Comparative studies of the physicochemical and functional properties of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) flour
This study aimed to determine the proximate compositions and functional properties of sweet potato flour from different varieties cultivated in Sabah, Malaysia, namely Jepun, Kairot and Kaladi. The results showed that the moisture content of all flour samples was below 14%. The fat and protein content of Jepun sweet potato variety were significantly different (p<0.05) as compared with Kairot and Kaladi sweet potato varieties. The ash and dietary fibre content of Kairot sweet potato flour were higher (p<0.05) compared to Jepun and Kaladi flours. In addition, Kaladi sweet potato had the highest carbohydrate content (82%). There were significant differences (p<0.05) in the values of L*, a* and b* for all sweet potato flours. The Jepun sweet potato flour had the highest foaming capacity, water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, swelling power and viscosity. Rapid Visco analyser revealed that significant differences were observed for pasting parameters such as peak viscosity, trough viscosity, breakdown viscosity, final viscosity and setback viscosity. The gelatinisation properties showed that Kairot sweet potato flour had the highest onset temperature, conclusion temperature and enthalpy while Kaladi sweet potato flour had the highest peak temperature.