Effects of Packaging Materials on Sensory Quality and Vitamin A Retention in Chin-Chin from Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato [Ipomoea batatas L. (Lam)] and Red Bambara Groundnut [Vigna subterranean (L) Verdc.] Flour Blend

Sensory quality and vitamin A retention in chin-chin stored using different packaging materials were evaluated. The Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) and Red Bambara Groundnut (RBG) flours were blended in ratio 50:50 for chin-chin production. Sensory quality, β-carotene and vitamin A contents of the chin-chin were analyzed using standard methods. Storage stability test of β-carotene and vitamin A retention were investigated using plastic bottles, high and low densities polyethylene packaging materials at ambient conditions (29.95±5.00°C, relative humidity 68.32±3.55%). The total vitamin A µgRAE retention in the chin-chin was estimated every week for four weeks and after twelve months. Moisture was least absorbed by chin-chin packaged in plastic bottles. The Vitamin A retentions were about 80 percent, 74 percent and 72 percent for plastic bottles, high density polyethylene and low density polyethylene, respectively after twelve months of storage. Texture, taste and overall acceptability were better retained when packaged in either plastic bottles or high density polyethylene. The chin-chin produced was able to store for up to twelve months when packaged in plastic bottles or high density polyethylene.