Viscous properties of taro flour extruded with whey proteins to simulate weaning foods

Taro flour, derived from the corm of Colocasia Esculenta cv. Lehua, a root tuber grown in the tropical regions of the world, was extruded with whey protein concentrate (WPC), whey protein isolate (WPI) or lactalbumin (LAC), to derive blends containing 20% protein, simulating the protein content of some weaning foods. Taro flour is unique because of its extremely small particle size (1-5 micron) and high mucilage or gum content, making it a possible replacement for corn or wheat starch in weaning foods. Extrusion processing temperatures were from 100 to 130C and moisture of the feed blends was held constant at 18%. The extrudates were pulverized, made into powders, and rehydrated to make a paste. Viscosities of the feed blends before extrusion and the pastes made from the extrudates were determined using a Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA) to determine peak, final, and breakdown viscosities. Water solubility and absorption indices were also determined. Extrudates made from taro containing whey products expanded more than taro alone; were easier to grind into powders; and rehydrated readily in water to form pastes. Before extrusion, the peak viscosities of the blends were 5000, 2600, 1600, 1600 cP for taro flour, taro with WPI, taro with WPC, or taro with LAC, respectively. After extrusion cooking, the viscosities for taro flour, taro with WPI, taro with WPC, or taro with LAC were 110, 65, 70 or 90 cP, respectively. Taro extrudates without protein absorbed the most water, and were more soluble than products containing whey proteins or LAC. The addition of whey proteins reduced peak viscosities, but WPI and taro pastes were characteristic of weaning foods. Both extrusion cooking and the addition of whey proteins significantly reduced (P<0.05) the gummy properties of taro mucilage.