PRODUCTION AND NUTRITIONAL CHARACTERIZATION OF TOM BROWN CEREAL FROM COMPOSITE BLENDS OF ACHA (DIGITARIA EXILIS), YELLOW MAIZE (ZEA MAYS), SOYBEAN (GLYCINE MAX) AND FINGER MILLET (ELEUSINE CORACANA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study formulated and evaluated a nutrient-dense complementary food blend (Tom Brown) from acha (Digitaria exilis), yellow maize (Zea mays), soybean (Glycine max), and finger millet (Eleusine coracana) in the ratio 30:40:20:10. The raw ingredients showed varying nutrient profiles, with acha and maize being carbohydrate-rich, soybean high in protein (40%) and fat (20%), while finger millet provided moderate levels of protein (7.5%) and minerals. The formulated blend had a proximate composition of 10.3% moisture, 21.4% protein, 8.1% fat, 3.3% fiber, 2.3% ash, and 53.6% carbohydrate. These results indicate that the composite flour significantly improved protein (21.4%) and fat (8.1%) contents compared to cereals alone, making it a suitable complementary food for infants and young children. Mineral analysis further revealed appreciable levels of calcium (55 mg), iron (9.0 mg), zinc (3.3 mg), and magnesium (62 mg), which are essential for growth and the prevention of micronutrient deficiencies such as anemia and stunting. The blend also contained vitamin A (500 µg RE) and vitamin C (3.0 mg), nutrients important for vision, immunity, and enhanced iron absorption. The moisture content (10.3%) was within the safe storage range recommended by AOAC, supporting product stability and shelf life. Sensory evaluation showed high acceptability, with an overall hedonic score of 8.0, indicating consumer preference for taste, aroma, and appearance. These findings demonstrate that the Tom Brown blend is not only nutrient-dense but also organoleptically appealing, confirming its potential as an affordable, acceptable, and nutritionally adequate complementary food. The results align with earlier works on maize soy blends, highlighting the role of legumes in improving protein-energy balance.
Keywords: Complementary food, Tom Brown, acha (Digitaria exilis), yellow maize (Zea mays), soybean (Glycine max), finger millet (Eleusine coracana), proximate composition, infant nutrition, protein-energy malnutrition, micronutrients, sensory evaluation, food security.
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