Abstract

A study was carried out on the utilization of cashew kernel meals (CKM) in the nutritional enrichment of biscuit. The biscuits were prepared from blends of soft wheat flour (SWF) and cashew kernel meals (CKM). The different ratios of SWF to CKM used were (A) 100: 0, (B) 90:10, (C) 85:15, (D) 75:25 and (E) 50:50 respectively. The digestive biscuit (DB) bought at the open market served as reference sample. The different biscuits produced were nutritionally analyzed. It was observed that all the samples contained desirable proportions of protein (14.3 - 28.6%), fat (16.21 - 29.62%) and digestible carbohydrates (33.48 - 64.66%). Protein contents, fat, ash and crude fibers increased with increase in CKM. Sensory evaluation results indicated that all the biscuits had high sensory ratings for all the attributes evaluated. There were significant differences among all the samples and the reference biscuit (DB) at p < 0.05 in taste, colour and flavour while samples A and B were not significantly different in terms of crispness and texture from the reference digestive biscuit (DB). The general acceptability showed DB > B > A > C > D > E.

Key words: Biscuit, cashew kernel meal, nutritional enrichment, utilization.