Effect of fermentation on the functional properties of sorghum flour

Sorghum flour was fermented by the traditional Sudanese method of fermentation for 24 h, taking samples every 8 h, and selected functional properties were studied. Results showed that fermentation increased the protein solubility of sorghum flour in the acidic range (pH 2-4). Fermented sorghum flour had a least gelation concentration of 6% after 16 h of fermentation, while it was 18% for unfermented sorghum. Fermentation also increased oil-binding capacity, emulsifying capacity and emulsifying stability, while it decreased the water-binding capacity. Sorghum flour, fermented or unfermented, showed no foam capacity. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.