4. Conclusion
In the current study, the effect of different drying methods on the physicochemical, thermal and pasting properties as well as colour changes of raw and blanched elephant foot yam was investigated. Prominent changes were observed in the morphology of differently dried flour samples. Processing methods (drying and blanching) employed affected the amylose content of elephant foot yam flours. Freeze dried flours showed the highest whiteness index which is a desirable attribute for consumer acceptability. Water absorption, and foam capacities were higher in solar dried samples than the freeze dried. The oil absorption of dried elephant foot yam flours ranged from 2.44 to 2.82 g/g. Direct solar dried (raw and blanched) flours showed relatively lower syneresis than freeze dried flours that appreciates their use in frozen food products. The difference in their pasting profile could be exploited for the formulation of various food products with different desired consistencies. The highest ΔHgel value for freeze dried flour reflects its higher stability (orderliness). The variable relative crystallinity observed among differently dried flours portrays diversity in their semi-crystalline nature.
The use of solar dried and freeze dried yam flours may be highly appreciated in the formulation of majority of bakery products to reduce the incidence of celiac disorder and other life style diseases as yam being a functional ingredient.