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Kunun Zaki
Kunun Zaki
Additives used in food processing can be natural or synthetic in nature. The use of natural additives in
food processing has been encouraged due to the health hazards, non-nutritiveness and high cost usually
associated with their synthetic counterparts. Hence, this research work is aimed at determining the
effects of three selected natural additives-spices (alligator pepper, cloves and ginger) on the quality
attributes of kunun-zaki in order to encourage the use of natural additives and to establish their best
concentrations for the production of kunnu –zaki. Kunun-zaki samples of different concentrations of
spices: Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum), Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Alligator pepper (Aframumom
danielli) at 0% (control), 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0% and 2.5% of each spice were produced. Samples were
stored at room (RT) and refrigerated temperature (ReT) respectively. Chemical, mineral (heavy metals),
pesticide residues, microbiological and sensory evaluations were carried out on the samples for four
storage days using standard methods. All the spices had various effects on the quality of Kunu-zaki
produced. For the pH, specify gravity and sucrose, gradual decrease in values was observed during the
first two storage days (ranging from 3.32-5.48 (RT); 6.00 -7.71(ReT); 1.0110-1.0255(RT), 2.5-1.0255 (ReT)
and 0.20 – 0.15(RT), 0.77- 0.85 (ReT) respectively followed by increase in the values for the remaining
storage days. For the titratable acidity, volatile acidity and free fatty acids, gradual increase in the values
were observed (ranging from 0.51- 1.29(RT); 1.37 -1.40 (ReT) and 0.12 – 0.92 (RT); 0.12- 0.17 (ReT), 0.01-
0.14(RT); 0.01-0.04(ReT) respectively. The control samples showed a higher rate of decrease and
increase in each case. Chemically, 2.0% treated samples stored at refrigerated temperature gave better
results (keep longer) than the other concentrations stored at room temperature. For the minerals
(heavy metals): Lead, cadmium and Chromium were not detected but Zinc had values of 0.001 for the
whole samples. Pesticide residues: Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), Lindane, Dichloro Diphenyl
Trichloroethane(DDT), Aldrin, Heptachlor, Endrin, Heptachlor Epoxide and Chlorodane ) though present
in minute quantity, were found to decrease as the concentration of spices increased, with 2% and 2.5%
being most effective on the average. The three spices were able to effectively control the microbial
growth for the first three days, while visible growth were observed for the other days in samples stored
at RT and less with the samples stored at ReT. Sensory evaluations showed that there were no
significant difference in colour, taste and flavour with the samples but the mean values showed that
sample treated at 1.5%, 2.0% and 2.5% were generally accepted with 2.0 % concentration mostly
acceptable. Kunun-zaki produced at 2% concentration of the spices and stored at refrigerated
temperature maintained the chemical constituents of the product and exhibits the neutralization of the
heavy metals. There was also reduction of pesticide residues and suppression of microbial growth.
Therefore, it can be concluded that kunun- zaki be produced at 2% concentration of these spices and be
store at refrigerated temperature.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
The quest for natural products has led to the introduction of ‘nutra ceuticals’ which is a term used for
food or part of a food that allegedly provides medicinal or health benefits including the prevention and
treatment of diseases. Stephen De Felice coined the term from ‘Nutrition’ and ‘Pharmaceuticals’ in
1989. The result is a word that refers to dietary or nutritional ingredients that promote optional health
(Kalna, 2003). Quite a number of works has been done at maximizing the utilization of some natural
additives, since they have been discovered to function quite well. The antimicrobial, antioxidative and
preservative effect of a number of natural additives has been explored. Fruits, vegetable, spices, nuts,
seeds, leaves, roots and bark have been exploited as natural sources of preservatives (Kalra, 2003).
Spices are the dried, aromatic vegetable products used in food seasonings, they are usually of tropical or
semi-tropical origin and include: barks (cinnamon), roots or rhizomes (ginger), flowers, buds (clove),
fruits and seeds (pepper, cardamom). In most cases, spices are very aromatic and may contain large
percentages of essential oil from which they derive their main flavorings character (Mau et al, 2001).
The potent sources of natural antioxidants are spices and herbs. Spices have been known to impact
flavor but it is now recognized that they fulfill more than this one function in food systems, certain
spices prolong the shelf life of foods by their bacteriostatic activity, spices such as red chili, cinnamon
leaf, clove, rosemary, sage, have been reported to have antioxidant properties. According to Pokorny
(1991), when natural antioxidants are compared with synthetic ones, natural antioxidants were found to
be readily acceptable by consumers as they are considered to be safer. Because they are from natural or
biological sources, no safety tests are required by legislation for they belong to a component of food
that is generally regarded as safe (Adegoke and Sagua, 1993). Compounds having wide spectra of anti-
microbial effectiveness have been found in thymol from thyme and iregano, allicin in garlic, engenol
from cloves. Adegoke and Sagua (1993), reported, the inhibition of microbial growth in tomato ketchup
using spices like Eeru (Xylopia aethiopica), Ariwo (Monodora myristica) and Atare (Aframomum
meleguata). The mixed extract from Chinese chive, and cinnamon were reported to exhibit better
inhibition on growth of Escherichia coli than potassium sorbate at 2% mg/ml. Mau et al, (2001),
reported the inhibitory effect of selected Turkish spices and oregano component on some food borne
fungi. Ginger and Aframomum danielli were also found to inhibit some food spoilage yeast (Candida
tropicalis, Torulopsis candida and Hansenula anomala).(Adegoke and skura,1994).
1.2 Justification
Spices have been used from pre-historic times not only as flavorant but also for medicinal purposes.
According to the International Standard Organization (ISO), there are over Seventy (70) spices and herbs
officially recognized, but more than 350 to 400 Spices are used in different Countries by people with
different religion and Climate. They are mostly of no food value; they are only added to food as
stimulant for the appetite and to aid digestion. The selection of a particular spice for food stabilization
should be based on the type of quality desired in the food. The quantity of spice incorporated into the
food must be minimized because excess concentration might be ineffective and not serve the exact
purpose for which it is applied. Aframomum danielli had been used to preserve Kunun-Zaki and is at its
best at 2% concentration, (Adegoke and skura, 1994). However, the synergistic tendency of additives as
found in synthetic \ chemical additives can also be explored in natural additive too hence, there is need
to investigate the other spices synergetic effects on the quality of Kunun-Zaki. The result will provide
appropriate data for food processors as well as investors in the beverage industry.
The aim of this work is to study the effects of selected spices (Alligator pepper (Aframomum Danielli),
Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum), and Ginger (Zingiber officinale) on the quality attributes of kunun-zaki, a
non-alcoholic beverage with the following objectives
1. to carry out the chemical, nutritional and microbiological analysis on the produced kunun-zaki
samples
3. to establish the best concentration of the spices that can give the best quality.