Skip to main content
Food Science & Nutrition logoLink to Food Science & Nutrition
. 2015 Aug 13;4(2):163–180. doi: 10.1002/fsn3.271

Effect of freeze–thaw cycles on the nutritional quality of some selected Nigerian soups

Akeem Olayemi Raji 1,, Rahman Akinoso 2, Monsurat Oyewale Raji 2
PMCID: PMC4779483  PMID: 27004107

Abstract

Freezing and thawing are heat transfer processes, involving chemical changes which may greatly affect product quality. Due to sparse literature on freeze–thawed cycles and its effects on soups quality, the effect of freeze–thaw cycles on the nutritional quality of selected Nigerian soups has to be investigated. Soups (Ila, Ewedu, Ogbono, and Kuka) were prepared using standard recipes. The soups were packaged in plastic and aluminum containers, frozen at −20°C, and thawed with microwave oven, hot water (100°C), and at ambient condition for four cycles of 5‐day interval. After each cycle, chemical compositions of the samples were determined using AOAC methods. Data were analyzed using ANOVA at P = 0.05. Moisture, protein, fat, crude fiber, ash, and carbohydrate contents of the freeze–thawed soups were 63.6–88.6%, 3.6–8.8%, 1.0–6.1%, 0.8–1.2%, 1.8–4.6%, and 0.9–15.6%, respectively. Mineral contents were iron (5.0–6.8 mg/100 g), calcium (68.1–190.8 mg/100 g), sodium (144.4–231.7 mg/100 g), potassium (200.4–302.1 mg/100 g), and phosphorus (228.0–337.2 mg/100 g). Vitamins were vitamin A (29.5–59.9 mg/100 g), vitamin B (10.1–36.4 mg/100 g), and vitamin E (28.4–90.2 mg/100 g). Microwave‐thawed plastic soups had limited nutritional losses when compared with other thawing methods, and should not be extended beyond the third cycle because of increasing reduction in fat and protein, indicating deterioration.

Keywords: Freezing, nutritional quality, soups, thawing

Introduction

Leafy vegetables are important in many Nigerian diets. Apart from the variety which they add to the menu, they are valuable sources of mineral, vitamins, fiber, and other nutrients which are usually in short supply in daily diets (Mepba et al. 2007). Also, they contribute to the flavor, taste, color, and esthetic appeal to what would otherwise be a monotonous diet.

Nutrients are essential for physical growth, maintenance of normal body function, and good health. Nutrition is a basic prerequisite for life sustenance (Soundarapandian et al. 2013). Minerals constitute the micronutrients and they are necessary for physiological and biochemical processes by which the human body acquires, assimilates, and utilized food to maintain health and activity (Mohapatra et al. 2009). Minerals do not only promote proper physical growth and development, but also ensure adequate immune competence and cognitive development (Soundarapandian et al. 2013). Although vegetables are highly nutritious, yet they are perishable (Hart et al. 2005). Preservation of vegetables and vegetable‐related products by freezing to prevent nutritional losses is important.

The use of the freezing process to increase the length of food has gained widespread attention since the reduction in available water due to the formation of ice crystals and subzero temperatures provides an environment which favors reduced chemical reactions leading to increased storage stability (Zaritzky 2006). However, freezing is not a perfect method of preservation since even at low temperatures food quality deterioration may still occur. The formation of ice can result in textural changes and disruption of cell compartments causing the release of chemically reactive components (Lim et al. 2004). Thawing is in fact a temperature abuse, and has to be considered a critical operation in terms of quality and safety. Food safety has been addressed for several thawing methods (Yamamoto and Harris 2001), whereas quality losses are not generally tackled by the scientific community. Nutritional losses that occur during thawing decrease the health benefits of frozen green vegetables included into a diet.

Traditionally, soups are generally reheated several times in the day to prevent spoilage. This method of vegetable utilization has been shown to result in losses of vitamins (Hart et al. 2005). Such a situation calls for proper preservation and utilization of vegetables for maximum nutritional benefits. In modern homes, most soups are kept under frozen condition to preserve them and to avoid nutritional loses which may arise as a result of periodical heating after use (Hart et al. 2005). These freeze–thaw cycles may be repeated several times and it is very important to determine the quality changes that occur during multiple freezing–thawing treatments. The changes induced by the freezing–thawing cycle are mainly due to three phenomena that are often closely related: mechanical damage, denaturation of proteins, and loss of water‐holding capacity (Hallier et al. 2007).

The standard methods of preparing various Nigerian soups and stews had been established by FIIRO (2006), but little has been done about their preservation and on various preservation techniques that they are subjected to. Freezing and thawing processes are complex, involving heat transfer and possibilities of a series of physical and chemical changes which may greatly affect product quality. From quality point of view, the effect of freeze–thaw cycles on the nutritional quality of selected Nigerian soups has to be investigated.

Material and Methods

Materials

The ingredients used for the preparation of the above soups were purchased from local markets at Ipata and Ago in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.

Methods

Preparation of soups

Selected Nigerian soups (Ewedu, Ila, Ogbono, and Kuka) were prepared using facilities of the Department of Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering, Kwara State University, Nigeria. The preparation methods used for the selected soups were those earlier established by recipe book of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO, 2006). The recipes used for the soups were presented in Table 1 and the methods of preparation were described later.

Table 1.

Recipes used for preparation of soups

Ogbono Ewedu Ila Kuka
Bitter leaf (20 g) Leaves (120 g) Okro (fruit – 640 g) Meat (1000 g)
Ogbono (ground – 240 g) Egusi (ground – 40 g) Pepper (14 g) Onion (75 g)
Palm oil (80 mL) Water (500 mL) Ugwu (200 g) Dry fish (50 g)
Water (2000 mL) Crayfish (40 g) Meat (1000 g) Stockfish (500 g)
Maggi (8 g) Potash (1 g) Crayfish (40 g) Kuka (Powder 150 g)
Onion (3400 g) Iru (5 g) Onion (300 g) Maggi (10 g)
Iru (locust beans – 10 g) Salt (5 g) Salt (14 g) Salt (8 g)
Fish (smoked – 310 g) Palm oil (40 mL) Curry (3 g)
Meat (1000 g) Water (2000 mL) Thyme (1.4 g)
Crayfish (ground – 40 g) Maggie cube (8 g) Crayfish (30 g)
Periwinkle (deshelled – 94 g) Iru (locust beans – 10 g) Water (2000 mL)
Salt (10 g) Palm oil (100 mL)
Pepper (ground – 14 g)

Adapted from FIIRO (2006) methods.

Freezing and thawing of soups

A laboratory scale chest freezer (Scanfrost chest; Model SFL‐111, Hangzhou, China) with natural convection at −20°C was used to freeze and store the soup samples. The frozen soups were stored at −20°C for 5 days before being thawed. Three different thawing methods were employed.

  1. Thawing in a microwave oven (LG, MS2024W, using defrost program, 450 W max. power)

  2. Thawing in hot water (100°C) using water bath

  3. Thawing at ambient temperature (28–32°C)

However, the products were thawed until the temperature at the center of the soups reached 0°C and this was ensured using a digital thermometer. Parts of the thawed packed soups were placed immediately on ice for analyses (cycle 1). In order to imitate thawing and refreezing that frozen soups experienced when some portions are consumed in modern homes, the other packed soups were frozen in a still freezer at −20°C for 5 days and thawed using the thawing methods stated earlier. Parts of the thawed soups were also placed on ice for analysis (cycle 2), while the rest were frozen. The freeze–thaw step (5 days storage at −20°C and then thawed) were repeated for four cycles.

Analyses

The proximate composition (moisture, protein, ash, fat, crude fiber, and carbohydrate), mineral (iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus), and vitamin contents (vitamin A [retinol], vitamin B [thiamine], and vitamin E) of the soup samples were evaluated using the standard AOAC procedure (AOAC, 2005). Data were expressed as mean ± SD and were analyzed by one‐way ANOVA test using SPSS statistical programme.

Results and Discussion

Effect of freezing and thawing conditions on proximate composition of some selected Nigerian soups

Tables 2, 3, 4, 5 present the effect of freezing and thawing conditions on proximate composition of Ogbono, Ewedu, Ila, and Kuka soups subjected to frozen storage. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the proximate composition of Ogbono, Ewedu, Ila, and Kuka soups when subjected to the above frozen and thawing conditions as compared to the freshly prepared Ogbono, Ewedu, Ila, and Kuka soups, except for the moisture content of Ewedu soup samples and crude fiber of Ewedu and Ogbono soup samples that were not significantly different.

Table 2.

Effect of freezing and thawing conditions on proximate composition of Ewedu soups

Samples %Moisture %Protein %Fat %Ash %Crude fiber %Carbohydrate
Cycle 0
E 88.60 ± 0.14a 6.00 ± 0.01a 1.05 ± 0.05a 1.81 ± 0.01j 1.04 ± 0.60a 7.41 ± 0.20n
Cycle 1
AH 88.07 ± 0.03a 5.77 ± 0.15a–c 1.04 ± 0.04a 1.84 ± 0.02g–j 1.02 ± 0.60a 8.25 ± 0.06kl
AR 87.46 ± 0.05a 4.78 ± 0.24f 1.03 ± 0.04a 1.96 ± 0.05e 1.00 ± 0.60a 9.78 ± 0.42g
AM 87.35 ± 0.14a 5.84 ± 0.12ab 1.04 ± 0.03a 1.83 ± 0.02h–j 1.02 ± 0.60a 8.61 ± 0.07j
PH 87.66 ± 0.05a 5.87 ± 0.12ab 1.05 ± 0.03a 1.83 ± 0.02ij 1.03 ± 0.59a 7.85 ± 0.12m
PR 87.78 ± 0.08a 4.60 ± 0.10fg 1.03 ± 0.03a 1.99 ± 0.01c–e 0.98 ± 0.61a 9.06 ± 0.03i
PM 88.48 ± 0.03a 5.92 ± 0.07ab 1.05 ± 0.05a 1.81 ± 0.01j 1.03 ± 0.61a 8.10 ± 0.10l
Cycle 2
AH 87.46 ± 0.05a 5.50 ± 0.10c–e 1.00 ± 0.09a 1.86 ± 0.02f–j 1.01 ± 0.60a 9.05 ± 0.12i
AR 86.78 ± 0.71a 4.37 ± 0.31gh 0.95 ± 0.13a 1.99 ± 0.01de 1.01 ± 0.60a 11.49 ± 0.09d
AM 85.79 ± 0.09a 5.60 ± 0.10b–d 1.02 ± 0.07a 1.85 ± 0.02f–j 1.01 ± 0.60a 9.68 ± 0.12g
PH 86.72 ± 0.03a 5.60 ± 0.10b–d 1.03 ± 0.07a 1.84 ± 0.01g–j 1.02 ± 0.59a 8.33 ± 0.10k
PR 87.06 ± 0.09a 4.27 ± 0.31h 0.95 ± 0.13a 2.04 ± 0.05a–c 0.98 ± 0.61a 10.51 ± 0.10e
PM 88.40 ± 0.05a 5.80 ± 0.05ab 1.05 ± 0.05a 1.82 ± 0.02j 1.02 ± 0.62a 8.77 ± 0.09j
Cycle 3
AH 86.90 ± 0.11a 5.20 ± 0.20e 1.00 ± 0.09a 1.89 ± 0.03fg 0.99 ± 0.60a 9.83 ± 0.12g
AR 85.31 ± 0.09a 3.90 + 0.20i 1.00 ± 0.01a 2.00 ± 0.02c–e 0.99 ± 0.60a 13.53 ± 0.09b
AM 84.54 ± 0.05a 5.37 ± 0.12de 1.03 ± 0.04a 1.88 ± 0.03f–h 1.01 ± 0.60a 10.74 ± 0.12e
PH 85.81 ± 0.10a 5.27 ± 0.15e 1.04 ± 0.04a 1.86 ± 0.04f–j 1.02 ± 0.59a 8.78 ± 0.11j
PR 86.39 ± 0.06a 3.77 ± 0.25i 0.99 ± 0.04a 2.07 ± 0.04ab 1.01 ± 0.59a 11.91 ± 0.18c
PM 88.32 ± 0.08a 5.84 ± 0.03a–c 1.04 ± 0.05a 1.83 ± 0.01h–j 1.00 ± 0.60a 9.45 ± 0.11h
Cycle 4
AH 88.34 ± 0.09a 4.77 ± 0.21f 0.99 ± 0.08a 1.91 ± 0.03f 1.00 ± 0.60a 10.65 ± 0.07e
AR 84.14 ± 0.15a 3.70 ± 0.17i 1.00 ± 0.02a 2.03 ± 0.04b–d 0.99 ± 0.59a 15.56 ± 0.12a
AM 83.00 ± 0.16a 4.87 ± 0.02f 1.89 ± 0.02a 1.89 ± 0.04fg 0.98 ± 0.59a 11.77 ± 0.04c
PH 84.89 ± 0.08a 4.87 ± 0.21f 1.01 ± 0.02a 1.88 ± 0.05f–i 1.00 ± 0.59a 9.18 ± 0.13i
PR 85.64 ± 0.06a 3.63 ± 0.15i 0.99 ± 0.01a 2.09 ± 0.03a 0.97 ± 0.60a 13.53 ± 0.06b
PM 88.18 ± 0.05a 5.78 ± 0.03a–c 1.04 ± 0.04a 1.83 ± 0.01h–j 1.03 ± 0.61a 10.09 ± 0.04f

Values are means of three replicates. Mean values having different superscripts within a column are significantly different (P < 0.05). PH, packaged in plastics but thawed with hot water; AH, packaged in aluminum but thawed with hot water; PM, packaged in plastics but thawed with microwave; AM, packaged in aluminum but thawed with microwave; AR, packaged in aluminum but thawed at room temperature; PR, packaged in plastics but thawed at room temperature.

Table 3.

Effect of freezing and thawing conditions on proximate composition of Ila soups

Samples %Moisture %Protein %Fat %Ash %Crude fiber %Carbohydrate
Cycle 0
I 77.25 ± 0.35a 15.94 ± 0.08a 2.13 ± 0.04a 1.90 ± 0.14l 1.15 ± 0.07a 1.64 ± 0.60p
Cycle 1
AH 77.32 ± 0.11a 14.15 ± 0.17d–f 2.08 ± 0.01a–e 2.03 ± 0.04h–j 1.12 ± 0.01a–c 3.23 ± 0.33n
AR 75.48 ± 0.20fg 13.96 ± 0.06ef 2.09 ± 0.03ab 2.05 ± 0.02g–i 1.12 ± 0.01a–c 5.30 ± 0.23h–j
AM 76.26 ± 0.25cd 14.86 ± 0.42c 2.06 ± 0.03a–f 2.03 ± 0.02h–j 1.11 ± 0.01a–c 3.68 ± 0.64mn
PH 76.55 ± 0.22c 14.55 ± 0.39cd 2.08 ± 0.06a–c 1.94 ± 0.01j–l 1.13 ± 0.01ab 3.74 ± 0.34mn
PR 76.60 ± 0.40c 14.67 ± 0.11c 2.10 ± 0.01a 2.03 ± 0.07h–j 1.11 ± 0.01a–c 3.49 ± 0.26mn
PM 77.15 ± 0.13a 15.44 ± 0.40b 2.08 ± 0.03a–d 1.92 ± 0.04kl 1.14 ± 0.01ab 2.28 ± 0.49o
Cycle 2
AH 76.74 ± 0.21b 14.04 ± 0.07ef 2.02 ± 0.02b–g 2.08 ± 0.04f–i 1.12 ± 0.02a–c 4.00 ± 0.26lm
AR 74.24 ± 0.09i 14.00 ± 0.04ef 2.01 ± 0.01b–g 2.11 ± 0.02e–h 1.11 ± 0.01a–c 6.53 ± 0.09d–f
AM 75.58 ± 0.08fg 14.10 ± 0.13d–f 2.01 ± 0.02b–g 2.10 ± 0.01e–h 1.11 ± 0.01a–c 5.10 ± 0.13jk
PH 75.96 ± 0.14de 13.82 ± 0.71f 1.99 ± 0.01f–h 2.13 ± 0.03e–h 1.13 ± 0.03ab 4.99 ± 0.67i–k
PR 75.78 ± 0.29ef 13.77 ± 0.21f 2.02 ± 0.02b–g 2.14 ± 0.06d–g 1.05 ± 0.13c 5.25 ± 0.51ij
PM 76.75 ± 0.18b 14.45 ± 0.13c–e 2.00 ± 0.02d–g 2.00 ± 0.11i–k 1.13 ± 0.01ab 3.67 ± 0.21mn
Cycle 3
AH 76.62 ± 0.11bc 13.71 ± 0.17f 2.01 ± 0.01c–g 2.11 ± 0.06e–h 1.12 ± 0.01a–c 4.44 ± 0.12kl
AR 72.53 ± 0.10j 12.63 ± 0.33g–i 1.99 ± 0.01fg 2.18 ± 0.02b–e 1.08 ± 0.07a–c 9.58 ± 0.68b
AM 74.90 ± 0.10h 13.04 ± 0.61g 1.99 ± 0.01fg 2.19 ± 0.03b–e 1.11 ± 0.01a–c 6.76 ± 0.23d
PH 75.56 ± 0.13fg 13.10 ± 0.19g 2.00 ± 0.01c–g 2.23 ± 0.01b–d 1.12 ± 0.01a–c 5.99 ± 0.67e–g
PR 75.41 ± 0.23g 13.07 ± 0.46g 2.00 ± 0.01e–g 2.48 ± 0.07a 1.13 ± 0.01ab 5.91 ± 0.67f–h
PM 76.64 ± 0.11b 13.65 ± 0.12f 2.01 ± 0.01c–g 2.11 ± 0.02e–h 1.11 ± 0.02a–c 4.48 ± 0.09j–l
Cycle 4
AH 76.46 ± 0.12c 12.67 ± 0.20g–i 1.82 ± 0.07k 2.17 ± 0.07c–f 1.11 ± 0.01a–c 5.77 ± 0.09g–i
AR 70.87 ± 0.29k 12.26 ± 0.12ij 1.84 ± 0.05jk 2.19 ± 0.01b–e 1.11 ± 0.01a–c 11.72 ± 0.21a
AM 74.11 ± 0.11i 12.41 ± 0.12hi 1.84 ± 0.06jk 2.24 ± 0.05b 1.11 ± 0.01a–c 8.30 ± 0.07c
PH 75.33 ± 0.08g 12.84 ± 0.12gh 1.90 ± 0.12ij 2.27 ± 0.02bc 1.07 ± 0.06bc 6.62 ± 0.14de
PR 74.67 ± 0.07h 11.92 ± 0.07j 1.91 ± 0.09h–j 2.52 ± 0.06a 1.10 ± 0.06a–c 7.84 ± 0.05c
PM 76.51 ± 0.21c 13.86 ± 0.07f 1.96 ± 0.06g–i 2.17 ± 0.03c–f 1.13 ± 0.01ab 6.62 ± 0.14de

Values are means of three replicates. Mean values having different superscripts within a column are significantly different (P < 0.05). PH, packaged in plastics but thawed with hot water; AH, packaged in aluminum but thawed with hot water; PM, packaged in plastics but thawed with microwave; AM, packaged in aluminum but thawed with microwave; AR, packaged in aluminum but thawed at room temperature; PR, packaged in plastics but thawed at room temperature.

Table 4.

Effect of freezing and thawing conditions on proximate composition of Ogbono soups

Samples %Moisture %Protein %Fat %Ash %Crude fiber %Carbohydrate
Cycle 0
O 68.70 ± 0.14a 18.70 ± 0.42a 6.12 ± 0.11a 4.55 ± 0.21h 1.04 ± 0.60a 0.89 ± 0.64n
Cycle 1
AH 68.39 ± 0.03a–e 18.32 ± 0.20a–e 6.06 ± 0.97ab 4.75 ± 0.16c–h 1.02 ± 0.60a 1.45 ± 0.70k–n
AR 67.40 ± 0.02gh 17.46 ± 0.11gh 6.00 ± 0.05a–d 4.98 ± 0.11a–e 0.68 ± 0.31a 3.49 ± 0.47f–h
AM 68.11 ± 0.03b–e 18.27 ± 0.18b–e 6.03 ± 0.11a–d 4.82 ± 0.15b–g 1.01 ± 0.60a 1.75 ± 0.71k–n
PH 68.50 ± 0.02a–d 18.40 ± 0.19a–d 6.08 ± 0.92a 4.68 ± 0.16f–h 1.03 ± 0.61a 1.31 ± 0.73l–n
PR 68.11 ± 0.02h 17.36 ± 0.07h 5.88 ± 0.16b–f 4.92 ± 0.16a–f 0.67 ± 0.32a 3.05 ± 0.39g–J
PM 68.54 ± 0.05ab 18.48 ± 0.41ab 6.09 ± 0.09a 4.63 ± 0.18gh 1.03 ± 0.60a 1.23 ± 0.55mn
Cycle 2
AH 68.08 ± 0.06b–e 18.17 ± 0.22b–e 5.97 ± 0.09a–e 4.83 ± 0.16b–g 1.00 ± 0.59a 1.95 ± 0.76i–n
AR 66.10 ± 0.04hi 17.17 ± 0.16hi 5.75 ± 0.16fg 5.00 ± 0.11a–d 0.99 ± 0.58a 4.98 ± 0.58de
AM 67.53 ± 0.08c–f 18.07 ± 0.30c–f 5.85 ± 0.17d–g 4.88 ± 0.15a–g 1.00 ± 0.59a 2.67 ± 0.75h–k
PH 68.33 ± 0.03b–e 18.22 ± 0.22b–e 6.04 ± 0.09a–c 4.73 ± 0.14e–h 1.01 ± 0.59a 1.66 ± 0.77k–n
PR 67.53 ± 0.03ij 16.97 ± 0.03hi 5.57 ± 0.07h 5.01 ± 0.07a–c 0.98 ± 0.59a 3.94 ± 0.71e–g
PM 68.42 ± 0.04a–c 18.46 ± 0.40a–c 6.04 ± 0.10a–c 4.66 ± 0.15gh 1.02 ± 0.61a 1.41 ± 0.58k–n
Cycle 3
AH 67.82 ± 0.04ef 17.98 ± 0.06ef 5.87 ± 0.03c–f 4.92 ± 0.13a–f 0.98 ± 0.59a 2.45 ± 0.74h–m
AR 64.80 ± 0.04jk 16.68 ± 0.08ij 5.54 ± 0.05h 5.08 ± 0.06ab 0.96 ± 0.59a 6.94 ± 0.58b
AM 67.00 ± 0.05fg 17.78 ± 0.21fg 5.79 ± 0.03e–g 4.98 ± 0.10a–f 0.98 ± 0.59a 3.47 ± 0.66f–h
PH 68.16 ± 0.04d–f 18.04 ± 0.06d–f 5.95 ± 0.09a–e 4.78 ± 0.15c–h 0.99 ± 0.60a 2.09 ± 0.81i–n
PR 66.95 ± 0.05kl 16.45 ± 0.05jk 5.31 ± 0.07ij 5.06 ± 0.10ab 0.95 ± 0.59a 5.29 ± 0.58cd
PM 68.31 ± 0.03a–d 18.40 ± 0.35a–d 6.00 ± 0.10a–d 4.74 ± 016d–h 1.01 ± 0.60a 1.54 ± 0.58k–n
Cycle 4
AH 67.54 ± 0.04gh 17.55 ± 0.05gh 5.74 ± 0.09fg 5.00 ± 0.10a–d 0.97 ± 0.60a 3.20 ± 0.71f–i
AR 63.55 ± 0.03kl 16.50 ± 0.10jk 5.37 ± 0.03i 5.14 ± 0.09a 0.95 ± 0.60a 8.49 ± 0.63a
AM 66.45 ± 0.05gh 17.43 ± 0.08gh 5.68 ± 0.09gh 5.07 ± 0.07ab 0.96 ± 0.60a 4.41 ± 0.72d–f
PH 67.96 ± 0.05fg 17.75 ± 0.05fg 5.87 ± 0.15c–f 4.85 ± 0.15b–g 0.98 ± 0.60a 2.59 ± 0.97h–l
PR 66.39 ± 0.04l 16.15 ± 0.14k 5.15 ± 0.03j 5.14 ± 0.05a 0.92 ± 0.60a 6.24 ± 0.65bc
PM 68.20 ± 0.02b–e 18.28 ± 0.03b–e 5.95 ± 0.13a–e 4.76 ± 0.14c–h 1.00 ± 0.59a 1.81 ± 0.65j–n

Values are means of three replicates. Mean values having different superscripts within a column are significantly different (P < 0.05). PH, packaged in plastics but thawed with hot water; AH, packaged in aluminum but thawed with hot water; PM, packaged in plastics but thawed with microwave; AM, packaged in aluminum but thawed with microwave; AR, packaged in aluminum but thawed at room temperature; PR, packaged in plastics but thawed at room temperature.

Table 5.

Effect of freezing and thawing conditions on proximate composition of Kuka soups

Samples %Moisture %Protein %Fat %Ash %Crude fiber %Carbohydrate
Cycle 0
K 78.54 ± 0.06a 8.80 ± 0.14a 2.29 ± 0.01a 2.09 ± 0.01j 0.88 ± 0.02a 7.41 ± 0.20n
Cycle 1
AH 77.80 ± 0.03c 8.70 ± 0.07a–c 2.25 ± 0.01bc 2.13 ± 0.01f–h 0.86 ± 0.01bc 8.25 ± 0.06kl
AR 76.35 ± 0.48g 8.66 ± 0.07a–d 2.23 ± 0.01c–g 2.15 ± 0.01c–g 0.83 ± 0.01f–i 9.78 ± 0.42g
AM 77.50 ± 0.05d 8.67 ± 0.06a–c 2.24 ± 0.01b–e 2.14 ± 0.01dh 0.84 ± 0.01c–f 8.61 ± 0.07j
PH 78.17 ± 0.04b 8.74 ± 1.00ab 2.27 ± 0.01ab 2.12 ± 0.01h–j 0.87 ± 0.01ab 7.85 ± 0.12m
PR 77.12 ± 0.02e 8.64 ± 0.08a–d 2.19 ± 0.06i–k 2.17 ± 0.01b–d 0.82 ± 0.01h–j 9.06 ± 0.03i
PM 77.90 ± 0.04c 8.74 ± 0.13ab 2.28 ± 0.01a 2.10 ± 0.01ij 0.88 ± 0.01a 8.10 ± 0.10l
Cycle 2
AH 77.08 ± 0.04e 8.64 ± 0.13a–d 2.25 ± 0.02b–e 2.13 ± 0.02f–h 0.85 ± 0.01c–e 9.05 ± 0.12i
AR 74.72 ± 0.04k 8.59 ± 0.12a–d 2.21 ± 0.01g–j 2.16 ± 0.01b–e 0.83 ± 0.01g–i 11.49 ± 0.09d
AM 76.50 ± 0.05g 8.62 ± 0.12a–d 2.22 ± 0.10e–h 2.15 ± 0.02d–h 0.84 ± 0.01d–g 9.68 ± 0.12g
PH 77.78 ± 0.03c 8.66 ± 0.13a–d 2.24 ± 0.01b–e 2.13 ± 0.01f–h 0.85 ± 0.01c–e 8.33 ± 0.10k
PR 75.71 ± 0.03i 8.60 ± 0.12a–d 2.19 ± 0.01h–k 2.18 ± 0.01ab 0.81 ± 0.01j` 10.51 ± 0.10e
PM 77.31 ± 0.03d 8.67 ± 0.13a–c 2.27 ± 0.01ab 2.12 ± 0.15h–j 0.87 ± 0.01ab 8.76 ± 0.09j
Cycle 3
AH 76.38 ± 0.03g 8.58 ± 0.14a–d 2.23 ± 0.01c–g 2.14 ± 0.15d–h 0.84 ± 0.01c–f 9.83 ± 0.12g
AR 72.75 ± 0.15m 8.54 ± 0.15b–d 2.18 ± 0.01jk 2.18 ± 0.15a–c 0.82 ± 0.01ij 13.53 ± 0.09b
AM 75.50 ± 0.03j 8.56 ± 0.14b–d 2.21 ± 0.01g–j 2.16 ± 0.03b–f 0.83 ± 0.01e–h 10.74 ± 0.12e
PH 77.38 ± 0.09d 8.61 ± 0.16a–d 2.24 ± 0.01c–f 2.14 ± 0.01d–h 0.85 ± 0.01c–e 8.78 ± 0.11j
PR 74.37 ± 0.04l 8.54 ± 0.14b–d 2.17 ± 0.01kl 2.20 ± 0.02a 0.81 ± 0.01j 11.91 ± 0.18c
PM 76.70 ± 0.05f 8.61 ± 0.14a–d 2.25 ± 0.01b–d 2.13 ± 0.01e–h 0.86 ± 0.01ab 9.45 ± 0.11h
Cycle 4
AH 75.63 ± 0.07ij 8.53 ± 0.08b–d 2.21 ± 0.01g–j 2.15 ± 0.01d–h 0.83 ± 0.01f–i 10.65 ± 0.07e
AR 70.82 ± 0.15n 8.45 ± 0.07d 2.18 ± 0.01kl 2.19 ± 0.01ab 0.81 ± 0.01j 15.56 ± 0.12a
AM 74.56 ± 0.03k 8.49 ± 0.09cd 2.19 ± 0.01h–k 2.17 ± 0.02b–d 0.82 ± 0.01h–j 11.77 ± 0.04c
PH 77.07 ± 0.03e 8.55 ± 0.09b–d 2.22 ± 0.01d–g 2.14 ± 0.01d–h 0.84 ± 0.01e–h 9.18 ± 0.13i
PR 72.91 ± 0.04m 8.44 ± 0.08d 2.15 ± 0.01l 2.18 ± 0.05a–c 0.79 ± 0.01k 13.53 ± 0.06b
PM 76.17 ± 0.04h 8.53 ± 0.05b–d 2.24 ± 0.01b–f 2.12 ± 0.06h–j 0.85 ± 0.06c–e 10.09 ± 0.04f

Values are means of three replicates. Mean values having different superscripts within a column are significantly different (P < 0.05). PH, packaged in plastics but thawed with hot water; AH, packaged in aluminum but thawed with hot water; PM, packaged in plastics but thawed with microwave; AM, packaged in aluminum but thawed with microwave; AR, packaged in aluminum but thawed at room temperature; PR, packaged in plastics but thawed at room temperature.

Moisture

The moisture contents obtained for both freshly prepared and selected soup samples subjected to freeze–thaw cycles under different freezing and thawing conditions are presented in Tables 2, 3, 4, 5. The freshly prepared soups had the moisture value of 68.70 ± 0.14% (Ogbono), 88.60 ± 0.14% (Ewedu), 77.25 ± 0.35% (Ila), and 78.54 ± 0.06% (Kuka). While the moisture values of the selected soup samples subjected to different frozen and thawing conditions ranged from 63.55 ± 0.03% to 68.54 ± 0.05% (Ogbono), 83.00 ± 0.16% to 88.48 ± 0.03% (Ewedu), 70.87 ± 0.29% to 77.15 ± 0.13% (Ila), and 70.82 ± 0.04% to 77.90 ± 0.04% (Kuka). The moisture content of the soups determines their susceptibility to microbial attack and hence spoilage (Olusanya 2008). The moisture content of freshly prepared “Ogbono” (68.70 ± 0.14%) was lower than those of freshly prepared “Ila,” “Ewedu,”and “Kuka.” This indicated that freshly prepared Ogbono with lower moisture content might have storage advantage over others. Soups that were packaged in plastic and aluminum containers and thawed at 5 days interval for four freeze–thaw cycles at room temperature had the lowest moisture content retention. While soups that were packaged in plastic and thawed in microwave oven had the highest moisture content retention when compared with the freshly prepared soup (Tables 2, 3, 4, 5). This might be as a result of fast thawing rate exhibited by microwave‐thawed plastic soups which prevented weight loss during thawing. An increase in the number of freeze–thaw cycles (1–4) resulted in the considerable amount of loss in the moisture content (Tables 2, 3, 4, 5) of soups subjected to freezing and thawing conditions. Repeated melting during thawing and reformation of ice crystals during freezing in multiple freeze–thaw situations was clearly detrimental to food quality, by causing mechanical damage to cell membrane and loss of water‐holding capacity of food (Boonsumrej et al. 2007). Frozen foods are not homogenous in nature since they always contain frozen and unfrozen phase and a non‐uniform distribution of food components. These components differ greatly in their ability to absorb radiofrequency energy and this tends to cause localized area to overheat before other areas are thawed (Boonsumrej et al. 2007). Therefore, this resulted into considerable moisture loss in all the soup samples packaged in both plastic and aluminum containers and thawed in microwave oven at every freeze–thaw cycle. Plastic containers absorbed heat and retained it to thaw the soups packed in them at a considerable rate in hot water and microwave‐thawing conditions, while aluminum containers conducted heat away from the soups they contained, creating less effective thawing rate in hot water and microwave‐thawing conditions, this might be due to high heat transfer coefficient of the aluminum containers (Singh and Heldman 2000). Although microwave thawing produced rapid thawing in plastic containers, and much more uniform than heating by conduction (Karel and Lund 2003), little amount of moisture was lost compared to other conditions stated earlier where considerable losses were observed.

Protein

Tables 2, 3, 4, 5 show the protein content obtained for both freshly prepared and selected soup samples subjected to freeze–thaw cycles under different freezing and thawing conditions. The freshly prepared soups had protein values of 18.70 ± 0.42% (Ogbono), 6.00 ± 0.01% (Ewedu), 15.94 ± 0.08% (Ila), and 8.80 ± 0.14% (Kuka). While the protein values of the selected soup samples subjected to different frozen and thawing conditions ranged from 16.15 ± 0.14% to 18.70 ± 0.42% (Ogbono), 3.63 ± 0.15% to 5.92 ± 0.07% (Ewedu), 11.92 ± 0.07% to 15.44 ± 0.40% (Ila), and 8.44 ± 0.08% to 8.74 ± 0.13% (Kuka).

Proteins are important in the body due to their numerous roles (Uwakwe and Ayalogu 1998; DuruMajesty et al. 2012). Of the four soups under investigation, freshly prepared Ogbono had the highest protein content. Freshly prepared Ewedu and Kuka with lower protein contents might not be able to contribute significantly to the daily protein requirements of 22–56 g (NRC 1975). During freezing and thawing of soups, it was observed that soups that were packaged in plastic and aluminum containers and thawed at 5 days interval for four freeze–thaw cycles at room temperature had the lowest protein content retention (Tables 2, 3, 4, 5). While soups that were packaged in plastic and thawed in microwave oven had the highest protein content retention when compared with the freshly prepared soup (Tables 2, 3, 4, 5). Considerable amount of losses in the protein contents of soups subjected to freezing and thawing conditions were observed as the freeze–thaw cycles (1–4) increased. Protein denaturation can be defined as functionality caused by changes in the protein structure due to the disruption of chemical bonds and by secondary interactions with other constituents (Alizadeh et al. 2009). The reduction in crude protein of the soups during ice storage could be attributed to the gradual degradation of the initial crude protein to more volatile products as total volatile bases (TVB), trimethyl amine (TMA) hydrogen sulfide, and ammonia and the changes in protein and lipid content might be associated with the leaching out to ice of some of the lipid fractions (Obemeata and Christopher 2012). The reduction in crude protein content of the frozen soups might also have been due to a decrease in salt‐soluble protein and water‐soluble protein (Chomnawang et al. 2007) or due to autolytic deterioration associated with the actions of endogenous enzymes and bacteria (Hultman and Rustard 2004). Losses in protein during thawing might be due to heat disruption (Alizadeh et al. 2007b) (hot water thawing), energy disruption (microwave thawing) (Boonsumrej et al. 2007), and microbial activities (room temperature thawing) (Leygonie et al. 2012).

Fat

Presented in Tables 2, 3, 4, 5 are the fat content obtained for both freshly prepared and selected soup samples subjected to freeze–thaw cycles under different freezing and thawing conditions. The freshly prepared soups had the fat value of 6.12 ± 0.11% (Ogbono), 1.05 ± 0.05% (Ewedu), 2.13 ± 0.04% (Ila), and 2.29 ± 0.01% (Kuka). While the fat values of the selected soup samples subjected to different frozen and thawing conditions ranged from 5.15 ± 0.03% to 6.12 ± 0.11% (Ogbono), 1.00 ± 0.02% to 1.05 ± 0.05% (Ewedu), 1.82 ± 0.07% to 2.08 ± 0.03% (Ila), and 2.15 ± 0.01% to 2.28 ± 0.01% (Kuka).

However, soups packaged in plastic and aluminum containers and thawed at 5 days interval for four freeze–thaw cycles at room temperature had the lowest fat retention (Tables 2, 3, 4, 5). While soups that were packaged in plastic and thawed in microwave oven had the highest fat content retention when compared with the freshly prepared soup (Tables 2, 3, 4, 5). Fats are saturated lipids at room temperature (Kritchevsky 1996; DuruMajesty et al. 2012) which are known to play protective roles in the body system (Olusanya 2008). Some important fatty acids such as omega‐3‐fatty acid, etc., are derived from fats. These fatty acids are noted for their roles in the body system (Obidoa et al. 2010). The crude fat content of the soups were in the range of 1.05 ± 0.05% to 6.12 ± 0.11%. Decrease in the fat contents of soups subjected to freezing and thawing conditions varies considerably as the freeze–thaw cycle increases (1–4). Variation in the fat contents might be as a result of different quantities of palm oil added to the soups as stated in the recipe book. For all the conditions that the selected soups were subjected to, the fat content reduced during the freeze–thaw cycles. The reduction in fat content indicates an increase in lipid oxidation. This could be due to the release of oxidative enzymes and pro‐oxidants from various rupture cellular organelles (Boonsumrej et al. 2007).

Crude fiber

The results of crude fiber content obtained for both freshly prepared and selected soup samples subjected to freeze–thaw cycles under different freezing and thawing conditions are shown in Tables 2, 3, 4, 5. The freshly prepared soups had the crude fiber value of 1.04 ± 0.60% (Ogbono), 1.04 ± 0.60% (Ewedu), 1.15 ± 0.07% (Ila), and 0.88 ± 0.02% (Kuka). While the crude fiber values of the selected soup samples subjected to different frozen and thawing conditions ranged from 0.92 ± 0.60% to 1.03 ± 0.60% (Ogbono), 1.00 ± 0.59% to 1.03 ± 0.61% (Ewedu), 1.07 ± 0.06% to 1.14 ± 0.01% (Ila), and 0.79 ± 0.01% to 0.88 ± 0.01% (Kuka).

Adequate intake of dietary fiber can lower the level of serum cholesterol and reduce the risk of developing hypertension, constipation, diabetes, colon cancer, and coronary heart disease (Ishida et al. 2000). The fiber content of the freshly prepared soups ranged between 0.875 ± 0.02% and 1.47 ± 0.02%, with Ila having the highest fiber content. The lowest crude fiber retention was obtained at every freeze–thaw cycle in soups packaged in plastic and aluminum containers but thawed at room temperature. While soups that were packaged in plastic and thawed in microwave oven had the highest crude fiber content retention when compared with the freshly prepared soup (Tables 2, 3, 4, 5). An increase in the number of freeze–thaw cycles (1–4) resulted to the considerable amount of loss in the crude fiber content of soups subjected to freezing and thawing conditions. Losses in crude fiber from all these soups were most probably dominated by enzyme‐induced degradation. The variation in the percentage loss of crude fiber demonstrated the differences in vulnerabilities of the selected soup to spoilage at every freeze–thaw cycle. This might be due to mechanical stress caused by freezing and thawing, surface area, and their differing enzymatic activities (Martinez‐Romero et al. 2004). Minimal losses in crude fiber of soup samples packaged in plastic and thawed in microwave oven was attributed to the short thawing time which limited enzymatic activities.

Ash

Tables 2, 3, 4, 5 present the ash content obtained for both freshly prepared and selected soup samples subjected to freeze–thaw cycles under different freezing and thawing conditions. The freshly prepared soups had the ash value of 4.55 ± 0.21% (Ogbono), 1.81 ± 0.01% (Ewedu), 1.90 ± 0.14% (Ila), and 2.09 ± 0.01% (Kuka). While the ash values of the selected soup samples subjected to different frozen and thawing conditions ranged from 4.55 ± 0.11% to 5.14 ± 0.09% (Ogbono), 1.81 ± 0.01% to 2.03 ± 0.04% (Ewedu), 1.90 ± 0.04% to 2.52 ± 0.06% (Ila), and 2.09 ± 0.01% to 2.18 ± 0.05% (Kuka). The ash content was moderate in all the soups samples subjected to freezing and thawing conditions. Ash content is an index of mineral contents in biota (Akubugwo et al. 2007). The observed ash content from the freshly prepared soups ranged between 1.81 ± 0.01% and 4.55 ± 0.21%, with freshly prepared Ogbono having the highest ash content. This could mean that the minerals in freshly prepared Ogbono are higher than that of others. Accordingly, reductions in other chemical components might result into corresponding increase in ash contents due to concentration of soluble solids with relatively chemically stable products.

Carbohydrate

Tables 2, 3, 4, 5 show the carbohydrate values obtained for both freshly prepared and selected soup samples subjected to freeze–thaw cycles under different freezing and thawing conditions. The freshly prepared soups had the carbohydrate values of 0.89 ± 0.64% (Ogbono), 7.41 ± 0.20% (Ewedu), 1.64 ± 0.60% (Ila), and 7.41 ± 0.20% (Kuka). While the carbohydrate values of the selected soup samples subjected to different frozen and thawing conditions ranged from 1.23 ± 0.55% to 8.49 ± 0.63% (Ogbono), 7.85 ± 0.12% to 13.53 ± 0.06% (Ewedu), 2.28 ± 0.49% to 11.72 ± 0.21% (Ila), and 7.85 ± 0.12% to 15.56 ± 0.12% (Kuka).

During freezing and thawing of soups, it was observed that soups that were packaged in plastic and aluminum containers and thawed at 5 days interval for four freeze–thaw cycles at room temperature had the lowest carbohydrate retention when compared with microwave and hot water–thawed soups packaged in plastic containers (Tables 2, 3, 4, 5). While soups that were packaged in plastic and thawed in microwave oven had the lowest carbohydrate content when compared with the freshly prepared soup (Tables 2, 3, 4, 5). An increase in the number of freeze–thaw cycles (1–4) resulted to the considerable increase in the carbohydrate content of soups subjected to freezing and thawing conditions. Increase in carbohydrate content at every freeze–thaw cycle might be as a result of loss of moisture which causes redistribution of chemical composition within the food. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) values of carbohydrate for adults and pregnant and lactating mothers are 130, 175, and 210 g, respectively (DuruMajesty et al. 2012). The carbohydrate contents of the soups were very low, but this is not a concern since they are been consumed along with starch‐based dietary staples (Kayode et al. 2010).

Effect of freezing and thawing conditions on mineral composition of some selected soups

The effect of freezing and thawing conditions on the mineral composition of Ogbono, Ewedu, Ila, and Kuka soups subjected to frozen storage were presented in Tables 6, 7, 8, 9. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the mineral composition of Ogbono, Ewedu, Ila, and Kuka soups when subjected to the above frozen and thawing conditions as compared to the freshly prepared Ogbono, Ewedu, Ila, and Kuka soups.

Table 6.

Effect of freezing and thawing conditions on mineral composition of Ogbono soups

Sample Iron (mg/100 g) Calcium (mg/100 g) Sodium (mg/100 g) Potassium (mg/100 g) Phosphorus (mg/100 g)
Cycle 0
O 6.34 ± 0.10a 73.71 ± 0.04a 160.21 ± 0.26a 260.50 ± 0.50a 337.19 ± 0.07a
Cycle 1
AH 6.14 ± 0.03c–f 73.45 ± 0.06c–e 159.66 ± 0.03b–d 259.81 ± 0.11cd 336.97 ± 0.07b–d
AR 6.11 ± 0.03e–g 73.32 ± 0.02g–i 159.35 ± 0.10g–k 259.63 ± 0.07d–f 336.80 ± 0.08d–g
AM 6.11 ± 0.01e–g 73.34 ± 0.06f–i 159.55 ± 0.07c–f 259.74 ± 0.08c–e 336.86 ± 0.08d–f
PH 6.18 ± 0.05b–d 73.51 ± 0.04c 159.76 ± 0.10b 259.93 ± 0.07bc 337.08 ± 0.07a–c
PR 6.09 ± 0.02fg 73.31 ± 0.06g–i 159.44 ± 0.10e–h 259.63 ± 0.06d–f 336.81 ± 0.07d–g
PM 6.23 ± 0.10b 73.62 ± 0.05b 159.93 ± 0.16a 260.03 ± 0.05b 337.13 ± 0.12ab
Cycle 2
AH 6.10 ± 0.02e–g 73.38 ± 0.07e–h 159.50 ± 0.09d–g 259.46 ± 0.12f–i 336.79 ± 0.11d–h
AR 6.09 ± 0.01fg 73.30 ± 0.07g–i 159.40 ± 0.06e–i 259.33 ± 0.04h–j 336.72 ± 0.08e–h
AM 6.09 ± 0.02fg 73.32 ± 0.09g–i 159.44 ± 0.07e–h 259.39 ± 0.07g–j 336.73 ± 0.10e–h
PH 6.13 ± 0.02c–g 73.43 ± 0.10c–f 159.56 ± 0.11c–e 259.51 ± 0.07f–h 336.90 ± 0.10c–e
PR 6.08 ± 0.01fg 73.29 ± 0.08g–i 159.37 ± 0.06f–j 259.34 ± 0.04g–j 336.72 ± 0.12e–h
PM 6.19 ± 0.01bc 73.49 ± 0.04cd 159.71 ± 0.17bc 259.75 ± 0.15c–e 337.06 ± 0.09a–c
Cycle 3
AH 6.12 ± 0.10d–g 73.38 ± 0.03e–h 159.27 ± 0.07h–k 259.41 ± 0.04f–j 336.66 ± 0.08f–j
AR 6.08 ± 0.01fg 73.32 ± 0.03g–i 159.19 ± 0.07jk 259.34 ± 0.03g–j 336.29 ± 0.07l
AM 6.09 ± 0.02fg 73.35 ± 0.03f–i 159.23 ± 0.06i–k 259.37 ± 0.04g–j 336.60 ± 0.08h–j
PH 6.14 ± 0.01c–f 73.42 ± 0.04d–f 159.31 ± 0.09g–k 259.43 ± 0.12f–j 336.76 ± 0.08e–h
PR 6.07 ± 0.02g 73.31 ± 0.03g–i 159.20 ± 0.06jk 259.33 ± 0.03h–j 336.33 ± 0.11kl
PM 6.16 ± 0.02c–e 73.44 ± 0.04c–e 159.45 ± 0.09e–g 259.57 ± 0.09e–g 336.97 ± 0.07b–d
Cycle 4
AH 6.10 ± 0.01e–g 73.30 ± 0.02g–i 159.27 ± 0.02h–k 259.24 ± 0.04ij 336.77 ± 0.28e–h
AR 6.08 ± 0.00fg 73.29 ± 0.01g–i 159.18 ± 0.03k 259.27 ± 0.05h–j 336.49 ± 0.07jk
AM 6.09 ± 0.03fg 73.29 ± 0.02g–i 159.22 ± 0.03i–k 259.21 ± 0.04j 336.65 ± 0.06g–j
PH 6.11 ± 0.01e–g 73.34 ± 0.02f–i 159.31 ± 0.06g–k 259.29 ± 0.04h–j 336.69 ± 0.15f–i
PR 6.08 ± 0.02fg 73.28 ± 0.02i 159.21 ± 0.03jk 259.26 ± 0.04ij 336.50 ± 0.05i–k
PM 6.13 ± 0.02c–g 73.38 ± 0.02e–g 159.37 ± 0.07f–j 259.46 ± 0.09f–i 336.82 ± 0.07d–g

Values are means of three replicates. Mean values having different superscripts within a column are significantly different (P < 0.05). PH, packaged in plastics but thawed with hot water; AH, packaged in aluminum but thawed with hot water; PM, packaged in plastics but thawed with microwave; AM, packaged in aluminum but thawed with microwave; AR, packaged in aluminum but thawed at room temperature; PR, packaged in plastics but thawed at room temperature.

Table 7.

Effect of freezing and thawing conditions on mineral composition of Ewedu soups

Samples Iron (mg/100 g) Calcium (mg/100 g) Sodium (mg/100 g) Potassium (mg/100 g) Phosphorus (mg/100 g)
Cycle 0
E 6.75 ± 0.08a 147.53 ± 0.25a 150.29 ± 0.05a 206.30 ± 0.05a 312.43 ± 0.08a
Cycle 1
AH 6.65 ± 0.06bc 146.30 ± 0.17c 149.45 ± 0.12c–e 205.75 ± 0.12c–f 311.60 ± 0.17cd
AR 6.59 ± 0.05c–e 144.79 ± 0.10f 149.32 ± 0.13c–f 205.47 ± 0.08e–g 311.27 ± 0.10f–h
AM 6.62 ± 0.07cd 145.67 ± 0.11d 149.37 ± 0.14c–f 205.56 ± 0.11d–g 311.43 ± 0.21d–f
PH 6.71 ± 0.03ab 147.12 ± 0.07b 149.61 ± 0.23bc 205.97 ± 0.17a–c 311.89 ± 0.11b
PR 6.60 ± 0.02c–e 144.18 ± 0.05h 149.24 ± 0.10c–g 205.41 ± 0.08f–h 311.19 ± 0.08f–i
PM 6.71 ± 0.07ab 147.12 ± 0.24b 149.90 ± 0.43b 206.16 ± 0.15ab 312.29 ± 0.05a
Cycle 2
AH 6.48 ± 0.02fg 144.97 ± 0.17f 149.14 ± 0.12e–h 205.41 ± 0.17f–h 311.33 ± 0.12e–g
AR 6.56 ± 0.04d–f 144.13 ± 0.04h 148.71 ± 0.62h–l 205.29 ± 0.46g–i 311.23 ± 0.13f–h
AM 6.43 ± 0.03gh 144.68 ± 0.13fg 149.09 ± 0.03e–h 205.36 ± 0.07f–h 311.29 ± 0.13fg
PH 6.53 ± 0.02ef 145.35 ± 0.11e 149.43 ± 0.09c–e 205.83 ± 0.29b–e 311.77 ± 0.19bc
PR 6.54 ± 0.04ef 143.19 ± 0.03j 148.63 ± 0.64h–k 205.22 ± 0.08g–i 311.15 ± 0.13g–i
PM 6.65 ± 0.06bc 146.34 ± 0.11c 149.58 ± 0.26b–d 205.93 ± 0.29a–d 312.02 ± 0.02b
Cycle 3
AH 6.40 ± 0.02hi 144.19 ± 0.08h 148.83 ± 0.05g–k 205.00 ± 0.10h–j 311.36 ± 0.17d–g
AR 6.33 ± 0.02i–l 143.07 ± 0.50jk 148.45 ± 0.06i–m 204.80 ± 0.40j 311.14 ± 0.09g–i
AM 6.36 ± 0.03h–j 143.23 ± 0.07j 148.57 ± 0.09h–l 204.92 ± 0.16ij 311.22 ± 0.13f–h
PH 6.54 ± 0.36ef 144.89 ± 0.22f 148.86 ± 0.26g–j 205.41 ± 0.23f–h 311.55 ± 0.22c–e
PR 6.29 ± 0.03j–l 142.33 ± 0.14l 148.40 ± 0.06j–m 204.72 ± 0.37j 311.10 ± 0.10g–j
PM 6.59 ± 0.04c–e 146.25 ± 0.08c 149.17 ± 0.07d–g 205.48 ± 0.48j 311.89 ± 0.10b
Cycle 4
AH 6.34 ± 0.01i–k 143.67 ± 0.29i 148.30 ± 0.09k–m 204.80 ± 0.25 310.94 ± 0.13ij
AR 6.26 ± 0.04lm 142.48 ± 0.07l 148.16 ± 0.07lm 204.90 ± 0.20ij 311.00 ± 0.12h–j
AM 6.28 ± 0.04k–m 142.84 ± 0.05k 148.18 ± 0.08lm 204.74 ± 0.28j 310.87 ± 0.27j
PH 6.49 ± 0.03fg 144.43 ± 0.16gh 148.62 ± 0.05h–k 205.02 ± 0.07h–j 311.27 ± 0.08f–h
PR 6.21 ± 0.03m 141.51 ± 0.24m 148.12 ± 0.08m 204.90 ± 0.20ij 310.93 ± 0.21ij
PM 6.50 ± 0.06f 145.68 ± 0.18d 148.96 ± 0.2f–i 205.47 ± 0.18e–g 311.56 ± 0.11c–e

Values are means of three replicates. Mean values having different superscripts within a column are significantly different (P < 0.05). PH, packaged in plastics but thawed with hot water; AH, packaged in aluminum but thawed with hot water; PM, packaged in plastics but thawed with microwave; AM, packaged in aluminum but thawed with microwave; AR, packaged in aluminum but thawed at room temperature; PR, packaged in plastics but thawed at room temperature.

Table 8.

Effect of freezing and thawing conditions on mineral composition of Ila soups

Sample Iron (mg/100 g) Calcium (mg/100 g) Sodium (mg/100 g) Potassium (mg/100 g) Phosphorus (mg/100 g)
Cycle 0
I 5.30 ± 0.04a 73.57 ± 0.18a 152.48 ± 1.24a 210.24 ± 0.27a 238.84 ± 1.15a
Cycle 1
AH 5.27 ± 0.01a 72.88 ± 0.34b 150.21 ± 0.15ef 209.20 ± 0.12a–c 234.91 ± 0.79c–e
AR 5.24 ± 0.02a–d 71.62 ± 0.12c–e 148.37 ± 0.07ij 206.41 ± 0.95e–g 232.72 ± 0.74gh
AM 5.24 ± 0.02a–d 71.88 ± 0.11c 149.01 ± 0.10hi 208.57 ± 0.76b–d 234.04 ± 0.65ef
PH 5.28 ± 0.04a 72.49 ± 0.20b 151.48 ± 0.34c 209.55 ± 0.11bc 235.95 ± 0.61c
PR 5.14 ± 0.03ij 71.48 ± 0.04c–f 147.82 ± 0.12jk 206.12 ± 0.34g 232.00 ± 0.58h
PM 5.28 ± 0.02a 72.60 ± 0.37b 152.24 ± 1.26ab 210.04 ± 0.36a 237.37 ± 0.88b
Cycle 2
AH 5.26 ± 0.02a–c 71.38 ± 0.21d–f 149.46 ± 0.91gh 207.46 ± 1.00d–f 233.36 ± 0.37fg
AR 5.22 ± 0.01de 70.71 ± 0.32gh 147.54 ± 0.31k 204.52 ± 0.84hi 231.69 ± 0.38hi
AM 5.24 ± 0.01a–d 70.87 ± 0.40gh 148.75 ± 0.09i 205.59 ± 0.56gh 232.40 ± 0.52gh
PH 5.23 ± 0.03bc 71.48 ± 0.21c–f 151.26 ± 0.07cd 208.30 ± 0.22c–e 234.71 ± 0.59de
PR 5.11 ± 0.01j 70.72 ± 0.11gh 146.59 ± 0.18l 204.53 ± 0.52hi 230.67 ± 0.48ij
PM 5.26 ± 0.03bc 71.80 ± 0.30cd 151.71 ± 0.28bc 209.57 ± 0.10bc 235.72 ± 0.52cd
Cycle 3
AH 5.21 ± 0.01e–g 71.04 ± 0.09fg 148.76 ± 0.09i 206.04 ± 0.34g 235.72 ± 0.57h
AR 5.15 ± 0.01hi 69.85 ± 0.20jk 146.21 ± 0.21lm 202.93 ± 1.14ij 229.91 ± 0.58jk
AM 5.18 ± 0.02f–h 70.14 ± 0.23ij 147.75 ± 0.12jk 203.67 ± 0.62hi 230.78 ± 0.62ij
PH 5.22 ± 0.01de 71.16 ± 0.10fg 150.05 ± 0.04fg 207.26 ± 0.06d–f 233.37 ± 0.42fg
PR 5.05 ± 0.02k 69.05 ± 0.53n 145.28 ± 0.07n 202.39 ± 0.04j 228.89 ± 0.45kl
PM 5.23 ± 0.01b–d 71.33 ± 0.20ef 151.06 ± 0.06cd 208.68 ± 0.12bc 234.23 ± 0.26ef
Cycle 4
AH 5.16 ± 0.01hi 70.43 ± 0.18hi 146.79 ± 0.17l 204.24 ± 0.75j 230.69 ± 0.08ij
AR 5.15 ± 0.02h–j 69.22 ± 0.14lm 145.67 ± 0.21mn 201.06 ± 0.74k 228.97 ± 0.46kl
AM 5.16 ± 0.02hi 69.49 ± 0.11kl 146.67 ± 0.20l 202.66 ± 0.61ij 229.66 ± 0.50jk
PH 5.18 ± 0.02g–i 70.51 ± 0.21hi 149.66 ± 0.09f–h 206.30 ± 0.12fg 231.56 ± 0.78hi
PR 4.97 ± 0.03l 68.11 ± 0.32m 144.39 ± 0.14o 200.38 ± 0.97k 227.99 ± 0.30l
PM 5.22 ± 0.03ef 70.74 ± 0.23gh 150.73 ± 0.28de 208.36 ± 0.58c–e 233.41 ± 0.73fg

Values are means of three replicates. Mean values having different superscripts within a column are significantly different (P < 0.05). PH, packaged in plastics but thawed with hot water; AH, packaged in aluminum but thawed with hot water; PM, packaged in plastics but thawed with microwave; AM, packaged in aluminum but thawed with microwave; AR, packaged in aluminum but thawed at room temperature; PR, packaged in plastics but thawed at room temperature.

Table 9.

Effect of freezing and thawing conditions on mineral composition of Kuka soups

Samples Iron (mg/100 g) Calcium (mg/100 g) Sodium (mg/100 g) Potassium (mg/100 g) Phosphorus (mg/100 g)
Cycle 0
K 6.28 ± 0.02a 190.83 ± 0.08a 231.72 ± 0.03b 302.07 ± 0.06a 323.52 ± 0.50a
Cycle 1
AH 6.23 ± 0.03bc 190.66 ± 0.05a–f 231.56 ± 0.07b 301.82 ± 0.01b–d 323.17 ± 0.01a–c
AR 6.19 ± 0.03e–g 190.47 ± 0.10d–i 231.38 ± 0.10b 301.74 ± 0.03c–f 323.11 ± 0.01a–d
AM 6.21 ± 0.02c–f 190.59 ± 0.13a–h 261.44 ± 0.09a 301.80 ± 0.32c–e 323.14 ± 0.02a–c
PH 6.23 ± 0.02bc 190.76 ± 0.10a–c 231.59 ± 0.05b 301.88 ± 0.02bc 323.21 ± 0.03a–c
PR 6.18 ± 0.02f–h 190.41 ± 0.03f–i 261.19 ± 0.05a 301.51 ± 0.04g–i 323.09 ± 0.01a–d
PM 6.24 ± 0.02b 190.79 ± 0.10ab 231.64 ± 0.07b 301.97 ± 0.07ab 323.37 ± 0.07ab
Cycle 2
AH 6.21 ± 0.01b–e 190.71 ± 0.11a–d 231.34 ± 0.11b 301.63 ± 0.06e–g 322.89 ± 0.11c–e
AR 6.19 ± 0.01d–g 190.44 ± 0.12e–i 231.38 ± 0.16b 301.58 ± 0.06f–h 322.66 ± 0.20d–g
AM 6.21 ± 0.01b–f 190.61 ± 0.16a–g 231.31 ± 0.08b 301.59 ± 0.13f–h 322.81 ± 0.12c–f
PH 6.22 ± 0.01b–d 190.59 ± 0.03a–h 231.49 ± 0.07b 301.82 ± 0.07b–d 323.06 ± 0.04b–d
PR 6.15 ± 0.02hi 190.37 ± 0.07g–i 231.16 ± 0.03b 301.40 ± 0.03ij 322.55 ± 0.12e–g
PM 6.23 ± 0.01bc 190.67 ± 0.05a–e 231.56 ± 0.06b 301.88 ± 0.08bc 323.10 ± 0.02a–d
Cycle 3
AH 6.20 ± 0.10c–f 190.52 ± 0.02c–i 231.43 ± 0.08b 301.75 ± 0.07c–f 322.51 ± 0.04e–g
AR 6.11 ± 0.02jk 190.33 ± 0.23i 231.48 ± 0.11b 301.45 ± 0.22h–j 322.26 ± 0.17g–i
AM 6.19 ± 0.01e–g 190.33 ± 0.21hi 231.35 ± 0.06b 301.50 ± 0.23g–i 322.38 ± 0.27f–h
PH 6.21 ± 0.01b–f 190.50 ± 0.09c–i 231.47 ± 0.05b 301.72 ± 0.03c–f 322.67 ± 0.29d–g
PR 6.10 ± 0.02k 190.08 ± 0.13j 231.13 ± 0.02b 301.32 ± 0.03j 322.25 ± 0.15g–i
PM 6.22 ± 0.01b–e 190.56 ± 0.11b–i 231.48 ± 0.06b 301.80 ± 0.05c–e 322.89 ± 0.21c–e
Cycle 4
AH 6.18 ± 0.01f–h 190.50 ± 0.10c–i 231.36 ± 0.06b 301.65 ± 0.10e–g 321.94 ± 0.24ij
AR 6.14 ± 0.03ij 190.31 ± 0.03i 231.40 ± 0.07b 301.58 ± 0.06f–h 321.85 ± 0.17ij
AM 6.16 ± 0.02g–i 190.36 ± 0.05g–i 231.31 ± 0.05b 301.58 ± 0.07f–h 321.97 ± 0.09h–j
PH 6.19 ± 0.01e–g 190.46 ± 0.10d–i 231.39 ± 0.06b 301.70 ± 0.07d–f 322.86 ± .0.55c–e
PR 6.10 ± 0.02k 189.60 ± 0.39k 230.83 ± 0.06b 301.16 ± 0.13k 321.76 ± 0.13j
PM 6.20 ± 0.01c–f 190.50 ± 0.13c–i 231.43 ± 0.08b 301.74 ± 0.06c–f 322.91 ± 0.51c–e

Values are means of three replicates. Mean values having different superscripts within a column are significantly different (P < 0.05). PH, packaged in plastics but thawed with hot water; AH, packaged in aluminum but thawed with hot water; PM, packaged in plastics but thawed with microwave; AM, packaged in aluminum but thawed with microwave; AR, packaged in aluminum but thawed at room temperature; PR, packaged in plastics but thawed at room temperature.

Iron

The freshly prepared soups had the iron values of 6.34 ± 0.10 mg/100 g (Ogbono), 6.75 ± 0.08 mg/100 g (Ewedu), 5.30 ± 0.04 mg/100 g (Ila), and 6.28 ± 0.02 mg/100 g (Kuka). The range of iron contents of the selected soup samples subjected to different frozen and thawing conditions were as follows: 6.08 ± 0.00–6.23 ± 0.10 mg/100 g (Ogbono), 6.21 ± 0.03–6.71 ± 0.07 mg/100 g (Ewedu), 4.97 ± 0.03–5.28 ± 0.02 mg/100 g (Ila), and 6.16 ± 0.02–6.24 ± 0.02 mg/100 g (Kuka). Freshly prepared Ewedu was observed to have the highest concentration of iron, with freshly prepared Ila having the lowest concentration.

Different minerals perform important body functions including oxygen transport, nerve‐muscle function, enzyme activity, energy metabolism, and formation of some hormones, water balance, acid–base balance, and growth tissues (Hegarty 1995; Sanni et al. 2010). Inadequate mineral intake may become a problem, most especially for the vulnerable groups such as the infants and young children, teenage girls, premenopausal women, and the elderly (Hegarty 1995; Sanni et al. 2010). Deficiencies of some minerals may have serious implications on physical, psychological, and/or economic well‐being of humans (Hegarty 1995; Sanni et al. 2010). Soups selected had appreciable levels of iron content. The adult RDA for iron is 10 mg/day for men and 15 mg/day for women indicating that the selected soups will be able to meet the daily dietary iron requirements (Wardlaw 1999; Kayode et al. 2010). This higher amount of iron in these soup samples might be due to combinations of meats, fish, and other ingredients added to the soups. This corresponds to earlier reports that most Nigerian natural foods are rich in iron (Latunde‐Dada 1997). Openheimer (2000) reported that iron deficiency was extremely common in the developing world, with <50% of the world's population having some degree of deficient iron status based on a wide variety of tests. This corresponds to studies by Elemo et al. (2010b) on the iron status of premenopausal women in a Nigerian university. They reported that these women were at a very high risk of nutritional anemia. This could be attributed to their irregular diet, socioeconomic status, and consumption pattern. However, the presence of antinutrients such as phytatein food could reduce iron absorption and utilization in humans (Kayode et al. 2010).

Calcium

The results of calcium contents obtained for both freshly prepared and selected soup samples subjected to freeze–thaw cycles under different freezing and thawing conditions are revealed in Tables 6, 7, 8, 9. The freshly prepared soups had calcium values of 73.71 ± 0.04 mg/100 g (Ogbono), 147.53 ± 0.25 mg/100 g (Ewedu), 73.57 ± 0.18 mg/100 g (Ila), and 190.83 ± 0.08 mg/100 g (Kuka). The range of iron contents of the selected soup samples subjected to different frozen and thawing conditions were as follows: 73.28 ± 0.02–73.62 ± 0.05 mg/100 g (Ogbono), 141.51 ± 0.24–147.12 ± 0.24 mg/100 g (Ewedu), 68.11 ± 0.32–72.60 ± 0.37 mg/100 g (Ila), and 189.60 ± 0.39–190.79 ± 0.10 mg/100 g (Kuka). Freshly prepared Kuka soup was observed to have the highest concentration of calcium with freshly prepared Ogbono having the lowest concentration. Calcium is one of the macro minerals needed in highest amounts for proper body functions (Sanni et al. 2010). Calcium helps in regulating muscle contraction. It is also required by children and pregnant and lactating women for bones and teeth development (Olusanya 2008). The selected soups had relatively high levels but not sufficient to meet the adequate intake (AI) of calcium for adults (1000–1200 mg/day) and adolescence (1300 mg/day). Calcium deficiency is certainly a risk factor for osteoporosis in later life (Allen 2001). This makes supplementation very important. Flesh and sea foods are often included in these soups and also consumed with tuber or cereal‐based dishes such as cooked cassava, yam, plantain, rice, or maize‐based dishes thus improving the calcium level.

Sodium

Tables 6, 7, 8, 9 present the sodium contents obtained for both freshly prepared and selected soup samples subjected to freeze–thaw cycles under different freezing and thawing conditions. The freshly prepared soups had the sodium values of 160.21 ± 0.26 mg/100 g (Ogbono), 150.29 ± 0.05 mg/100 g (Ewedu), 152.48 ± 1.24 mg/100 g (Ila), and 231.72 ± 0.03 mg/100 g (Kuka). The range sodium contents of the selected soup samples subjected to different frozen and thawing conditions were as follows: 159.18 ± 0.03–159.93 ± 0.16 mg/100 g (Ogbono), 148.12 ± 0.08–149.90 ± 0.43 mg/100 g (Ewedu), 144.39 ± 0.14–152.24 ± 1.26 mg/100 g (Ila), and 230.83 ± 0.06–231.64 ± 0.07 mg/100 g (Kuka). Freshly prepared Kuka was observed to have a very high concentration of sodium while freshly prepared Ewedu had the lowest. It had been established that sodium is needed in highest amount for proper functioning of the body system (Sanni et al. 2010). Sodium is the major positive ion in the extracellular fluid and a key factor in retaining body water. All the soups analyzed had values within the RDA. Under the FDA food‐label ingredients, the daily value for sodium is 2400 mg (Greely 1997). High sodium content has been shown to contribute to hypertension in susceptible individuals, leading to increased calcium loss in urine (Wardlaw 1999). The ratio of sodium to potassium (Na/K) in the body is of great concern for prevention of high blood pressure. Na/K ratio <1 is recommended (FND, 2002). Hence, consumption of Ogbono, Ewedu, Ila, and Kuka soups may not be connected with high blood pressure disease since their Na/K ratio is <1.

Potassium

Tables 6, 7, 8, 9 show the potassium contents obtained for both freshly prepared and selected soup samples subjected to freeze–thaw cycles under different freezing and thawing conditions. The freshly prepared soups had the potassium value of 260.50 ± 0.50 mg/100 g (Ogbono), 206.30 ± 0.05 mg/100 g (Ewedu), 210.24 ± 0.27 mg/100 g (Ila), and 302.07 ± 0.06 mg/100 g (Kuka). The range of potassium contents of the selected soup samples subjected to different frozen and thawing conditions were as follows: 259.21 ± 0.04–260.03 ± 0.05 mg/100 g (Ogbono), 204.74 ± 0.28–206.16 ± 0.15 mg/100 g (Ewedu), 200.38 ± 0.97–210.04 ± 0.36 mg/100 g (Ila), and 301.16 ± 0.13–301.97 ± 0.07 mg/100 g (Kuka). A high concentration of potassium was observed in freshly prepared Kuka soups, with freshly prepared Ewedu having the lowest concentration.

Potassium is also among the macrominerals needed in highest amounts for proper body functions (Sanni et al. 2010). High amounts of potassium were observed in this study and the soups are expected to contribute to proper functioning of the body systems. High amount of potassium in the body was reported to increase iron utilization and it is beneficial to people taking diuretic to control hypertension and excessive excretion of potassium through the body fluid (HMSO, 1994, DuruMajesty et al. 2012). Deficiency in potassium leads to an irregular heartbeat, loss of appetite, and muscle cramps, but as stated earlier, these soups are often not consumed alone but with other food types which could improve the potassium level (Kayode et al. 2010).

Phosphorus

The phosphorus contents obtained for both freshly prepared and selected soup samples subjected to freeze–thaw cycles under different freezing and thawing conditions are presented in Tables 6, 7, 8, 9. The freshly prepared soups had the phosphorus values of 337.19 ± 0.07 mg/100 g (Ogbono), 312.43 ± 0.08 mg/100 g (Ewedu), 238.84 ± 1.15 mg/100 g (Ila), and 323.52 ± 0.50 mg/100 g (Kuka). The range of phosphorus contents of the selected soup samples subjected to different frozen and thawing conditions were as follows: 336.49 ± 0.07–337.13 ± 0.12 mg/100 g (Ogbono), 310.87 ± 0.27–312.29 ± 0.05 mg/100 g (Ewedu), 227.99 ± 0.30–237.37 ± 0.88 mg/100 g (Ila), and 321.76 ± 0.13–323.37 ± 0.07 mg/100 g (Kuka). Phosphorus was observed to be low in freshly prepared Ila compared to freshly prepared Ogbono which had a rather very high concentration.

Phosphorus works in conjunction with calcium to facilitate some roles of calcium in the body system (Dosunmu 1997; Turan et al. 2003). Good calcium and phosphorus ratio should be close to unity (Kayode et al. 2010). Although no disease is currently associated with an inadequate phosphorus intake, its deficiency may contribute to bone loss in elderly women (Wardlaw 1999). The selected soups had a very high level of phosphorus. This indicates that the soups can meet the daily requirements of phosphorus (RDA for adults is >700 mg/day) (Kayode et al. 2010). There were slight changes in all the minerals evaluated with respect to freeze–thaw cycles, packaging materials, and thawing conditions. This could be attributed to drip loss and dehydration that are associated with frozen storage (Sikorski and Kolakowski 2000). Similar result was reported by Arannilewa et al. (2005) for the effect of freezing periods on the mineral composition of tilapia fish. However, soups packaged in plastic containers and thawed under microwave‐thawing condition had the least mineral losses at every freeze–thaw cycle, when compared with others. This could be attributed to the nature of the packaging material and the rapid thawing effect of microwave as mentioned earlier.

Effect of freezing and thawing conditions on the vitamin contents of some selected Nigerian soups

Tables 10, 11, 12, 13 present the effect of freezing and thawing conditions on the vitamins A, B, and E contents of Ogbono, Ewedu, Ila, and Kuka soups subjected to frozen storage. The freezing and thawing conditions significantly influenced all the determined properties at 95% confidence level when compared with freshly prepared soups. Vitamins are potent organic compounds found in certain foods and perform specific and vital functions in body chemistry (Paul and Pearson 2005). These vitamins differ from each other in physiological function, chemical structure, and their distribution in food. They are broadly divided into two categories: water‐soluble and fat‐soluble vitamins (Julie, 2003).

Table 10.

Effect of freezing and thawing conditions on the vitamin contents of Ogbono soup

Sample Vitamin A (mg/100 g) Vitamin B (mg/100 g) Vitamin E (mg/100 g)
Cycle 0
O 39.92 ± 0.08a 36.42 ± 0.07a 74.00 ± 0.15a
Cycle 1
AH 39.74 ± 0.01cd 36.25 ± 0.01cd 73.67 ± 0.03cd
AR 39.16 ± 0.01k 35.73 ± 0.01k 72.60 ± 0.02k
AM 39.58 ± 0.02g 36.11 ± 0.02g 73.37 ± 0.03g
PH 39.80 ± 0.01b 36.31 ± 0.01b 73.78 ± 0.02b
PR 39.58 ± 0.01g 36.11 ± 0.01g 73.37 ± 0.02g
PM 39.83 ± 0.03b 36.33 ± 0.02b 73.83 ± 0.05b
Cycle 2
AH 39.56 ± 0.03g 36.09 ± 0.03g 73.33 ± 0.06g
AR 38.41 ± 0.02n 35.04 ± 0.02n 71.20 ± 0.04n
AM 39.24 ± 0.04j 35.80 ± 0.04j 72.74 ± 0.08j
PH 39.71 ± 0.02de 36.22 ± 0.02de 73.61 ± 0.03de
PR 39.24 ± 0.02j 35.80 ± 0.02j 72.74 ± 0.03j
PM 39.75 ± 0.02c 36.27 ± 0.02c 73.69 ± 0.04c
Cycle 3
AH 39.41 ± 0.02i 35.95 ± 0.02i 73.05 ± 0.04i
AR 37.65 ± 0.02o 34.35 ± 0.02o 69.80 ± 0.04o
AM 38.93 ± 0.03l 35.52 ± 0.03l 72.17 ± 0.05l
PH 39.60 ± 0.02fg 36.13 ± 0.02fg 73.42 ± 0.04fg
PR 38.90 ± 0.03l 35.49 ± 0.02l 72.11 ± 0.05l
PM 39.69 ± 0.02e 36.21 ± 0.02e 73.58 ± 0.03e
Cycle 4
AH 39.24 ± 0.02j 35.80 ± 0.02j 72.75 ± 0.04j
AR 36.93 ± 0.02p 33.69 ± 0.02p 68.45 ± 0.03p
AM 38.61 ± 0.03m 35.22 ± 0.03m 71.58 ± 0.05m
PH 39.49 ± 0.03h 36.33 ± 0.02b 73.20 ± 0.06h
PR 38.58 ± 0.02m 35.19 ± 0.02m 71.51 ± 0.04m
PM 39.63 ± 0.01f 36.15 ± 0.01f 73.46 ± 0.02f

Values are means of three replicates. Mean values having different superscripts within a column are significantly different (P < 0.05). PH, packaged in plastics but thawed with hot water; AH, packaged in aluminum but thawed with hot water; PM, packaged in plastics but thawed with microwave; AM, packaged in aluminum but thawed with microwave; AR, packaged in aluminum but thawed at room temperature; PR, packaged in plastics but thawed at room temperature.

Table 11.

Effect of freezing and thawing conditions on the vitamin contents of Ewedu soup

Sample Vitamin A (mg/100 g) Vitamin B (mg/100 g) Vitamin E (mg/100 g)
Cycle 0
E 31.54 ± 0.05a 10.75 ± 0.02a 30.36 ± 0.05a
Cycle 1
AH 31.35 ± 0.01c 10.69 ± 0.00c 30.18 ± 0.01c
AR 31.13 ± 0.02ef 10.61 ± 0.01ef 29.97 ± 0.02ef
AM 31.09 ± 0.05f 10.60 ± 0.02f 29.93 ± 0.05f
PH 31.20 ± 0.02de 10.64 ± 0.01de 30.04 ± 0.02de
PR 31.24 ± 0.03d 10.65 ± 0.01a 30.08 ± 0.03a
PM 31.49 ± 0.01a 10.74 ± 0.00a 30.32 ± 0.01a
Cycle 2
AH 31.13 ± 0.02ef 10.61 ± 0.01ef 29.97 ± 0.02ef
AR 30.89 ± 0.25gh 10.53 ± 0.09gh 29.74 ± 0.24gh
AM 30.54 ± 0.03j 10.41 ± 0.01j 29.40 ± 0.03j
PH 30.87 ± 0.01h 10.52 ± 0.00h 29.72 ± 0.01h
PR 30.99 ± 0.03g 10.56 ± 0.01g 29.83 ± 0.03g
PM 31.47 ± 0.02ab 10.73 ± 0.01ab 30.29 ± 0.02ab
Cycle 3
AH 30.93 ± 0.04gh 10.54 ± 0.01gh 29.78 ± 0.04gh
AR 30.37 ± 0.03k 10.35 ± 0.01k 29.23 ± 0.03k
AM 30.09 ± 0.02m 10.26 ± 0.01m 28.97 ± 0.02m
PH 30.55 ± 0.04j 10.41 ± 0.01j 29.41 ± 0.04j
PR 30.75 ± 0.02i 10.48 ± 0.01i 29.60 ± 0.02i
PM 31.44 ± 0.03a–c 10.72 ± 0.01a–c 30.26 ± 0.03a–c
Cycle 4
AH 30.74 ± 0.01i 10.48 ± 0.00i 29.60 ± 0.01i
AR 29.95 ± 0.05n 10.21 ± 0.02n 28.83 ± 0.05n
AM 29.54 ± 0.06o 10.07 ± 0.02o 28.44 ± 0.05o
PH 30.22 ± 0.03l 10.30 ± 0.01l 29.09 ± 0.03l
PR 30.48 ± 0.02j 10.39 ± 0.01j 29.35 ± 0.02j
PM 31.39 ± 0.02bc 10.70 ± 0.01bc 30.22 ± 0.02bc

Values are means of three replicates. Mean values having different superscripts within a column are significantly different (P < 0.05). PH, packaged in plastics but thawed with hot water; AH, packaged in aluminum but thawed with hot water; PM, packaged in plastics but thawed with microwave; AM, packaged in aluminum but thawed with microwave; AR, packaged in aluminum but thawed at room temperature; PR, packaged in plastics but thawed at room temperature.

Table 12.

Effect of freezing and thawing conditions on the vitamin contents of Ila soup

Sample Vitamin A (mg/100 g) Vitamin B (mg/100 g) Vitamin E (mg/100 g)
Cycle 0
I 59.88 ± 0.27a 14.08 ± 0.06a 90.24 ± 0.40a
Cycle 1
AH 59.93 ± 0.08a 14.10 ± 0.02a\ 90.32 ± 0.12a
AR 58.51 ± 0.16fg 13.76 ± 0.04fg 88.17 ± 0.24fg
AM 59.11 ± 0.19cd 13.90 ± 0.04cd 89.08 ± 0.29cd
PH 59.34 ± 0.17bc 13.96 ± 0.04bc 89.42 ± 0.25bc
PR 59.38 ± 0.31bc 13.96 ± 0.07bc 89.48 ± 0.47bc
PM 59.80 ± 0.10a 14.07 ± 0.02a 90.12 ± 0.15a
Cycle 2
AH 59.49 ± 0.16b 13.99 ± 0.04b 89.65 ± 0.25b
AR 57.55 ± 0.07i 13.53 ± 0.01i 86.72 ± 0.10i
AM 58.58 ± 0.06fg 13.78 ± 0.01fg 88.29 ± 0.09fg
PH 58.88 ± 0.11de 13.85 ± 0.03de 88.73 ± 0.16de
PR 58.74 ± 0.22ef 13.81 ± 0.05ef 88.52 ± 0.33ef
PM 59.49 ± 0.14b 13.99 ± 0.03b 89.66 ± 0.21b
Cycle 3
AH 59.39 ± 0.08bc 13.97 ± 0.02bc 89.50 ± 0.12bc
AR 56.22 ± 0.07j 13.22 ± 0.02j 84.73 ± 0.11j
AM 58.06 ± 0.08h 13.66 ± 0.02h 87.50 ± 0.12h
PH 58.57 ± 0.10fg 13.78 ± 0.02fg 88.27 ± 0.15fg
PR 58.45 ± 0.18g 13.75 ± 0.04g 88.09 ± 0.27g
PM 59.41 ± 0.09b 13.97 ± 0.02b 89.53 ± 0.13b
Cycle 4
AH 59.27 ± 0.09bc 13.94 ± 0.02bc 89.31 ± 0.14bc
AR 54.93 ± 0.23k 12.92 ± 0.05k 82.79 ± 0.34k
AM 57.45 ± 0.08i 13.51 ± 0.02i 86.57 ± 0.12i
PH 58.39 ± 0.06g 13.73 ± 0.01g 88.00 ± 0.10g
PR 57.89 ± 0.05h 13.61 ± 0.01h 87.23 ± 0.08h
PM 59.30 ± 0.16bc 13.95 ± 0.04bc 89.37 ± 0.24bc

Values are means of three replicates. Mean values having different superscripts within a column are significantly different (P < 0.05). PH, packaged in plastics but thawed with hot water; AH, packaged in aluminum but thawed with hot water; PM, packaged in plastics but thawed with microwave; AM, packaged in aluminum but thawed with microwave; AR, packaged in aluminum but thawed at room temperature; PR, packaged in plastics but thawed at room temperature.

Table 13.

Effect of freezing and thawing conditions on the vitamin contents of Kuka soup

Sample Vitamin A (mg/100 g) Vitamin B (mg/100 g) Vitamin E (mg/100 g)
Cycle 0
K 43.11 ± 0.03a 24.08 ± 0.02a 40.12 ± 0.03a
Cycle 1
AH 42.71 ± 0.01c 23.86 ± 0.01c 39.74 ± 0.01c
AR 41.91 ± 0.26g 23.41 ± 0.15g 39.00 ± 0.24g
AM 42.54 ± 0.03d 23.76 ± 0.01g 39.59 ± 0.02g
PH 42.91 ± 0.02b 23.97 ± 0.01g 39.93 ± 0.02g
PR 42.33 ± 0.01e 23.65 ± 0.01g 39.39 ± 0.01g
PM 42.76 ± 0.02c 23.89 ± 0.01c 39.79 ± 0.02c
Cycle 2
AH 42.31 ± 0.02e 23.64 ± 0.01e 39.38 ± 0.02e
AR 41.02 ± 0.02k 22.91 ± 0.01k 38.17 ± 0.02k
AM 41.99 ± 0.03g 23.46 ± 0.01g 39.08 ± 0.02g
PH 42.70 ± 0.02c 23.85 ± 0.01c 39.73 ± 0.02c
PR 41.56 ± 0.02i 23.22 ± 0.01i 38.67 ± 0.02i
PM 42.44 ± 0.02d 23.71 ± 0.01d 39.49 ± 0.02d
Cycle 3
AH 41.93 ± 0.02g 23.42 ± 0.01g 39.02 ± 0.02g
AR 39.94 ± 0.08m 22.31 ± 0.04m 37.16 ± 0.07m
AM 41.45 ± 0.02j 23.15 ± 0.01j 38.57 ± 0.02j
PH 42.48 ± 0.05d 23.73 ± 0.03d 39.53 ± 0.05d
PR 40.83 ± 0.02l 22.81 ± 0.01l 37.99 ± 0.02l
PM 42.10 ± 0.03f 23.52 ± 0.01f 39.18 ± 0.02f
Cycle 4
AH 41.52 ± 0.04ij 23.19 ± 0.02ij 38.64 ± 0.03ij
AR 38.87 ± 0.08n 21.72 ± 0.05n 36.17 ± 0.08n
AM 40.93 ± 0.01k 22.86 ± 0.01n 38.09 ± 0.01n
PH 42.31 ± 0.02e 23.63 ± 0.01e 39.37 ± 0.02e
PR 40.02 ± 0.02m 22.36 ± 0.01m 37.24 ± 0.02m
PM 41.81 ± 0.02h 23.36 ± 0.01h 38.91 ± 0.02h

Values are means of three replicates. Mean values having different superscripts within a column are significantly different (P < 0.05). PH, packaged in plastics but thawed with hot water; AH, packaged in aluminum but thawed with hot water; PM, packaged in plastics but thawed with microwave; AM, packaged in aluminum but thawed with microwave; AR, packaged in aluminum but thawed at room temperature; PR, packaged in plastics but thawed at room temperature.

Vitamin A

Tables 10, 11, 12, 13 present the vitamin A values obtained for both freshly prepared soups and soups samples subjected to freeze–thaw cycles under different freezing and thawing conditions. The freshly prepared soups had vitamin A values of 39.92 ± 0.08 mg/100 g (Ogbono), 31.54 ± 0.05 mg/100 g (Ewedu), 59.88 ± 0.27 mg/100 g (Ila), and 43.11 ± 0.03 mg/100 g (Kuka). While the vitamin A values of the selected soup samples subjected to different frozen and thawing conditions ranged from 36.93 ± 0.02 to 39.83 ± 0.03 mg/100 g (Ogbono), 29.54 ± 0.06 to 31.49 ± 0.01 mg/100 g (Ewedu), 54.93 ± 0.23 to 59.30 ± 0.16 mg/100 g (Ila), and 38.87 ± 0.08 to 42.91 ± 0.02 mg/100 g (Kuka). It was generally observed that the vitamin A (retinol) content of the soups slightly decreased during freeze storage as they were significantly influenced by the nature of the packaging materials and thawing conditions. Retention of the vitamin A contents under frozen storage might be due to absence of light and air that could cause oxidation which could lead to a considerable depletion of the vitamin A (Eze and Akubor 2012). Slight decrease in the vitamin A contents might be as a result of heat application and thawing duration. Vitamin A (retinol) are known as endogenous antioxidants that can act as scavengers of free radicals, so that protection against the very early stages of lipid oxidation would be favored (Jensen et al. 1998). It is needed for maintenance of skin, mucus membrane, bones, teeth, hair, vision, and reproduction (DuruMajesty et al. 2012). The protective effects of carotenoids (vitamin A precursors) against serious disorders such as heart disease, cancer, and degenerative eye disease had been recognized (Ejoh et al. 2007). The consequences of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) include night blindness, Bitot's spot, corneal xerosis, and corneal scars or ulcers. Other serious consequences have been shown to include increased morbidity and mortality of infants, children, and pregnant women, poor growth of children, and susceptibility to anemia through interface with iron transport and utilization for hemoglobin synthesis (Hart et al. 2005). High amounts of vitamin A were obtained in this study. The observed β‐carotene content of the soups was able to meet the RDA for β‐carotene estimated at 6 mg/day (10,000 IU/day) (Wardlaw 1999; Okeke and Eze 2006) and they are expected to contribute to proper functioning of the body systems. Carotenoids are susceptible to oxidation when they are exposed to light, oxygen, warm temperature, enzyme, and moisture. The conditions encountered with thawing such as exposure to light, temperature, air, and loss of moisture might have been involved in the destruction of carotenoid. During thawing process, catalytic enzyme such as lipoxygenase might be activated in the soups (Park 1987; Paul and Pearson 2005). Lipoxygenase is relatively thermostable with pH optimum of 6.5. It is capable of forming reactive radicals which can oxidize carotenoid, chlorophyll, and other substances (Park 1987; Paul and Pearson 2005). Microwave thawing of soups in plastic containers retained more vitamin A than other thawing methods. This might be due to shorter thawing time and other conditions mentioned above. The reduction in β‐carotene content of soups after thawing corresponds to various reports. Anjum et al. (2008) reported a pronounced reduction in β‐carotene content of selected Indian vegetables during processing. Elemo et al. (2011) established that processing methods caused significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the β‐carotene of the green leafy vegetables and combination of the leafy vegetables with other foodstuffs was recommended to satisfactorily meet the RDA.

Vitamin B

Tables 10, 11, 12, 13 present the vitamin B values obtained for both freshly prepared soups and soups samples subjected to freeze–thaw cycles under different freezing and thawing conditions. The freshly prepared soups had the vitamin B values of 36.42 ± 0.07 mg/100 g (Ogbono), 10.75 ± 0.02 mg/100 g (Ewedu), 14.08 ± 0.06 mg/100 g (Ila), and 24.08 ± 0.02 mg/100 g (Kuka). While the vitamin B values of the selected soup samples subjected to different frozen and thawing conditions ranged from 36.33 ± 0.02 to 36.33 ± 0.02 mg/100 g (Ogbono), 10.07 ± 0.02 to 10.74 ± 0.00 mg/100 g (Ewedu), 12.92 ± 0.05 to 14.10 ± 0.02 mg/100 g (Ila), and 21.72 ± 0.05 to 23.97 ± 0.01 mg/100 g (Kuka). Freshly prepared Ogbono soup was observed to have the highest concentration of vitamin B with freshly prepared Ewedu having the lowest concentration. Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is needed for nervous system and helps in releasing energy from carbohydrate (Paul and Pearson 2005). There was slight reduction in the vitamin B evaluated with respect to freeze–thaw cycles, packaging materials, and thawing conditions. Factors influencing the vitamin B stability of frozen foods include the temperature of the freezing unit and its range of fluctuation, the length of storage, the size of the cut, the thawing method, and the packaging method. Ideally, a temperature of at least −18°C should be used to store both animal and vegetable foods (Severi et al. 1997). Fluctuations in the freezing temperature might be responsible for significant losses of vitamins in soups (Severi et al. 1997). The length of storage affects significantly the retention of vitamins and losses of thiamine tends to increase as the freeze–thaw cycle increased. The thawing duration significantly influence the vitamin B content of the soups, soups with shorter thawing time had high vitamin B retention ability. This might be due to vitamin B susceptibility to heat damage (Aubourg 2001). The selected soups had a high level of vitamin B. This indicates that the soups can meet the daily requirements of vitamin B (RDA for adults is >63 μg/day) (Okeke and Eze 2006).

Vitamin E

The results of vitamin E content obtained for both freshly prepared and selected soup samples subjected to freeze–thaw cycles under different freezing and thawing conditions are revealed in Tables 10, 11, 12, 13. The freshly prepared soups had the vitamin E values of 74.00 ± 0.15 mg/100 g (Ogbono), 30.36 ± 0.05 mg/100 g (Ewedu), 90.24 ± 0.40 mg/100 g (Ila), and 40.12 ± 0.03 mg/100 g (Kuka). While the vitamin B values of the selected soup samples subjected to different frozen and thawing conditions ranged from 68.45 ± 0.03 to 73.83 ± 0.05 mg/100 g (Ogbono), 28.44 ± 0.05 to 30.32 ± 0.01 mg/100 g (Ewedu), 82.79 ± 0.34 to 90.32 ± 0.12 mg/100 g (Ila), and 36.17 ± 0.08 to 39.79 ± 0.02 mg/100 g (Kuka). It was observed that the soups contained vitamin E in moderate concentrations and the variation in the loss of vitamin E of the soups under investigation demonstrated the differences in vulnerabilities of the selected soup to spoilage at every freeze–thaw cycle. Vitamins become important when their functions are considered in the body. Vitamin E (Tocopherol) acts as antioxidants that protects cell wall and aids in reproduction (Julie, 2003; Wardlaw and Kessel 2002). The observed tocopherol content of the soups would be able to meet the RDA for tocopherol estimated at 15 mg/day (Okeke and Eze 2006). The vitamin E can act as an anticoagulant and may increase the risk of bleeding problems and many agencies have set an upper tolerable intake level (UL) for vitamin E at 1000 mg/day (DuruMajesty et al. 2012). Also, the European Food Safety Authority by its Scientific Committee on Food (SCF) has set a tolerable upper intake level (UL) of vitamin E for adult at 300 mg/day (Okeke and Eze 2006). However, the vitamin E reported in this study was within the safe limit and will not constitute any health hazard.

Conclusions

The result of the investigation shows that Ila, Ewedu, Ogbono, and Kuka soups are good sources of vitamins and minerals. Deterioration increased as freeze–thaw cycle increased and that the nutritional quality of the soups was best before subjection to freeze–thaw cycles. The nutritional quality of Ila, Ewedu, Ogbono, and Kuka soups depends on container type, freeze–thaw cycles, and thawing methods. Microwave‐thawed plastic soups had limited nutritional losses when compared with other thawing methods, and should not be extended beyond the third cycle because of increasing reduction in fat and protein, indicating deterioration.

Conflict of Interest

None declared.

References

  1. Akubugwo, I. E. , Obasi N. A., Chinyere G. C., and Ugbogu A. E.. 2007. Nutritional and chemical value of Amaranthus hybridus L. leaves from Afikpo, Nigeria. Afr. J. Biotechnol. 6:2833–2839. [Google Scholar]
  2. Alizadeh, E. , Chapleau N., De lamballerie M., and Le Bail A.. 2007b. Effects of different freezing and thawing processes on the quality of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fillets. Food Eng. Phys. Prop., 72:E279–E284. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  3. Alizadeh, E. , Chapleau N., De lamballerie M., and Le Bail A. (2009). Effect of Freezing and Cooking Processes on the Texture of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo Salar) Fillets. Proceedings of the 5th CIGR Section VI International Symposium on Food Processing, Monitoring Technology in Bioprocesses and Food Quality Management (pp: 262‐269), Potsdam, Germany, 31 August ‐ 02 September 2009.
  4. Allen, L. H. , 2001. Micronutrients. 2020 Focus 5 (Health and Nutrition Emerging and Reemerging Issues in Developing Countries), Brief 10 of 11, February 2001.
  5. Anjum, F. , Khan B. A., Noreen N., Masood T., and Faisal S.. 2008. Effect of boiling and storage on beta‐carotene content of different vegetables. Pak. J. Life Soc. Sci. 6:63–69. [Google Scholar]
  6. AOAC . 2005. Official methods of analysis of the association of official analytical chemistry. AOAC, Washington, DC. [Google Scholar]
  7. Arannilewa, S. T. , Salawu S. O., Sorungbe A. A., and Ola‐Salawu B. B.. 2005. Effect of frozen period on the chemical, microbiological and sensory quality of frozen tilapia fish (Sarotherodun galiaenus). Afr. J. Biotechnol. 4:852–855. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  8. Aubourg, S. G. . 2001. Review: loss of quality during the manufacture of canned fish products. Food Sci. Technol. Int. 7:199 pp. [Google Scholar]
  9. Boonsumrej, S. , Chaiwanichsiri S., and Tantratian S.. 2007. Effect of freezing and thawing on the quality changes of tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) frozen by air‐blast and cryogenic freezing. J. Food Eng. 80:292–299. [Google Scholar]
  10. Chomnawang, C. , Nantachai K., Yongsawatdigul J., Thawornchinsombut S., and Tungkwa‐chara S.. 2007. Chemical and biochemical changes in hybrid catfish fillet stored at 4°C and its gel properties. Food Chem. 103:420–427. [Google Scholar]
  11. Dosunmu, M. I. 1997. Chemical composition of the fruit of Tetraple uratetreptraand the physico‐chemical properties of its oil. Glob. J. Pure Appl. Sci. 3:61–67. [Google Scholar]
  12. DuruMajesty, K. C. , Agomuo E. A., and Amadi B. A.. 2012.  Nutrient composition of “Nduduagworagwo”, a traditional food of Akokwa people in Ideato North L.G.A of Imo State, Nigeria. Cont. J. Food Sci. Technol. 6:27–32. [Google Scholar]
  13. Ejoh, R. A. , Djuikwo V. N., Gouado I., and Mbofung C. M.. 2007. Nutritional components of some non‐conventional leafy vegetables consumed in Cameroon. Pak. J. Nutr. 6:712–717. [Google Scholar]
  14. Elemo, G. N. , Lamidi F. F., Shittu S. A., Pikuda Y. C., and Erukainure O. L.. 2010b. Iron status of premenopausal women in a Nigerian University Community. Asian J. Clin. Nutr. 2:101–107. [Google Scholar]
  15. Elemo, B. O. , Gloria N., Elemo G. N., Senaike A. O., and Erukainure O. L.. 2011. Effect of various processing methods on beta‐carotene and ascorbic acid contents of some green leafy vegetables. Cont. J. Food Sci. Technol. 5:12–16. [Google Scholar]
  16. Eze, J. I. , and Akubor P. I.. 2012. Effect of drying methods and storage on the physicochemical properties of Okra. J. Food Process Technol. 3:177. doi:10.4172/2157‐7110.1000177. [Google Scholar]
  17. FIIRO . 2006. Soup recipe book. Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Nigeria. [Google Scholar]
  18. FND (2002): Food and nutrition board; Dietary reference intake for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fibre, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein and Amino acid (micro‐nutrient). Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences, The National Academies Press, Washington, DC, pp. 107–967. [Google Scholar]
  19. Greely, A. (1997). A pinch of controversy shakes up dietary salt. FDA consumer.
  20. Hallier, A. , Chevallier S., Serot T., and Prost C.. 2007. Freezing‐thawing effects on the colour and texture of European catfish flesh. Int. J. Food Sci. Technol. 43:1253–1262. [Google Scholar]
  21. Hart, A. D. , Azubuike C. U., Barimalaa I. S., and Achinewhu S. C.. 2005. Vegetable consumption pattern of households in selected areas of the old Rivers State in Nigeria. Afr. J. Food Agric. Nutr. Dev. 5:1–19. [Google Scholar]
  22. Hegarty, J. F. 1995. Anaemia, renal insufficiency and cardiovascular outcome. Arterio‐scler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol. 15:1114–1120. [Google Scholar]
  23. HMSO , U. K. 1994. Department of health nutritional aspects of cardiovascular disease, London. Rep. Health Soc. Subj. 46:37–46. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  24. Hultman, L. , and Rustard T.. 2004. Iced storage of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) effects on endogenous enzymes and their impact on muscle proteins and texture. Food Chem. 87:31–34. [Google Scholar]
  25. Ishida, H. , Suzuno H., Sugiyama N., Innami S., Todoro T., and Maekawa A.. 2000. Nutritional evaluation of chemical components of leaves, stalks and stem of sweet potatoes (Ipomea betatas poir). Food Chem. 68:359–367. [Google Scholar]
  26. Jensen, C. , Birk E., Jokumsen A., Skibsted L., and Bertelsen G.. 1998. Effect of dietary levels of fat, a‐tocopherol and astaxanthin on colour and lipid oxidation during storage of frozen rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and during chill storage of smoked trout. Z. Lebensm. Unters. Forsch. 207:189–196. [Google Scholar]
  27. Julie, B. 2003. The importance of vitamin and their role in our body. Ezinne Article Pp. 1–5. [Google Scholar]
  28. Karel, M. , and Lund D. B.. 2003. Physical principles of food preservation. Marcel Dekker, New York. [Google Scholar]
  29. Kayode, F. O. , Ozumba A. U., Ojeniyi S., Adetunji D. O., and Erukainure O. L.. 2010. Micronutrient content of selected indigenous soups in Nigeria. Pak. J. Nutr. 9:962–965. [Google Scholar]
  30. Kritchevsky, D. 1996. Pp. 18–24. Food lipids and artherosclerosis. Food lipids and health. Dekker, New York. [Google Scholar]
  31. Latunde‐Dada, G. 1997. Sources and forms of iron in Nigerian foods and effects of processing on availability. Food Nutr. Bull. 18:84–89. [Google Scholar]
  32. Leygonie, C. , Britz T. J., and Hofman C. L.. 2012. Impact of freezing and thawing on the quality of meat: review. Meat Sci. 91:93–98. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  33. Lim, M. H. , MeFetridge J. E., and Liesebach J.. 2004. Frozen food components and chemical reactions Pp. 67–81 in Hui Y. H., Cornillon P., Legaretta I. G., Lim M. H., Murrell K. D. and Nip W. K., eds. Hand‐book of frozen foods. Marcel Dekker, New York. [Google Scholar]
  34. Martinez‐Romero, D. , Castillo S., and Valero D.. 2004. Quality control in frozen vegetables. University Miguel Hernandez, Orihuela, Alicante, Spain. [Google Scholar]
  35. Mepba, H. D. , Eboh L., and Banigo D. E. B.. 2007. Effects of processing treatments on the nutritive composition and consumer acceptance of some Nigerian edible leafy vegetables. Afr. J. Agric. Nutr. Dev. 7:1–18. [Google Scholar]
  36. Mohapatra, A. , Rautray T. R., Patra A. K., Vijaayan V., and Mohanty R. K.. 2009. Elemental composition in mud crab Scylla serrata from Mahanadi estuary, India: in situ irradiation analysis by external PIXE. Food Chem. Toxicol. 47:119–123. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  37. National Research Council . 1975. Recommended daily dietary allowance. Nutr. Rev. 31:373–395. [Google Scholar]
  38. Obemeata, O. , and Christopher N.. 2012. Organoleptic assessment and proximate analysis of stored Tilapia guineensis. Annu. Rev. Res. Biol. 2:46–52. [Google Scholar]
  39. Obidoa, O. , Joshua P. E., and Eze N. J.. 2010. Phytochemical analysis of Cocos nicifera L. J. Pharm. Res. 3:280–296. [Google Scholar]
  40. Okeke, E. C. , and Eze C.. 2006. Nutrient composition and nutritive cost of igbo traditional Vendor foods and recipes commonly eaten in Nsukka. J. Agric. Food Environ. Ext. 5:36–44. [Google Scholar]
  41. Olusanya, J. O. 2008. Essential of food and nutrition. 1st ed Apex Book Limited, Lagos, Nigeria, Pp. 36–76. [Google Scholar]
  42. Openheimer, S. J. 2000. Iron and its relation to immunity and infectious disease. J. Nutr. 131:616–633. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  43. Park, Y. W. 1987. Effect of freezing, thawing, drying, cooking on carotene retention in carrot, broccoli and spinach. J. Food Sci. 52, 1022–1025. [Google Scholar]
  44. Paul, G. , and Pearson S. (2005): The vitamin. 2nd ed Academic Press, New York, Pp. 31–34. [Google Scholar]
  45. Sanni, S. A. , Oguntona C. R. B., and Maziya‐Dixon B.. 2010. Nutritional composition and sensory properties of iron fortified fufu flour. J. Nat. Sci. Eng. Technol. 9:40–57. [Google Scholar]
  46. Severi, S. , Bedogni G., Manzieri A. M., Poli M., and Battistini N.. 1997. Effects of cooking and storage methods on the micronutrient content of foods. Eur. J. Cancer Prev. 6:S21–S24. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  47. Sikorski, Z. , and Kolakowski E.. 2000. Endogenous enzyme activity and seafood quality: influence of chilling, freezing, and other environmental factors Pp. 451–487 in Haard N. and Simpson B., eds. Seafood enzymes. Utilization and influence on postharvest seafood quality. Marcel Dekker, New York. [Google Scholar]
  48. Singh, R. P. , and Heldman D. R.. 2000. Introduction to food engineering, 3rd ed Academic Press, London, UK. [Google Scholar]
  49. Soundarapandian, P. , Varadharajan D., and Sivasubramanian C.. 2013. Mineral composition of edible crab, Charybdis NatatorHerbst (Crustacea: Decapoda). J. Bioanal. Biomed. 5:99–101. doi:10.4172/1948‐593X.1000088. [Google Scholar]
  50. Turan, M. , Kordali S., Zengin H., Dursun A., and Sezen Y.. 2003. Macro and micro‐ mineral content of some wild edible leaves consumed in Eastern Anatolia. Acta Agric. Scand. Sec. B Plant Soil Sci. 53:129–137. [Google Scholar]
  51. Uwakwe, A. A. , and Ayalogu E. O. (1998). Proteins: In Biochemistry (A tropical approach), Vol. 2. FIUS Publishers, Port Harcourt, Nigeria: Pp. 44–45. [Google Scholar]
  52. Wardlaw, G. N. 1999. Perspective in nutrition. 4th ed McGraw‐Hills, Boston, Pp. 472–500. [Google Scholar]
  53. Wardlaw, G. M. , and Kessel M. W. (2002). Minerals: dietary needs, absorption, transport and excretion In: Perspectives in nutrition, 5th ed Mc Graw‐Hil Companies, Boston, New york: Pp. 418–464. [Google Scholar]
  54. Yamamoto, S. A. , and Harris L. J.. 2001. Phosphate buffer increases recovery of Escherichia coli O157: H7 from frozen apple juice. J. Food Prot., 64:1315–1319. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  55. Zaritzky, N. 2006. Physical‐chemical principles in freezing Pp. 3–33 in Sun D.‐W., ed. Handbook of frozen food packaging and processing. Taylor & Francis, Boca Raton, FL. [Google Scholar]

Articles from Food Science & Nutrition are provided here courtesy of Wiley

RESOURCES