Prediction of the suitability of water yam (Dioscorea alata) for amala product using pasting and sensory characteristics

This study investigated pasting and sensory characteristics of Dioscorea?alata, an underutilized yam species, to ascertain its suitability for amala (a pasty yam product) in comparison with D.?rotundata. Pasting was determined by Rapid Visco-Analyser and the amala was prepared from parboiled and fermented yam flour. Using multiple comparison sensory test, the products were assessed on a 9-point scale by a 10-member trained panel. In RVU, the average pasting viscosities for test varieties were: peak 215.7, trough 198.7, breakdown 18.1, final 256.0 and setback 57.3 as against the reference with peak 322.6, trough 187.8, breakdown 134.8, final 359.3 and setback 171.5. Pasting viscosities were significantly (P?