Effect of Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3) on the Viscosity and Related Physico – Chemical Properties of Genger (Bombax costatum) Powder during Storage

Abstract

Effect of storage and concentration of potassium carbonate (K2CO3) on the viscosity and related physico – chemical properties of genger (Bombax costatum) powder was determined. Genger powder was stored for a period of four (4) months (May-August) at 30oc ± 5oc under varying concentrations of K2CO3: 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% in two containers (plastic, giving samples A – D and metal tins, giving samples A1 – D1). Thereafter, the moisture and crude fat contents, water absorption capacity, least gelation concentration, effect of K2CO3 concentration on gel strength and viscosity of the stored powders were determined, using standard methods of analysis, with fresh powder (analyzed before storage) as control. Moisture content decreased significantly (p < 0.05) from 8.37% to 3.04% and 2.00% in samples D and D1 respectively, while crude fat content increased significantly (p < 0.05) from 2.50% to 7.50% and 10.05% in the same samples. Water absorption capacity also increased significantly (p < 0.05) from 6.4g/g to 6.40g/g in the fresh sample to 7.30g/g and 8.30g/g in samples D and D1 respectively. Gelation capacity increased considerably, with 15% K2CO3 giving very strong gels at 1.50% concentration. The overall viscosity increased significantly (p < 0.05) with increase in concentration of (K2CO3) from 64.00FN to 110.00FN after storage. Generally, samples stored in metal tin gave better results than those in the plastic container.