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THE EFFECT OF CRYOGENIC GROUNDING ON LIQUID MILK PRODUCED FROM TIGERNUT AT DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The nutritional and health benefits of tigernut (Cyperus esculentus), a tuberous crop commonly consumed in many parts of Africa, have attracted significant interest in food science research. Tigernut milk is considered a rich source of essential nutrients like vitamins E and C, minerals such as potassium and magnesium, and essential fatty acids, which contribute to its potential role in combating malnutrition and promoting health (Belewu et al., 2018). Over the years, the traditional method of producing tigernut milk has evolved, with a growing focus on optimizing its quality and extending its shelf life. Cryogenic grinding, a process in which materials are cooled to cryogenic temperatures (typically below -150°C) and ground into fine particles, has emerged as a potential solution for improving food processing efficiency and product quality (Singh et al., 2020). This process has shown promising results in preserving the nutritional content and bioactive components of various food materials, particularly liquid-based products like milk.

Tigernut milk is typically produced through a series of steps involving soaking, blending, and filtering tigernuts to extract the liquid milk. However, one of the major challenges associated with tigernut milk production is its susceptibility to spoilage, mainly due to microbial contamination and enzymatic degradation (Adeyemi & Onilude, 2018). The application of cryogenic grounding techniques during the milk production process has been suggested as a potential method to enhance the stability and shelf life of liquid tigernut milk by minimizing microbial growth and enzymatic activity. Moreover, cryogenic grounding offers a controlled low-temperature environment that may help retain the flavor, texture, and nutritional properties of the milk (Ojokoh et al., 2021). The exploration of cryogenic grounding for liquid tigernut milk production is a relatively new area of research, with few studies addressing its impact at different temperatures.

Research has shown that the production temperature of liquid milk plays a significant role in determining its chemical and physical properties. For example, during the cryogenic grounding of milk-based products, lower temperatures have been associated with the retention of volatile compounds, reduced oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids, and minimal protein denaturation (Gadekar et al., 2019). This has direct implications for the flavor, aroma, and nutritional value of tigernut milk, which are key attributes influencing consumer preferences. Furthermore, the cryogenic grounding process is known to create finer particle sizes, which can enhance the homogeneity and mouthfeel of liquid milk, making it more palatable and appealing to consumers (Lemkin et al., 2019).

In addition to improving product quality, cryogenic grounding has been investigated for its potential to extend the shelf life of liquid foods. For instance, the low temperatures employed during the process inhibit microbial growth, a major cause of spoilage in dairy and plant-based milk products (Alabdulkarim et al., 2021). This effect is especially important in the context of tigernut milk, which is known to have a relatively short shelf life compared to other plant-based milk alternatives. Researchers have begun to investigate how different cryogenic temperatures affect the shelf stability of tigernut milk, with some studies suggesting that lower processing temperatures may enhance microbial inhibition and enzymatic inactivation, leading to longer storage durations (Usman & Saeed, 2019).

However, despite the potential benefits of cryogenic grounding, its effects on the nutritional composition of tigernut milk at different processing temperatures remain underexplored. Factors such as vitamin retention, mineral availability, and fatty acid profiles need to be systematically evaluated across varying cryogenic temperatures to better understand the trade-offs between enhanced shelf life and nutritional preservation (Ogbonna & Nkama, 2020). This study seeks to fill this gap by investigating the effect of cryogenic grounding on the quality and nutritional properties of liquid tigernut milk produced at different temperatures.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Tigernut milk, despite its rich nutritional profile and numerous health benefits, suffers from a short shelf life and rapid spoilage, primarily due to microbial contamination and enzymatic degradation (Adeyemi & Onilude, 2018). Traditional methods of tigernut milk production often result in a product that is highly perishable, limiting its commercial viability and accessibility to consumers. While cryogenic grounding has shown promise in improving the quality and stability of various food products, its application in liquid tigernut milk production has not been extensively studied. There is limited research on the effects of different cryogenic temperatures on the preservation of the milk's nutritional content, flavor, and texture. Thus, there is a need for a comprehensive investigation into how cryogenic grounding at varying temperatures influences the overall quality and shelf life of liquid tigernut milk. Addressing this problem could lead to improved processing techniques that enhance the commercial viability of tigernut milk, benefiting both producers and consumers.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to determine the effect of cryogenic grounding on the quality and shelf life of liquid tigernut milk produced at different temperatures.

Specific objectives include:

i.               To evaluate the impact of cryogenic grounding on the nutritional composition of liquid tigernut milk at different temperatures.

ii.              To determine the effect of varying cryogenic temperatures on the flavor and texture of liquid tigernut milk.

iii.           To find out how cryogenic grounding influences the shelf life and microbial stability of liquid tigernut milk.

1.4 Research Questions

i. What is the impact of cryogenic grounding on the nutritional composition of liquid tigernut milk at different temperatures?

ii. What is the effect of varying cryogenic temperatures on the flavor and texture of liquid tigernut milk?

iii. How does cryogenic grounding influence the shelf life and microbial stability of liquid tigernut milk?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it seeks to explore an innovative food processing technique, cryogenic grounding, which could have a substantial impact on the quality and shelf life of liquid tigernut milk. Given the growing global demand for plant-based milk alternatives, there is a pressing need for research that addresses the production challenges associated with tigernut milk, particularly its short shelf life and susceptibility to spoilage (Singh et al., 2020). The findings of this study will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on cryogenic food processing and its application in liquid plant-based products. Moreover, the results could inform commercial producers of tigernut milk on how to optimize their production processes, ultimately leading to a more stable and marketable product (Alabdulkarim et al., 2021). This research may also benefit consumers by providing a higher-quality product with improved nutritional content, flavor, and shelf stability.

1.6 Scope of the Study

This study will focus on evaluating the effect of cryogenic grounding on liquid tigernut milk produced at different temperatures. The scope of the research will include an analysis of the nutritional composition, flavor, texture, and shelf life of tigernut milk, with particular attention to how these factors are influenced by cryogenic processing. The study will involve experimental trials conducted at various cryogenic temperatures to determine the optimal conditions for producing high-quality tigernut milk with extended shelf life. However, the study will be limited to tigernut milk and will not cover other plant-based milk alternatives.

1.7 Limitations of the Study

One limitation of the study is the availability of advanced cryogenic grinding equipment, which may restrict the number of temperature variations that can be tested. Additionally, the study will focus on the short-term effects of cryogenic grounding on tigernut milk, and long-term storage trials may be beyond the scope of this research. Furthermore, the study will not investigate the economic feasibility of cryogenic grounding in large-scale tigernut milk production, which could be an important factor for commercial adoption of the technique.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Cryogenic Grounding: A food processing technique in which materials are cooled to extremely low temperatures and ground into fine particles.

Tigernut Milk: A plant-based milk alternative made from the tuberous crop Cyperus esculentus (tigernut).

Shelf Life: The length of time a product can be stored without becoming unfit for consumption.

Microbial Stability: The ability of a food product to resist microbial growth and spoilage over time.

Nutritional Composition: The breakdown of the essential nutrients (e.g., vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats) found in a food product.

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