Assessing Sensory Characteristics and Consumer Preference of Legume-Cereal-Root Based Porridges in Nandi County 

Previously, porridge has been cereal based, consumed as a beverage or weaning food. Malnutrition among children has necessitated inclusion of legumes and roots in an effort to boost nutrient density. Therefore, the current study aimed at identifying the most acceptable porridge based on different food ingredient combination. Composite porridge flour included legumes (soybean, groundnut, and lablab), cereals (finger millet, sorghum, maize, and wheat), pseudocereals (pumpkin seed, buckwheat, and amaranth seed), and roots (cassava and arrowroot).

Influence of Coating Application Methods on the Postharvest Quality of Cassava

Various modes of edible coating application vary in their coat dispersion and film formation, hence the need to determine the most effective mode of application for cassava. Edible surface coatings have been found to be effective in preserving the quality of various food products. However, there are variations in effectiveness among the different coating solutions, hence the need for optimization of the concentrations of the gums used. This study aimed at determining the most efficient coating application method on the cassava postharvest quality.

Research visits funded by the German research Council

The German Research Council has an open call for research visits to universities in Germany for researchers based in Sub-Saharan African countries.

The call is for early-career researchers who obtained a doctoral degree not later than 2019 (extensions of the eligibility period are possible for researchers with children). The research visit is for three months and a follow-up grant application for additional visits is possible. The deadline for application is June 5, 2024.