Formulation and Nutritional Quality Evaluation of namakpare Supplemented with Garden Cress (Lepidium sativum L.) Seeds

Abstract

Garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.) is a small perennial edible plant that produces seeds which are very small in size, smooth in texture, oval in shape and reddish brown in colour. The seeds are loaded with macro and micro nutrients and also possess health enhancing properties. Garden cress seeds have galactagogue properties which promote lactation and prevent postnatal complications. Considering these properties, a savory snack i.e. namakpare (matar) was formulated for lactating mothers using variable proportions of germinated gardencress powder. Results revealed a significant increase in the nutritional attributes of germinated garden cress seed incorporated namakpare. There was significant and proportionate increase in macronutrients of namakpare with increase in levels of supplementation. 20 per cent incorporated namakpare had higher amount of ash, fat, fiber, and protein (3.54, 23.20, 2.20, and 11.45 per cent) respectively as compared to control and 5, 10, 15 per cent incorporated namakpare. Iron, calcium and phosphorus content had a surge of value from 1.91, 21.59 and 119.25 mg in control (0 per cent supplementation) to 20.85, 91.79 and 239.86 mg in 20 percent supplementation.