Mixing as a Source of Variability in Ga-Kenkey

Abstract

Aflata mixing process is one of the most tedious unit operations in the traditional Ga-kenkey production process, because it is typically done manually. As a result, there are variations in kenkey produced even by the same processor. Consequently it is difficult to produce kenkey with consistent quality on a large scale to meet the demands of consumers. The objective of this research was to assess the effect of aflata mixing processes as causes of variability in Ga-kenkey.

Laboratory experiments were done by varying aflata mixing ratio, and mixing time to assess the effects of these parameters on physical characteristics and consumer acceptability of Ga-kenkey.

The study identified aflata mixing as causes of variability in Ga-kenkey. The indices of variability include texture, aflata mixing ratio, and mixing time (extent of mixing). These indices affect the physical characteristics, consumer perception and acceptability of the final product. This finding would help Ga-kenkey processors to produce consistent product.

Keywords: aflata, Ga-kenkey,texture, mixing