Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) and cocoa (Theobroma
cacao) are two nutrient-dense ingredients that have been individually
associated with several health benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the
mineral and vitamin compositions of a beverage formulated from tiger nut and
cocoa, as well as its sensory properties. This study adopted an experimental
design method. The raw materials required for this experiment including cocoa
pods, tiger nut seeds and dates were purchased at Maitama farmers market,
Abuja. A total of five different formulations of the tiger nut-cocoa beverage
were prepared, with varying proportions of tiger nut and cocoa. The data was
subjected to One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using the Statistical Product
of Service Solution version 22.0 software.The mineral composition of the
beverage was analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), while
the vitamin composition was analyzed using high-performance liquid
chromatography (HPLC). The sensory evaluation of the beverage was conducted
using a descriptive analysis method, with a panel of 20 trained assessors. The
results showed that the tiger nut-cocoa beverage was rich in minerals such as
potassium. The potassium content of the beverage flour blend ranged from
CTD3(143.04) to CTD1(153.02) indicating that CTD3: (70% Cocoa: 30% Tiger nut)
had the lowest potassium value while CTD1: (90% Cocoa: 10% Tiger nut) contains
the highest potassium value. This trend indicates a decrease in potassium
content with the increased proportion of tiger nut in the blend. The higher
potassium content in CTD1 can be attributed to cocoa’s rich mineral profile, as
cocoa is generally higher in potassium compared to tiger nut. The beverage was
also a good source of vitamins B1. The vitamin B1 content
of the tiger nut-cocoa flour blends increased as the proportion of tiger nut
increased. CTD4 (60% Cocoa: 40% Tiger nut) had the highest vitamin B1(thiamin)
content (0.92), while CTD1 (90% Cocoa: 10% Tiger nut) had the lowest (0.64).
This suggests that tiger nut flour contributes more vitamin B1 than
cocoa flour. Tiger nut is a rich source of vitamin B1. The sensory
evaluation revealed that the beverage had a rich, creamy flavor and a smooth
texture, with a mean overall acceptability score of 7.5. The study concludes
that the tiger nut-cocoa beverage is a nutritious and acceptable drink that can
be promoted as a healthy beverage option. The findings of this study can be
used to develop a new product that can contribute to the improvement of public
health.
ELIZABETH, K (2025). Of The Mineral, Vitamin And Sensory Attributes Of Tiger Nut (Cyperus Esculentus) And Cocoa (Theobroma Evaluation Cacao) Beverage:-Ogbonnaya, Elizabeth K. Mouau.afribary.org: Retrieved Jul 12, 2025, from https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/of-the-mineral-vitamin-and-sensory-attributes-of-tiger-nut-cyperus-esculentus-and-cocoa-theobroma-evaluation-cacao-beverage-ogbonnaya-elizabeth-k-7-2
KALU, ELIZABETH. "Of The Mineral, Vitamin And Sensory Attributes Of Tiger Nut (Cyperus Esculentus) And Cocoa (Theobroma Evaluation Cacao) Beverage:-Ogbonnaya, Elizabeth K" Mouau.afribary.org. Mouau.afribary.org, 09 Jul. 2025, https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/of-the-mineral-vitamin-and-sensory-attributes-of-tiger-nut-cyperus-esculentus-and-cocoa-theobroma-evaluation-cacao-beverage-ogbonnaya-elizabeth-k-7-2. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
KALU, ELIZABETH. "Of The Mineral, Vitamin And Sensory Attributes Of Tiger Nut (Cyperus Esculentus) And Cocoa (Theobroma Evaluation Cacao) Beverage:-Ogbonnaya, Elizabeth K". Mouau.afribary.org, Mouau.afribary.org, 09 Jul. 2025. Web. 12 Jul. 2025. < https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/of-the-mineral-vitamin-and-sensory-attributes-of-tiger-nut-cyperus-esculentus-and-cocoa-theobroma-evaluation-cacao-beverage-ogbonnaya-elizabeth-k-7-2 >.
KALU, ELIZABETH. "Of The Mineral, Vitamin And Sensory Attributes Of Tiger Nut (Cyperus Esculentus) And Cocoa (Theobroma Evaluation Cacao) Beverage:-Ogbonnaya, Elizabeth K" Mouau.afribary.org (2025). Accessed 12 Jul. 2025. https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/of-the-mineral-vitamin-and-sensory-attributes-of-tiger-nut-cyperus-esculentus-and-cocoa-theobroma-evaluation-cacao-beverage-ogbonnaya-elizabeth-k-7-2