Technical handbook on composite wheat flours : processing of tropical flours

Abstract

The technology of composite flours, in which imported wheat flour is totally or partially substituted by flours from locally grown cereals, tubers and legumes, is now well established. This technology represents a valuable option in minimizing the negative effects resulting from increasing imports of wheat by African countries. the application of this concept at country level requires proper formulation, adaptation of technology., standardization of the new products to be fabricated and related technological training. The Technical Handbook on Composite Flours addresses these problems through its four parts. The Model Pre-feasibility study provides basic guidelines for launching a composite flours programme and can be adapted to various situations prevailing in any country of the region. The second part provides new processing techniques of staple cereals in Africa, including equipment for the industrial processing. The third part summarizes information currently available on existing standards, and is intended to serve as a guide for the elaboration of national standards based on local conditions such as consumer’s acceptability. Finally the presentation goes beyond the technique of bread production to include essential practices in bakery sanitation and management.