Processing and utilization of the winged bean in the formulation of weaning foods

Abstract

The winged bean had been successfully processed into winged bean flour, grits, seed coat powder and winged bean oil in our laboratories. The flour with protein content of 58.6 - 60.0gm per 100g was successfully utilized in combination with another flour produced from a locally available oilseed (Cucumeropsis edulis) as a methionine supplier in the formulation of weaning foods. The weaning foods formulated were biologically tested and the observation had been made that the formulated diets were capable of producing growth in rats just as good as a control diet with 16% protein content based on milk powder. The potential of the winged bean as a basis for weaning foods for tropical countries with low milk production is discussed