Investigation on Physicochemical Properties and Anti-nutritional content of the three sorghum Varieties Grown in Ethiopia

Abstract

The physicochemical properties of grains play very important role to determine the quality of grains. An investigation was conducted to evaluate the physicochemical properties and phytochemical content of three sorghum varieties: Tilahun, Melkam, and Argity. Results demonstrated that Melkam exhibited the highest values in bulk density (0.86 g/mL), hectoliter weight (82.67 kg/hl), and flour extraction yield (79.4%). Argity, on the other hand, displayed higher values in thousand kernel weight (45.46g), size (3.6 mm), volume (37.6 mL), and angle of repose (30.07⁰). Additionally, Melkam presented significantly higher levels of crude protein (12.81%), crude fiber (2.74%), and crude fat (3.07%), coupled with lower moisture (12.30%) and ash content (1.27%). Furthermore, Melkam exhibited lower levels of anti-nutritional factors such as tannin (0.21 mg/100g) and phytate content (320.3 mg/100g), while Tilahun demonstrated higher levels of ash, moisture, and phytate (334.07 mg/100g). In terms of mineral content, Melkam demonstrated the highest levels of calcium (24 mg/100g), phosphorus (266.12 mg/100g), and iron (4.16 mg/100g), with Tilahun displaying lower levels of calcium (12.34 mg/100g), phosphorus (255.57 mg/100g), and iron (4.0 mg/100g). Magnesium content was found to be highest in Argity (155.77 mg/100g) and lowest in Melkam (130.89 mg/100g). Based on the physicochemical properties observed, Melkam was selected as a favorable candidate for further food product development due to its nutritional qualities.