Effect of Roasting and Germination on Proximate, Micronutrient and Amino Acid Profile of Breadnut Seed (Artocarpus camansi) Flours

The proximate, micronutrient and amino acid profile of roasted and germinated breadnut seed flour were evaluated. Fresh mature fruits (1.5 kg) of breadnut were purchased from Relief market in Imo State, Nigeria. The breadnut seeds were divided into three portions for different unit operations, namely raw, roasted and germinated. Samples were analyzed for proximate, minerals and amino acids compositions. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Protein (13.80%) and fat (7.90%) content were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in germinated breadnut seeds; fibre (2.20%) and ash (7.20%) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in roasted breadnut seed while carbohydrate (75.85%) and moisture (11.05%) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in raw breadnut. Micronutrient composition shows that iron (74.35 mg/100g) was higher in roasted breadnut seed, phosphorous (12.95 mg/100g) and zinc (30.4 mg/100g) were higher in germinated breadnut seed flour while calcium (0.04%), magnesium (0.05%), vitamin A (0.27%) and vitamin C (0.85%) were higher in raw breadnut. All the essential amino acids except norleucine were present in the breadnut in varying quantities. Between roasting and germination, essential acids; valine < histidine < isoleucine < thronine < tryptophan were more in germinated breadnut seeds while leucine < lysine < phenylalanine < methionine were higher in roasted breadnut seed flour. The use of roasting and germination should be used in processing breadnut seeds. The use of breadnut seed flours as composite flour in food production may help to provide protein and micronutrient among the vulnerable groups.