The physicochemical and functional properties of dried okra seed flour of two genotypes Agbagoma and Balabi were evaluated. The samples Agbagoma and Balabi had 8.90%–9.00% moisture, 16.80%–17.40% protein, 47.80%–48.00% fat, 7.70%–7.80% ash, and 18.20%–18.40% carbohydrate. The mean values of functional properties revealed significant differences (p < .05) between okra seed flour samples studied. The samples’ bulk density range was 0.80–0.83 g/ml. Water absorption capacity and oil absorption capacity ranged from 511.65% to 504.32% and 88.38 to 160.67%, respectively. The solubility was 14.10% for Agbagoma and 10.97% for Balabi, whereas swelling power was 16.37% and 14.68% for Agbagoma and Balabi, respectively. All pasting properties except peak time and pasting temperature of Agbagoma seed flour were higher than those of Balabi seed flour. The study revealed that dried okra seed flour is rich in nutrients, which could be used for baking and fortification of foods.

• As, Mn, and Pb levels recorded for all unprocessed samples were higher compared to WHO specifications. • Home processing methods reduced the levels of As, Cd, Hg, Mn and Pb in food crops grown in and around Akwatia and Obuasi mining centers in Ghana. • The most effective method in reducing the levels of heavy metals was through boiling and least through roasting.

The aim of this study was to characterize the physicochemical properties of starch isolated from two varieties of tigernuts. The results showed wide variations between the two types of tigernuts. Mean granule sizes were 11.1 and 6.1 μm, respectively, for starch from the yellow and black while amylose content ranged from 19 to 21%. Starch gels from the yellow variety were more stable to freeze-thaw and recorded 37.1% syneresis, compared to 56.5% after the first storage cycle. Pasting properties were significantly different (p < 0.05) among starch from the two tigernut varieties, with black recording higher peak viscosity, lower breakdown, and higher setback viscosity. Gels made from the yellow variety were clearer, softer, more adhesive, and more cohesive. Both gels showed a pseudoplastic flow behavior without thixotropy.

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) is an important vegetable used in cooking most local foods in Ghana. At the peak season of harvesting, high loses are incurred because of the absence of tomato processing facilities to store, process, and extend the shelf life of fresh tomatoes. Solar drying has been proven to be a more efficient and low-cost method of enhancing quality and adding value to tomato and other vegetables. However, there are concerns about the functionality and quality of the dried products by consumers due to the methods of drying used. In this study, a passive mixed-mode solar dryer suitable for drying tomato was adapted and used to investigate the dehydration characteristics and microbiological quality of the dried tomato. The efficiency of a passive solar dryer was evaluated and used in the processing of fresh tomato to powder. The processing involved the pretreatment of 6mm slices of fresh Roma variety of tomato by dipping in potassium metabisulfite solution and ascorbic acid solution. The moisture content, moisture ratio, and dehydration rate of solar-dried tomato were assessed. The 24h dryer efficiency of 24.2 facilitated the drying process of tomato (final moisture content of 12-14). Aerobic mesophile counts were lower in solar-dried tomato pretreated with potassium metabisulfite (3.90CFU/g) compared with sun-dried samples (4.85CFU/g). Solar-dried tomato powder is safer for consumption compared with open sun-dried tomato samples.

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a commonly cultivated root crop in tropical and subtropical regions, including Ghana. Different varieties of sweet potato have been bred, in order to expand its utilisation within the food and industrial sector. This study analysed flours made from 12 recently developed Ghanaian sweet potato varieties in terms of their amylose and amylopectin molecular fractions and amylopectin chain length distribution. Starch content of the sweet potato flours ranged from 49 to 77 g/100 g dry matter, with 11 of the varieties containing above 60 g/100 g dry matter. An orange-fleshed variety, Apomuden, had the lowest amount of starch (48.9 g/100 g dry matter), while the cream-fleshed variety Histarch had the highest (77.3 g/100 g dry matter). The flours from the 12 sweet potato varieties had intermediate amounts of amylose, within the range 10–30 g/100 g dry matter, and showed typical molecular distribution according to size-exclusion chromatography (SEC). The fine structures of amylopectin, as revealed by anion-exchange chromatography, contained features common for starches of C-type X-ray pattern, but some structural differences were also observed.