Nutritional composition of Sacha inchi (Plukenetia Volubilis L.) as affected by different cooking methods

Abstract

The object of this study was to determine the effect of cooking method on the fatty acid composition, mineral content, and physicochemical properties of Sacha inchi. The analysis showed that roasting at 160 celcius for 6 minutes significantly increased (p < .05) most of the mineral contents of the Sacha inchi, whilst decreasing its potassium and sodium content. Contrarily, boiling at 100 celcius for 13 minutes significantly decreased (p < .05) the mineral contents of the Sacha inchi (except for calcium and sodium). Unsaturated fatty acid content was similarly affected. Roasting at 160 celcius for 6 minutes significantly increased (p < .05) the omega 3, 6, and 9 of the Sacha inchi, but boiling at 100 celcius for 13 minutes significantly decreased (p < .05) its unsaturated fatty acids. These results show that the roasting at 160 celcius for 6 minutes is a superior processing method of Sacha inchi for production and highlight why it is important to correctly perform the cooking process in order to both avoid nutritional value loss and the worsening of physicochemical properties. Therefore, the results of this study indicate the possible utilization of Sacha inchi in food industry.