Sallu Karteh*,Georgiana Allie,Joseph Sherman-Kamara,Amis Cecelia Merchant Nah,Dominic Musa Ibrahim-Sayo
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
1-9
Received:
20 December 2024
Accepted:
5 January 2025
Published:
24 January 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.wjfst.20250901.11
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Views:
Abstract: Fermentation and dewatering of cassava mash are critical stages in processing of Garri in Sierra Leone and many other West African countries. This study examines the effect of grating band and dewatering pressure on the quality of Garri obtained from three improved cassava varietiesTR-0031, TR-01229 and TR-983, obtained from Njala Agricultural Research Centre, Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (NARC, SLARI) using two locally made grating bands (4-inch nail size and 1.5-inch nail size). Five kilograms (5kg) of cassava mash was dewatered at pressures of 1422.33psi, 1066.748psi and 711.165psi. The resulting dewatered mash was roasted to obtain Garri. Samples of the Garri was used to conduct analysis for swelling index and particle size distribution. Data recorded was analyzed using Microsoft excel. Key findings: Water discharged by the different Pressing Pressure, pressure 1422.33psi discharged 1.42kg in four hours of pressing, pressure 1066.748psi discharge 1.20kg and pressure 711.165psi discharged 1.08kg. The swelling index for grating band 4” obtained a maximum of 57% and band 1.5” of 43% for variety TR-01229. On average grating band 4” swelled to a pick of 54.3% and band 1.5” obtained 45.7%. The statistical analysis conducted between varieties (TR-0983, TR-0031 and TR-1229) at 95% level of probability shows that no statistically significant difference of swelling index between varieties with p-value of 0.482185. For particle size distribution (PSD) maximum Garri retention was obtained by sieve 2 of 44% and minimum of 8% for sieve 5. A Pearson correlation shows a weak negative relationship (-0.709) between grating band and swelling index. The study leads to the conclusion that the nature of grating bands and magnitude of dewatering pressure are important factors in determining PSD and swelling power, which are key quality factors of Garri processing in Sierra Leone.
Abstract: Fermentation and dewatering of cassava mash are critical stages in processing of Garri in Sierra Leone and many other West African countries. This study examines the effect of grating band and dewatering pressure on the quality of Garri obtained from three improved cassava varietiesTR-0031, TR-01229 and TR-983, obtained from Njala Agricultural Rese...Show More