Quality Evaluation of Extrudates from Defatted Cashew Nut Flour and Whole Oat Flour

Access to affordable nutritious foods and development of new food product with an intention to bridge a gap are some of the ways food security can be achieved. This study was conducted to produce extrudates from defatted cashew nut- whole oats flour and to determine the effects of ingredients combination on the nutritional quality of the extrudates. Cashew nut and Oats were processed into flours with pre-calculated amount of carboxyl-methyl cellulose to attain good textural properties. Extrusion was performed at predetermined feed moisture (11%), screw speed of (110rpm) and barrel temperature (900C). Proximate and functional properties of blend ratios as well as proximate, functional, textural and sensory evaluation of the extrudates were determined. Extrusion cooking reduced the moisture content but increased the protein and crude fibre of the extrudates. Texture profile analysis showed that as oats flour increased the hardness and chewiness also increased. Sample O75C25 was rated most acceptable with regards to the overall acceptability. The best extrudates with high protein-crude fibre and chewiness was made from 75% whole oat flour to 25% defatted cashew nut flour. Functional extrudates can be made from defatted cashew nut and oat flour which can serve as a functional food.