Sensory properties of fermented Zamné (Senegalia macrostachya seeds) and their influence on the broth quality and sensory profile.

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Résumé

Fermented Zamné is a traditional food, produced by fermentation of Senegalia macrostachya seeds,
used in central region of Burkina Faso. It is not widely used in human diets because of lack of adequate
knowledge of its sensory properties. This study aims to test the acceptability of fermented Zamné
in comparison with soumbala (fermented seeds of Parkia biglobosa), which is the most popular
condiment in West Africa. The panel evaluated the sensory profile, the hedonic profile, the difference
with control and the ranking of samples. Color parameters were also investigated. The panel (men and
women of 15–50 years old) described fermented zamné as a dark brown condiment (75% of the panel),
with a strong smell and a potassic taste (58.3% of the panel). According to the panel, fresh fermented
seeds has an attractive color (score of 2.27), a good smell (2.38) and a pleasant taste (2.38). The color
and the texture remain attractive after drying (score of 2.29 each). However, the taste and the smell
of dry fermented seeds were less appreciated with respectively a score of 2.48 and 2.45. But, the
broth’s color and it must be used in lower quantities than soumbala from a score of 2.29–2.52). Ranked
last, fermented Zamné performed lower than soumbala. Color parameters showed that the powder
of fermented Zamné and Soumbala market were similar (darker). This study shows that fermented
Zamné is a fermented condiment less appreciated than Soumbala. However, it could be considered as
flavouring agent, but it must be used in lower quantities than soumbala. In view of the observations
made by the panel, other processes could be considered, such as dehulling Senegalia macrostachya
seeds or an extension of the fermentation time, to improve the acceptability of this condiment.

Mots-clés

Zamné, Fermented seeds, Traditional foods, Broths, Sensory profile, Hedonic test, Ranking test, Difference test