Indigenous Perception and Characterization of Yanyanku and Ikpiru: Two Functional Additives for the Fermentation of African Locust Bean

Abstract

Indigenous perception, processing methods, and physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of Yanyanku and Ikpiru, two additives used to produce fermented African locust bean condiments, Sonru and Iru, were evaluated. According to producers, these additives accelerate the fermentation and soften the texture of the condiments. Yanyanku is produced by spontaneous fermentation with either Hibiscus sabdariffa or Gossypium hirsutum or Adansonia digitata seeds, whereas only Hibiscus sabdariffa seeds are used for Ikpiru. Both additives, with pH values ranging between 6.2 and 10 and Bacillus spores varying between 5.5 and 8.9 Log₁₀ (CFU/g), could be considered as softening additives or enrichment inocula to produce condiments.

Keywords:

• yanyanku
• ikpiru
• additives
• sonru
• iru
• parkia biglobosa

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The authors wish to thank the University of Abomey-Calavi and ENRECA and Aires-Sud projects for their financial support.