruits indicated wide difference in characters among the selected fruits. Regarding the sensory evaluation of the fruits, roseapple (rose) had highest overall acceptability followed by roseapple (white), lovi- lovi (sweet), lovi-lovi (sour) and the least bilimbi. All the products developed in the present study confirmed with FPO specifications. Cost analysis of the products indicated lowest cost for lovi- lovi in brine and the maximum expense for lovi-lovi preserve in sugar. Roseapple (rose and white) squashes exhibited high fruit product yield ratio followed by bilimbi jam, lovi-lovi.preserve in sugar, lovi-lovi in brine and bilimbi pickle. The major chemical components analysed in the products developed from the selected fruits were TSS, acidity, vitamin C, reducing, non reducing and total sugar. During the storage period of six months, TSS, acidity, reducing and total sugars were found to be increased gradually in bilimbi jam and rose and white roseapple squashes while vitamin C and non reducing sugar were reduced. With the progress of storage period, TSS, acidity and non reducing sugar were found to be increased in case of bilimbi pickle. TSS, reducing sugar, total sugar were found to be increased in lovi -lovi preserve in sugar while acidity, vitamin C and non reducing sugar were decreased. But in lovi-lovi preserved in brine acidity was increased gradually while other chemical constituents decreased as the storage proceeds. Regarding the organoleptic qualities of the products during storage, characters like appearance and colour were decreased whereas flavour, texture, taste and overall acceptability were found to be gradually increased in bilimbi jam and lovi-lovi preserve in sugar. In products like bilimbi pickle, roseapple squashes and lovi-lovi in brine, all the characters were found to be decreased during storage. No microbial count was observed m all the products throughout the storage study.
Open Access
Evaluation of fruit quality in banana nendran (Musa AAB)
(Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2003) Lakshmy, P S; KAU; Indira, V
The study entitled "Evaluation of fruit quality in banana 'Nendran' (Musa AAB)" was undertaken to evaluate the chemical constituents of seven nendran types and their products and also to assess the quality characters of banana products during storage. The nendran types were evaluated for different physical characters like finger weight, finger length, pulp and peel weight, pulp/peel ratio, curvature and angularity. Significant variation in all the physical characters was noted between the nendran types. The chemical composition of raw nendran types also showed significant variation. The nendran types were found to be rich in starch, potassium and phosphorus, but were lower in protein and crude fibre. The nendran type Chengalikodan had the highest mineral, protein and starch content vhcreas Attunendran had the highest value for moisture and vitamin C and Neduncndr.m had the highest crude fibre content. Banana flour were analysed for different nutrients at monthly intervals I()I' a period of three months. The banana flour of all ncndran types was poor in crude fibre. A gradual decrease in all the chemical constituents except moisture content was observed during storage. The banana flour prepared from the ncndran types . Chengalikodan and Nedunendran showed good starch nnd mineral contents. A gradual increase in the' moisture content of chips was observed during storage. The chips prepared from the nendran type Chengalikodan had the lowest and Kaliethan had the highest moisture content at the end of the storage period. The acceptability studies of cooked banana revealed that Attunendran is the best nendran type for table purpose while Chengalikodan was organoleptically the best to prepare chips and porridge. Storage studies revealed a gradual decrease in quality attributes and overall acceptability of chips and porridge. There was a steady increase in the total bacterial and fungal count on storage. The presence of yeast was negligible. The banana flour prepared from the nendran types Attunendran, Changanassery nendran, Manjeri nendran I and Myndoli showed minimum count of total microflora when compared to flours made from other nendran types.
Open Access
Household food security and nutritional status of women agricultural labours
(Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2003) Lincy, Lawrence; KAU; Indira, V
A study on "Household Food security and Nutritional Status of Women Agricultural Labourers" was carried out in Ollukkara block panchayat of Thrissur district. The study was conducted among women agricultural labourers belonging to organized and unorganized sectors. The results of the study indicated that Hindus were the majority ill organized and unorganized sectors. Majority of the families were of nuclear type and family size ranged in between 4 to 6. Most of the male and female members in both the sectors were literate. Upto 15 cents of land was owned by majority of the respondents in the organized sector whereas in the unorganized sector majority had only upto 10 cents. Majority of the families in both the sectors did not have kitchen garden and domestic animals. Monthly income of the families in the organized sector varied from Rs.IOOO to Rs.6000, while in the unorganized sector majority had an income in between Rs.l 000 to Rs.4000. Maximum proportion of income was spent on food items. More families in the organized sector saved money than the unorganized sector. Majority of the families in both the sectors borrowed money from university, cooperative bank and private chitties. All the families in the unorganized sector and majority in the organized sector had their own houses with brick as the wall material and with tiled or concrete roof The houses were occupied with separate kitchen with 4 to 5 rooms. Drinking water, electricity, recreational and lavatory facilities were satisfactory whereas drainage facilities were found to be inadequate. Majority of the respondents in the organized sector get work for 6 days in a week while in the unorganized sector majority get work for 3 - 5 days. Seasonal variation in the working days was noticed only among unorganized sector. Majority of the families in both the sectors were nonvegetarians and consumed rice as the staple food. Maximum percentage of the food expenditure was for cereals. The families in the organized sector purchased most of the food items in bulk on monthly basis while in the unorganized sector most of the families purchased food items either daily or weekly. The most frequently used food items were cereals, pulses, other vegetables, milk and milk products, fats and oils, sugar and spices and condiments in the organized sector while in the unorganized sector all the above food items except pulses and milk and milk products were found to be the most frequently food items. Advance meal planning was popular in both the sectors. Three meals a day pattern was common in both the sectors. The per capita food and nutrient intake indicated decreased intake of cereals, green leafy vegetables, fruits, milk and milk products and fats and oils. Majority of the households in the organized sector were food secure, whereas in the unorganized sector only 26.67 per cent were found to be food secure. Food insecurity was found to be more in the households with children in both the sectors. None of the families in the organized sector experienced food insecurity with hunger. The nutritional profile revealed that the body weight and height of the respondents in both the sectors were lower than the reference body weight and height for an Indian reference woman. About 2l.66 per cent and 31.66 per cent in the organized and unorganized sectors respectively had different grades of CED. Clinical examination showed various symptoms of nutritional deficiencies among the respondents in both the sectors. Actual food and nutrient intake revealed deficient intake of cereals, pulses, green leafy vegetables, roots and tubers, fruits and fats and oils. The intake of all . nutrients was lower than the recommended levels. Factors influencing food security are food expenditure, monthly income, family size and family type.
Open Access
Nutritional profile of preschool children of fisherman
(Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2003) Aneena, E R; KAU; Usha, V (Guide)
The present study entitled ''Nutritional profile of preschool children of fishermen community" was conducted among 100 preschool children of 4-5 years age group in the coastal areas ofThrissur district. Information regarding the socio economic conditions of the fishermen community indicated that the majority of them were Hindus. Joint family system was found in most of the families High educational status was an out standing feature observed. Poor housing conditions and living facilities were observed in majority of the households. Majority of the families earned between Rs.1500-Rs.3000.Food consumption survey revealed that all of them were habitual non vegetarians and rice and roots and tubers were the staple foods used. Fish was the most frequently used food item Foods like green leafy vegetables, vegetables, meat and eggs were rarely included in the diet. Dietary profile of preschool children indicated that all the food groups were far below the RDA except for pulses and fish. The nutritional intake was, satisfactory with respect to protein, thiamine and riboflavin Energy intake was found to be below 70 percent of RDA. Other nutrients like calcium, vitamin A and vitamin C were also significantly low. Mild symptoms of vitamin A deficiency as manifested by pigmentation in the eyes is an important feature observed in clinical examination. Majority of them had dental carries due to poor oral hygiene. More than 40 percent of children showed severe height deficit for their age, which may be due to nutritional, and other environmental factors. However, as per weight for age classification most of the children were coming under grade I and grade II malnutrition that had a significant relation with their nutrient intake showing the prevalence of current malnutrition. Distribution of children based on the anthropometric indices also revealed the prevalence of moderate malnutrition among preschool children in this community. The present study reveals that nutritional status of preschool children of fishermen community is not less than the nutritional status of preschool children in other rural poor communities of Kerala.
Open Access
Influence of processing methods on the bioavailability of beta-carotene in selected foods
(Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2003) Benitha Augustine; KAU; Soffi Cheiyan
The study entitled "Influence of processing methods on the bioavai labil ity of 13-carotene in selected foods" was carried out with the objective to envisage the current consumption pattern of 13-carotene rich foods and to assess the influence of selected processing techniques on the bioavailability of 13-carotene. The consumption pattern of carotene rich foods was elucidated by a dietary survey conducted among fifty urban and fifty rural homemakers from Thiruvananthapuram district. Personal profile of the respondents indicated that majority were middle aged Hindu women belonging to nuclear middle income families Most of the families were small sized, with less than five members. The monthly food expenditure pattern indicated that urban families spent more amount on food compared to rural households. With regard to frequency of use of 13-carotene rich foods, locally available green leafy vegetables like agathi, drumstick leaves and chck kurrnanis were consumed more by rural families than urban as these items were available from their homesteads. Amaranth (red and green) though purchased mostly from markets and shops was preferred equally by households of both areas. Moreover, urban families were found to prefer conventional vegetables like carrot, yam, pumpkin and fruits like dates which arc readily accessible from the markets. Cluster beans a low cost 13- carotene rich vegetable was preferred by rural families. Seasonally available jack fruit and locally available papaya were observed to be more frequently consumed by rural households, while mango, orange and tomato were used in a similar frequency rate by both the groups. The ten commonly consumed 13-carotene rich vegetables identified through survey included green leafy vegetables like agathi, amaranth (red and green), drumstick leaves and chekkurmanis, other vegetables and fruits like carrot, yam, cluster beans, pumpkin and tomato (ripe). Daily meal pattern of the selected rural and urban families assessed by recallmethod revealed that the p-carotene content of the diets of most of the families were inadequate, as it could meet only less than 75 per cent of their RDA. Meanwhile a small group were able to obtain fJ-carotene even above 100 per cent of RDA. The dietary adequacy of p-carotene of the daily diet of homemakers were specifically studied as women are more susceptible to poor nutrition for several reasons. It was found that majority of women (both urban and rural) had diets deficient in fJ-carotene and only a small group had satisfactory intake of this nutrient meeting 83-100 per cent of RDA. Also very few homemakers were observed to meet adequate levels of carotene from their diets. Enquiry on the processing practices adopted for cooking p-carotene rich vegetables revealed that sauteing, boiling / stewing and pressure cooking were the commonly employed methods. The use of pressure cooker was however more common among urban families. Similarly the use of modern gadget microwave was also found only among very fewurban households. Following the standardised procedures of cooking, the ten p- carotene rich vegetables were processed and subjected to bioavailability study. Bioavailability analysis of selected p-carotene rich foods highlighted that processing treatments of vegetables namely sauteing, boiling and stewing released more bioavailable form of p-carotene. At the same time processing techniques in which a high temperature was employed as in the case of pressure cooking and microwave cooking, the bioavailability of ~-carotene was found to be lower than the same unprocessed vegetables. With respect to all green leafy vegetables studied, the bioavailability percentage was .maxirnum when cooked by sauteing. Processing influence on the remaining vegetables revealed that sauteing, boiling and stewing were better methods for enhanced bioavailability or ~-carotel1e compared to their other processed forms and raw samples experimented in this study. Boiling was observed for carrots, pumpkin and green amaranth. Similarly for yam both sauteing and stewing was found to be the ideal methods, while for tomato stewing was the best method since these treatments improved ~-carotene bioavailability; even for cluster beans. sauteing was recorded as the best cooking practice. To bring the observations to a nut shell, it was concluded that certain processing treatments such as sauteing, stewing and boiling were found to be positively influencing ~-carotene bioavailability from vegetables and fruits. Sauteing was proved to be an outstanding and superior processing method enhancing ~-carotene bioavailability, followed by boiling and stewing. Study also highlighted the variations in bioavailability status or ~-carotene from different plant foods. It was observed that the percentage bioavailability of ~-carotene from fruits like tomato and pumpkin was high followed by carrot, yam and cluster beans. Green leafy vegetables eventhough labeled as the richest source of ~-carotene, bioavailability of this nutrient was comparatively low.
Open Access
Nutritional and organoleptic qualities of value added products from breadfruit [Artocarpus altilis (Park) Fosberg]
(Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2003) Sharon, C L; KAU; Usha, V
Breadfruit, Artocarpus altilis belonging to the family, Moraceae is most widely distributed species and exhibits great variability. It is a fast ripening climacteric fruit resulting in faster depletion of stored food reserves. Hence the present study on the nutritional and organoleptic qualities of value added products from breadfruit was aimed at developing simple technologies which could be easily adopted to conserve and preserve perishable commodity and minimize both their qualitative and quantitative losses. Fully matured firm breadfruits were collected from a local household for the study. Two types of breadfruit chips namely, the fresh fried and blanched fried was made and was analyzed for moisture, organoleptic qualities and effect of storage containers at 15 days interval for a period of 60 days. There was a significant variation among the types of chips, storage containers and time of storage with respect to the moisture content. The moisture content increased with advancement of storage and polyethylene bag (250 gauge) was found to be a better packaging system than pet jar. With regard to the organoleptic qualities of the chips the fresh chips was found to be more acceptable than the blanched fried chips. No significant changes in the quality criteria's were observed in fresh chips stored in polyethylene bags upto 45 days. The prepared breadfruit flour was stored for a period of 3 months and the . chemical constituents, organoleptic qualities and the microbial load was analyzed at monthly intervals. The moisture .content and TSS increased whereas the starch, protein, fibre, calcium, phosphorus and iron reduced gradually with the advancement of storage period. Statistical analysis revealed that there was no significant variations in sensory qualities of the flour such as appearance, flavour, texture and taste on storage but there was a significant reduction in the colour of the flour due to storage. A gradual increase in the bacterial and fungal load with storage of breadfruit flour was also observed whereas there was no traces of yeast found throughout the storage period. The organoleptic qualities of wafers showed a significant difference with respect to the different treatments and storage period. The wafer T 7 (combination of breadfruit flour, rice flour and ginger garlic paste in the ratio 40:40:20) was the best followed by T, (combination of breadfruit flour and rice flour in the ratio 50:50), Ts (combination of breadfruit flour, rice flour, ginger garlic paste and tomato paste in the ratio 40:40:10:10) in the ratio and T6 (combination of breadfruit flour, rice flour and tomato paste in the ratio 40:40:20). The overall acceptability was maximum for wafers stored up to one month, later the acceptability scores were found to be decreasing significantly.
Open Access
Nutritional profile of selected greens
(Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2003) Vineetha Kumaran; KAU; Omana Pavunny
The study on ‘Nutritional profile of selected greens’ was aimed at assessing the nutritional composition, antinutritional factors and the acceptability of the nine different leafy vegetables maintained in the kitchen garden, Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara. The leaves were analysed for moisture, fibre, protein, starch, beta carotene, vitamin C, calcium, iron, phosphorus and potassium. It was seen that the leaves of colocasia was high in moisture, fibre and potassium while starch content was highest in coriander leaves. Phosphorus and vitamin C contents were high in the leaves of pisonia and ponnaviram respectively. The calcium, iron and p-carotene contents were found to be highest in the leaves of burmese coriander while the leaves of cowpea were found to be high in protein. The average nutritive value was computed and it was seen that the leaves of burmese coriander had the highest average nutritive.value of 63.06 per cent. Antinutritional factors namely oxalate and nitrate were analysed. Though there was no significant difference in the oxalate content of different leaves, pisonia exhibited the highest oxalate (2.97%). Mint leaves had the highest nitrate (3.22%) content. Results of organoleptic evaluation indicated no significant variation in the acceptability of the leaf salads. Chutnies and thoran were highly acceptable while salads were not acceptable. Based on the nutritional and antinutritional factors, the leafy vegetables were grouped into three clusters and burmese coriander was found to be the best among the nine leaves analysed.
Open Access
Nutritional profile of women labour in rice cultivation
(Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2003) Jyothi, R; KAU; Indira, V
A study on the food consumption pattern and nutritional status of 120 agricultural women labourers was carried out in Palakkad district during 2002. The results of the study indicated that majority of the families were of nuclear type and followed patriarchal family system. Majority of them were Hindus and belonged to scheduled caste. The family size ranged in between four to six. Majority of the adults were literate and engaged as agricultural labourers. Upto 10 cents of land was owned by majority of respondents. Only very few families cultivated crops and had domestic animals . . Majority of the families had a monthly income In between Rs. 500-2500. Very few families took loan from bank and co-operative society. Maximum proportion of income was spent on food items specially cereals and nobody had the habit of saving money. / " All the families owned a house and most of them were brick made and tiled. The houses were occupied with separate kitchen with two to three rooms. Drinking water, electricity and recreational facilities were satisfactory where as proper lavatory and drainage facilities were not present in the houses. Most of the families used firewood as fuel and some of them used sawdust and kerosene along with wood. As a medical aid majority of the families depended on primary health centre (PHC), private hospital as well as district hospital for their medical care. Very few respondents were members of social organisations. All the families surveyed were non vegetarians and consumed rice as the staple food. Maximum of the food expenditure was for cereals compared to other food items. Most frequently used foods were cereals, fats and oils, spices and condiments and sugar and jaggery. Majority of the families did not plan their meals in advance and consumed food three times a day and gave equal importance to all family members in food distribution. Consumption of raw vegetables was meagre. Majority of the families reused the left over foods. Practice of drinking water without boiling was more common. Special foods are given only during infancy. Diet modification during disease conditions was observed. The nutritional profile of the respondents indicated that the body weight varied from 30 kg to 65 kg with a mean weight of 43.1 kg. Majority (86.67 %) of the respondents had lower body weight than the reference body weight. Height of 67.5 per cent of the respondents varied from 140.1 cm to 150 cm. About 40 per cent of the respondents had various grades of CED. Actual food and nutrient intake revealed deficient intake of all food groups except other vegetables. The intake of all nutrients was lower than the RDA. Clinical examination showed various symptoms of nutritional deficiencies among the respondents. Biochemical estimation of blood showed low haemoglobin values among the respondents indicating anaemia. Majority of the respondents used to work for 7 % hours in a day for a wage varying from Rs. 40 to 50 . . All the labourers showed negative energy balance when the daily energy intake was compared with daily energy expenditure.
Open Access
Extent of household food security of selected families of landless agricultrual labourers of Kalliyoor Panchayat - a case study
(Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2003) Archana, Vijayan; KAU; Vimala Kumari, M K
An investigation to assess the extent of household food security of selected fifteen families of landless agricultural labourers residing in Kalliyoor panchayat was undertaken in the form of a case study. The household food security was assessed through an enumeration of nature and quantities of foods purchased and used by these families as a means to assess availability as well as access, while the utilization was investigated through measurement of nutritional status of the subjects. A trial was also conducted to match the results obtained through the above analysis with food security analysis model suggested by USDA. The coping mechanisms adopted by these families to enhance food security or to overcome food insecurity were also evaluated adopting the indicators suggested by Chung et al. (1997) were suitably modified. As household food security is reported to be associated with the environment and situation in which these families reside, the social and economic conditions of the families, personal characteristics of the members of the families as well as the physical quality of their life were also enumerated. The presence of family risk factors were also identified with a view to understand whether such factors have any role in deciding household food security. The socio-economic survey revealed that 73.00 per cent of the subjects belonged to scheduled caste communities of Hindu religion. Except one, all families were of a nuclear type with an average family size of 3.7. Though only five families were reported to belong to BPL category the quality of life of these families when assessed using a ‘Rural Quality Life Index’ yardstick suggested by Dhanasekharan (1991), all except family no.2 and 7 were found to be non-poor. However no association was found between food security status and RQLI of these families (r=0.0638). Food being the direct component that decides household food security, the food availability and access data collected through, food purchase inventory surveys of one month duration, each revealed that except family no.9 others were not purchasing or procuring enough food needed to meet their requirement based on the recommended allowances for a balanced diet as suggested by Indian Council of Medical Research. The access to food when further analysed through weighment survey, confirmed the fact that none of the families were consuming an adequate diet required to maintain neither the food security nor nutritional status. The diet consumed by all the families were ill balanced, because they were found to consume an excess amount of fleshy foods (fish) and roots and tubers (about 20 to 40 times above RDA), coupled with a deficit intake of pulses, leafy vegetables, fats and oils, sugar and jaggery, fruits, milk and milk products. Despite of an excess consumption of fish when the average energy and protein adequacy of the families when computed (from the actual food intake data), it was seen that only two families (family no.10 and 14) had both calorie and protein adequacy. A visible dietary inadequacy with respect to vitamin A and riboflavin was noticed among 90.00 per cent of the population surveyed. While 33.33 and 26.66 per cent had ascorbic acid and fat deficiency respectively, their diets were not effective to meet even 50.00 per cent of the requirement. The nutritional status of the subjects when measured by anthropometry, clinical examination and haemoglobin estimation of the members of these families. It was observed that only 28.00 per cent were found to be optimally nourished based on anthropometric data. Here again the children seemed to be the most affected ones since only one child had normal height for weight among the 16 children examined. However there was no difference between boys and girls. Among the 40 adults, only 55.00 per cent were found to be normal based on anthropometry. However, drastic forms of under nutrition was not significant phenomena of these families since only 15.00 per cent had chronic energy deficiency among the adults. However, mild forms of B-complex deficiency and mottling of teeth and dental carries were noticed among 17.00 to 23.00 per cent of the subjects when clinically examined. Another salient observation was that anaemia was observed only among ten per cent of the adults though their diet was deficient in green leafy vegetables. Overall analysis of nutritional status of the individuals when assessed revealed that there was much difference between the families ultimately when the nutritional status index was developed, it was seen that there was no much difference between the families since it ranged from 9.9 to 12.3. When a (food security index) of different families were computed none could be designated as food secure since the values ranged from 61 to 22 against a total index value of 100. When the household food security was again measured using the food security hunger core module of USDA, it was seen that none of the families were ‘food secure’. This finding confirms the results obtained from the present study. The level of food security enjoyed by the families were found to be associated with the nutritional status of the family members (0.5262), but was not influenced by the quality of life enjoyed by them (0.0638). The major causes of food insecurity among the families surveyed were absence of land for cultivation, spending huge amounts for education of children or for providing dowry for grown up children as well as lack of nutrition education and inability to make use of the available resources to improve their level of food security. Most of the families were trying to maintain their level of food security through simple coping mechanisms such as, taking frequent small loans from non-formal sources, relying heavily on wage work, substituting inferior quality/low cost of staples, legumes and vegetables or going without these. In summary, the study revealed that none of the families have optimum level of food security when evaluated through their food availability, access and nutritional status of the members of the families.

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