Proximate composition and selected functional properties of Detarium microcarpum.

The proximate composition and functional properties of Detarium microcarpum seed flour were evaluated. The dehulled seed flour contained 3.5% moisture, 3.5% ash, 2.9% crude fiber, 15% crude fat, 37.1% crude protein and 39% carbohydrate. Functional properties showed bulk density of 0.86 g/cm3 for dehulled and 0.92 g/cm3 for undehulled flour. Water absorption capacity was 4.9 g/g for dehulled and 5.1 g/g for undehulled seed flour; oil absorption capacity was 0.75 g/g for dehulled. The emulsion activity was 4.4% and 4.3% for dehulled and undehulled, respectively. The results obtained above showed that the Detarium microcarpum seed flours have good nutritional quality and the functional properties confirmed their suitability for use in various food preparations. As a result, its present limited use should be expanded into additional opportunities.