Chemical composition, physicochemical and functional properties of akee (Bilphia sapida) pulp and seed flours

Proximate and mineral compositions, together with functional properties, of Bilphia sapida pulp and seed were studied. Also, physicochemical characteristics of the seed's oil were determined. The pulp contained higher percentages of crude fat, crude protein, total ash and moisture than the seed. The most abundant mineral was potassium, in both. The reddish-coloured oil obtained from B. sapida had an acid value of 14.2 mgK OH/g, specific gravity of 0.9510, refractive index of 1.462, and saponification value of 177. Protein Solubility studies showed that both seed and pulp protein were soluble at acidic and basic pH regions, indicating that they may be useful ill formulating acid foods, such as meat and milk analogue products and protein-rich beverages. The protein solubility curves showed that two different isolates might be recovered from pulp at pH 4.0 and 10.0 and front the seed at pH 3.0 and 7.0. Their relatively high emulsion and oil absorption capacities suggest their use in the production of sausages, soups and cakes with improved flavour-retaining capacities and mouth-feel. The foaming capacity is low but relatively stable. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.