Effect of sodium chloride replacement and apple pulp inclusion on the physico-chemical, textural and sensory properties of low fat chicken nuggets

The effect of 40 percent sodium chloride replacement with salt substitute blend (potassium chloride, citric acid, tartaric acid and sucrose) and incorporation of apple pulp, at the levels of 8 (Treatment I), 10 (Treatment II) and 12 (Treatment III) g/100 g of formulation, on the various quality characteristics of low fat chicken nuggets was investigated. Emulsion and product pH values were significantly higher (P < 0.01) for the control when compared to treatments. Salt replacement and apple pulp addition resulted in significantly lower (P < 0.05) emulsion stability and cooking yield. Among low salt and low fat nuggets, the product with 12 g/100 g apple pulp had the highest moisture percent. Protein and ash contents were significantly lower (P < 0.01) in treatment products, whereas moisture protein ratio was higher. Incorporation of apple pulp significantly increased (P < 0.01) dietary fibre content, redness, yellowness and chroma index of the product. Textural properties of the products significantly decreased (P < 0.01) with substitution of common salt and addition of apple pulp. Sensory evaluation showed significant reduction (P < 0.01) in texture and overall acceptability scores of treatment products; however, scores were in the range of very good.     

Fat reduction in emulsion sausage using an enzyme‐modified potato starch

BACKGROUND: A heat‐stable amylase‐modified potato starch (MPS) was prepared and used as a fat replacer in reduced‐fat emulsion sausages. The effects of fat level (50, 150 and 300 g kg^?1) and MPS addition (20 and 40 g kg^?1) on energy, colour, sensory, and textural properties of emulsion sausages were investigated. RESULTS: The addition of 20 or 40 g kg^?1 of MPS in reduced‐fat sausage (50–150 g kg^?1 fat) reduced total energy (15.1–49.4%), increased lightness, but lowered redness of the products (P < 0.05). The 150 g kg^?1 or 50 g kg^?1 fat sausages containing 20 g kg^?1 MPS had a similar hardness to the 300 g kg^?1 fat control (P > 0.05). Sensory evaluation indicated that the presence of MPS in reduced‐fat sausages increased (P < 0.05) the product's tenderness. CONCLUSION: Overall, the 150 g kg^?1 fat emulsion sausages with 20 g kg^?1 MPS were comparable to the 300 g kg^?1 fat control sausage in colour, texture profile, and sensory properties, but was lower in energy, suggesting that the MPS can be used as a potential fat replacer in sausage products. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Biochemical and nutritional characteristics of non-conventional protein sources

Some nutritional and antinutritional characteristics of Cucumis sativus L and Lagenaria vulgaris (Molina) Standl seeds ere studied. The mature seed kernels contained 312–318 g kg^?1 crude protein, 9–10 g kg^?1 crude fibre, 444–463 g kg^?1 crude fat, 43–45 g kg^?1 ash and 114–142 g kg^?1 carbohydrates. The biological values of cucumber and bottle gourd proteins ere 74.35 and 74.20 respectively. The essential amino acid profile compared ell ith the FAO/HO scoring pattern except for a deficiency of lysine and isoleucine. Lysine as the first limiting amino acid in both the proteins. The leucine:isoleucine and leucine:lysine ratios did not sho imbalance. Trypsin inhibitor, phytate, lectin and tannin levels ere determined in the defatted decorticated cucurbit seed meals. Heat treatment reduced the trypsin inhibitor and lectin activities in all samples to negligible levels. Levels of phytate and tannins ere found to be similar in all samples.     

Nutritional value and functional properties of a hydrocolloidal soybean and oat blend for use in Asian foods

A rheological study was conducted to determine the functional properties of a hydrocolloidal blend of soybean flour and oat bran, called Soytrim. Soytrim was prepared by thermomechanically processing soybean and oat products. After finding that Soytrim had similar rheological characteristics to coconut and soybean milk products, two studies were conducted to investigate its use in improving the nutritional value of some Asian foods by reducing the saturated fat content and increasing the soluble fibre content. In the first study, four Thai foods were prepared using a 60 g kg^?1 Soytrim suspension to replace some of the coconut milk, with subsequent sensory, chemical and physical analysis. A 750 g kg^?1 substitution of Soytrim for coconut milk in green chicken curry gave a 74.7% reduction in saturated fat content and a 142.8% increase in soluble fibre content. Total substition of Soytrim for coconut milk in fermented soybean dip gave a 96.2% reduction in saturated fat and a 10.6% increase in soluble fibre. Total substitution in mungbean conserve gave a 97.0% reduction in saturated fat and a 19.0% increase in soluble fibre. A 500 g kg^?1 substitution of soytrim for coconut milk in sweetened condensed cassava paste gave a 48.7% reduction in saturated fat and 37.5% increase in soluble fibre. Sensory evaluation of these foods revealed no distinguishable changes in acceptability at the 500 g kg^?1 replacement level, but unacceptability with total substitution. In the second study, more widely consumed Asian foods, soymilk and tofu, were combined with Soytrim. These foods could also be made more nutritious when combined with Soytrim at rates of substitution up to 300 g kg^?1, with satisfactory acceptability at this replacement level. In all the Asian foods studied, the hydrocolloidal blend of soybean flour and oat bran could add nutritional value by reducing saturated fat and increasing soluble fibre. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Development of low-fat and low-calorie beef sausage using modified starch as fat replacement agent

BACKGROUND: The effects of modified waxy maize starch (MWMS, 10–32.5 g kg^?1) as a replacement for varying levels of oil or both oil and wheat flour (WF) on the chemical and technological characteristics of 60% beef sausages were investigated. RESULTS: Addition of MWMS increased water‐holding capacity and decreased moisture content and both cooking and purge losses. Incorporation of MWMS improved organoleptic acceptance compared with control sausages. CONCLUSION: Sausage formula 5 (F5), containing 20 g kg^?1 MWMS and 50 g kg^?1 WF, was better (P < 0.05) than all other formulae. The total caloric content of the sausages decreased significantly with decreasing fat level (P < 0.05); for example, the decrease in fat content of 57.4% in F5 led to a significant decrease in energy value of 34.9% (P < 0.05). Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Dietary fibre level and enzyme inclusion affect nutrient digestibility and excreta characteristics in grower pigs

An experiment was conducted with 12 grower pigs to determine the effects of (1) manipulating dietary neutral detergent fibre (NDF) level and (2) dietary inclusion of fibre‐degrading enzymes on nutrient digestibility and excreta characteristics in pigs. Four diets were formulated to contain three levels of NDF: 1, 66 g kg^?1 NDF (low fibre); 2, 121 g kg^?1 NDF (moderate fibre); 3, 222 g kg^?1 NDF (high fibre); 4, diet 3 plus 2.0 g kg^?1 enzyme. Increasing levels of dietary NDF linearly decreased dry matter and energy digestibilities (r² = 0.99, P < 0.05). Lowering dietary NDF from 222 to 121 g kg^?1 improved nitrogen digestibility by 13% (P < 0.01). Faecal production was decreased by 9% for each 1% decrease in dietary NDF content (r² = 0.99, P < 0.05). Inclusion of fibre‐degrading enzymes in the high‐fibre diet improved dry matter and energy digestibilities by 2 and 3% respectively, and reduced faecal production by 10% (P < 0.01). Faecal and manure (faeces plus urine) pH values from pigs fed the high‐fibre diet and the high‐fibre plus enzyme diet were lower than those from pigs fed the other experimental diets (P < 0.05). In conclusion, lowering the dietary NDF level or inclusion of fibre‐degrading enzymes in high‐fibre diets may offer relatively practical and easy methods for reducing waste production in pigs. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

The influence of fibre level and fat supplementation in expander‐processed diets on grower–finisher pig performance

Seventy‐two entire male pigs (40.4 ± 1.0 kg) were used to study the effects of increasing crude fibre (CF) level in the diet and maintaining the digestible energy (DE) content of the diet by increasing dietary fat inclusion on pig performance and nutrient digestibility in a 3 × 2 factorial experiment. Productive performance and nutrient digestibility were determined in individually fed pigs offered expander‐processed pelleted diets ad libitum containing three levels of CF (50, 60 and 70 g kg^?1) and two levels of fat supplementation (25 and 50 g kg^?1) until slaughter at 100 kg. All diets were expander processed at 105 °C for 5 s at 35 bar pressure having been previously conditioned at 85 °C for 5 s. All diets were formulated to have similar concentrations of digestible energy (13.5 MJ kg^?1) and lysine (10 g kg^?1) and the fat source was a 60:40 blend of tallow and palm oil. The increase in dietary CF level decreased (P < 0.05) the apparent digestibility of crude protein, organic matter (OM) and energy, while the inclusion of 50 g kg^?1 fat decreased (P < 0.01) OM and energy digestibility. The inclusion of 50 g kg^?1 fat in the diet increased (P < 0.01) ether extract digestibility at the 50 and 60 g kg^?1 CF levels; however, fat inclusion had no effect at the 70 g kg^?1 CF level. There was no CF × fat interaction in any growth criteria. The inclusion of 50 g kg^?1 fat in the diet significantly reduced (P < 0.05) feed intake (2.28 versus 2.43 kg day^?1, SEM 0.039), average daily gain (ADG; 0.877 versus 0.927 kg day^?1, SEM 0.017) and DE conversion ratio (36.1 versus 35.0 MJ kg^?1, SEM 0.40). The increase in dietary CF level decreased (linear, P < 0.05) feed intake (2.45 versus 2.32 versus 2.29 kg day^?1, SEM 0.040), ADG (0.940 versus 0.896 versus 0.872 kg day^?1, SEM 0.021) and kill‐out proportion (740 versus 741 versus 730 g kg^?1, SEM 3.6). In conclusion, increasing both the CF level and supplementary fat inclusion rate had a negative effect on pig growth performance and nutrient digestibility. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Combination of hot air drying and deep‐fat frying to reduce the oil content in chicken nuggets

The combination of hot air drying and frying to reduce oil uptake in chicken nuggets was analysed. Two air velocities (2 and 4 m s^?1) and two dry bulb temperatures (44 and 61 °C) were employed in the drying process, as a treatment before or after deep‐fat frying at 160 °C for 90 s in fresh soybean oil. The lowest fat content was obtained by frying followed of drying at 61 °C with air velocity of 2 m s^?1. When drying was applied before frying, mass transfer (moisture loss) during the drying process was modelled according to Fick’s second law; diffusion coefficients ranged between 1.03 and 3.33 × 10^?6 m² s^?1. When drying was applied after frying, a constant rate period was observed during drying process, with velocities between 0.002 and 0.02 kg_water/kg_{dry solids}·min. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) allowed to observe differences in the topography of chicken nuggets obtained from frying or the combination of frying and drying.     

Effect of fat and sugar replacement on cookie properties

Fat mimetics, namely Raftiline, Simplesse, C*deLight and polydextrose, diluted in water to give a gel with 200 g kg^?1 concentration, were used for partial fat replacement and polyols, namely lactitol, sorbitol and maltitol, for sugar replacement in low‐fat, sugar‐free cookies. Raftiline, Simplesse or C*deLight combined with lactitol or sorbitol in 35% fat‐reduced, sugar‐free cookies resulted in products with hardness and brittleness comparable to those of the control. Polydextrose as fat mimetic and maltitol as sugar substitute resulted in very hard and brittle products. Further fat replacement to 50% was achieved using Raftiline, Simplesse or C*deLight combined with a blend of lactitol and sorbitol; however, the final products were hard, brittle and did not expand properly after baking. Cookies prepared with Simplesse had the least acceptable flavour, while cookies prepared with C*deLight were rated as the most acceptable by a sensory panel. The textural properties were improved by either decreasing the amount of alternative sweetener or increasing the concentration of fat mimetic in the gel which was added to the cookies. All fat‐reduced, sugar‐free cookies prepared in this study had higher values of moisture content and water activity than the control, but these values were below the upper limit that affects cookie shelf‐life. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Enrichment of fresh pasta with antioxidant extracts obtained from artichoke canning by‐products by ultrasound‐assisted technology and quality characterisation of the end product

This work is aimed at: (i) analysing the extracts obtained from canning by‐products of three artichoke cultivars (Opal, Capriccio and Catanese) for antioxidant parameters; (ii) comparing UHPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS profile, colour, textural properties and cooking performance of fresh pasta enriched of the most antioxidant extract, with control pasta. The concentrated Catanese cv. extracts showed the highest antioxidant activity (1662 μmol Trolox equivalents L^?1) and the highest levels of luteolin‐7‐O‐rutinoside, luteolin‐7‐O‐glucoside and apigenin‐7‐O‐rutinoside compared to other cultivars. Fresh pasta enriched of Catanese extract showed higher (P < 0.05) phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity (500 mg gallic acid kg^?1 and 1324 μmol Trolox kg^?1, respectively) than control pasta (306 mg gallic acid kg^?1 and 886 μmol Trolox kg^?1, respectively). The extract increased (P < 0.05) pasta brownness (from 19.93 to 23.34), and decreased yellowness (from 27.11 to 23.09), but did not alter textural and cooking parameters. So, pasta was a good vehicle to increase the antioxidant dietary intake.     

The use of bulgur as a meat replacement: bulgur‐sucuk (a vegetarian dry‐fermented sausage)

In this study, bulgur was used to produce a new sucuk (Turkish dry‐fermented sausage) as a vegetarian product. Yellow and black/brown bulgurs were mixed into the sucuk dough as fat and meat imitations respectively. Instead of animal fat, olive oil was used for lubrication. Nitrite and nitrate were not added to the recipe. The bulgur‐sucuk was ripened at 60–95% relative humidity and 18–25 °C over 15 days. During ripening, pH, moisture content and textural (hardness, adhesiveness, springiness, cohesiveness, gumminess, chewiness and resilience), sensory (flavour, colour, cutting and overall scores) and colour (Hunter L, a, b, yellowing index (YI), total colour difference, hue angle, chroma and browning index values) attributes were monitored. The pH and moisture content of the bulgur‐sucuk were 5.81 and 493 g kg^?1 respectively before ripening and decreased to 4.14 and 280 g kg^?1 during ripening. The colour values L, a, b and YI decreased significantly (P < 0.05) to 33.03, 7.67, 11.63 and 80.70 respectively during ripening. Some of these decreases in colour values were expected owing to the lack of nitrite and nitrate. All instrumentally measured textural properties of the bulgur‐sucuk increased significantly (P < 0.05) during ripening. From the results of the parameter measurements and sensory evaluations, bulgur appears to be suitable as a meat replacement when used in a dry‐fermented formulation. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of melon seed meal addition on some quality characteristics of chicken sausages

A study was conducted in which melon seed meal (MSM) replaced fat at levels of 0, 330, 660 and 1000 g kg^?1 in four batches of chicken sausage. The chemical, storage and sensory properties of the sausages were determined in a meat processing laboratory. MSM increased both the ash and protein contents but decreased the ether extract content. The highest ether extract content (257.5 g kg^?1) was obtained for batch 1 (control) while the lowest value (241.5 g kg^?1) was recorded for batch 4. Differences of refrigeration weight loss were statistically significant (P < 0.05) while the results recorded for cooking weight loss did not show any particular trend. MSM decreased refrigeration weight loss and improved overall acceptability of the finished products. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of dietary fibre and MTGase on the quality of mackerel surimi gels

BACKGROUND: The effects of microbial transglutaminase (MTGase; 5 g kg^?1) and dietary fibre (inner pea fibre and chicory root inulin, 20 and 40 g kg^?1) on gels from surimi made with Atlantic (Scomber scombrus) and chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) were studied with the purpose of achieving a better understanding of the underlying phenomena and improving gels. RESULTS: MTGase addition improved textural properties (namely, cohesiveness increased from 0.19–0.41 to 0.59–0.72) and increased pH and water‐holding capacity (WHC). Moreover, MTGase reduced the elastic and viscous modules and darkened gels; protein solubility declined, meaning greater protein aggregation, according to electropherograms. MTGase had no unequivocal effect upon the gels' microstructure. Pea fibre increased hardness (an increase of almost 60% with 40 g kg^?1) and related parameters, the elastic and viscous modules and WHC. Pea fibre reduced extractable protein in sodium dodecyl sulfate and urea (in the absence of MTGase) as well. Scanning electron microscopy revealed different structures for gels containing pea fibre. Regarding inulin, it worsened textural quality and WHC. CONCLUSION: A combination of MTGase and pea fibre can improve a poor quality surimi. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Studies on the antioxygenic activity of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) and its fractions using various in vitro models

BACKGROUND: A study was undertaken to evaluate the antioxygenic activity of bitter gourd pulp and seed powders as well as their various solvent extracts using different methods and to minimise the oxidative deterioration of lipids by natural antioxidants. RESULTS: Bitter gourd pulp and seed powders at 20 g kg^?1 and their ethanol/water extracts exhibited stronger antioxygenic activity than other solvent extracts. Bitter gourd pulp and its extracts showed slightly higher antioxygenic activity than bitter gourd seed and its extracts. This may be attributed to the presence of higher amounts of phenolics and flavonoids, which have been reported as potential antioxidants. The seed portion of bitter gourd contained higher levels of total protein (188.3 g kg^?1), total fat (238.9 g kg^?1) and crude fibre (350.2 g kg^?1) than the pulp portion. Fatty acid analysis of bitter gourd seed oil indicated the presence of α‐eleostearic acid, an isomer of conjugated linolenic acid, as a major fatty acid, but this acid was absent in the pulp. CONCLUSION: The results of this study confirmed the presence of antioxygenic compounds in both bitter gourd pulp and seed. In particular, their ethanol/water extracts showed great potential as natural antioxidants to inhibit lipid peroxidation in foods. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Utilisation of fruit fibres in conventional and reduced‐fat cooked‐meat sausages

The effect of several fruit dietary fibres on the sensory properties of conventional and reduced‐fat cooked‐meat sausages is studied. Fruit fibres were assayed at 15 and 30 g kg^?1 concentrations. The energy value reduction of the final products was close to 30%. Instrumental measurements of colour and texture were performed. Sensory properties were estimated by hedonic tests. A correlation principal component analysis was performed. The results of textural analysis showed that the differences between batches were mainly related to the fat content. However, sensory analysis indicated that the most appreciated batches were those manufactured with orange fibre, although their colour was more yellow than the remainder. As a consequence, it is possible to manufacture conventional and hypocaloric cooked sausages containing fruit fibres mainly at a concentration of 15 g kg^?1 of fibre and obtain a sensorial acceptable product. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Reduction of sodium and increment of calcium and ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in dry fermented sausages: effects on the mineral content,lipid profile and sensory quality

BACKGROUND: A combined technological approach was applied in the development of healthier dry fermented sausages: a partial substitution of the pork back fat by pre‐emulsified linseed oil and a partial replacement of sodium chloride with calcium ascorbate at two different levels, leading to low amounts of salt (14gSalt and 10gSalt, with 14 g and 10 g NaCl per kg of mixture, respectively). RESULTS: The developed products (14gSalt and 10gSalt) showed adequate results for a_w (0.85 and 0.87) and pH (4.98 and 5.21), and low lipid oxidation values (1.4 × 10^?4 and 1.5 × 10^?5 g malondialdehyde (MDA) kg^?1). The lipid modification led to a significantly higher supply of ω‐3 (23.3 g kg^?1) compared to the control (3.2 g kg^?1). Simultaneously, reductions of 38% and 50% in sodium content and a calcium supply of 4 and 5.2 g kg^?1 were achieved in the 14gSalt and 10gSalt formulations, respectively, compared to the control products (26 g salt and 0.87 g kg^?1 Ca). Instrumental analysis of colour and texture and sensory studies demonstrated that the organoleptic quality of the new formulations was similar to that of traditional products. CONCLUSIONS: The developed dry fermented sausages showed healthier properties than traditional ones owing to their reduced sodium and higher calcium content and a significant supply of ω‐3 fatty acids. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Development of low‐fat mayonnaise containing polysaccharide gums as functional ingredients

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to develop a low‐fat (LF) mayonnaise containing polysaccharide gums as functional ingredients. Xanthan gum (XG, 15 g kg^?1), citrus fiber (CF, 100 g kg^?1) and variable concentration of guar gum (GG) were used to formulate the optimum ratios of polysaccharide gums as fat replacers. The fat content in LF mayonnaise was reduced to 50% if compared with full‐fat (FF) mayonnaise, and the products still maintained ideal rheological properties. RESULTS: The rheological parameters showed that there were no (P > 0.05) differences in yield stress, viscosity and flow behavior index between XG + 10 g kg^?1 GG, CF + 5 g kg^?1 GG and FF control. LF mayonnaises had lower caloric values and higher dietary fiber content than the FF counterpart. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs illustrated that the network of aggregated droplets in LF treatments contained a large number of interspaced voids of varying dimensions. Furthermore, in a comparison of sensory evaluation of LF treatments with commercial and our FF mayonnaises, there were no (P > 0.05) differences in any sensory scores among XG + 10 g kg^?1 GG control. CONCLUSION: This study shows that XG + 10 g kg^?1 GG and CF + 5 g kg^?1 GG could be used in LF mayonnaise formulations based on its multiple functions on processing properties. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Water‐holding capacity of insoluble fibre decreases free water and elevates digesta viscosity in the rat

BACKGROUND: The relationships between possible physiological properties of insoluble fibre and the viscosity of digesta are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of insoluble fibres with different water‐holding capacity, swelling, oil‐holding capacity and cation exchange capacity on gastric, small intestinal and caecal contents in rats fed a semi‐purified diet containing either no fibre (control), 50 g kg^?1 tossa jute fibre or 50 g kg^?1 shiitake fibre. RESULTS: The water‐holding capacity, swelling, oil‐holding capacity and cation exchange capacity of insoluble fibres of tossa jute were higher than those of shiitake (P < 0.001). The order of the viscosities of digesta was control group < shiitake fibre group < tossa jute fibre group in gastric, small intestinal and caecal contents (P < 0.05). The digesta viscosity at a shear rate of 40 s^?1 was strongly correlated with the free water content of digesta (r = ? 0.89; P < 0.01). The free water content of digesta depended on the water‐holding capacity of insoluble fibres represented as a linear function with negative slope (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The viscosity of digesta depends on the free water content, and this is reduced by fibre that holds water and can swell. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of defatted dried roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) seed powder on lipid profiles of hypercholesterolemia rats

BACKGROUND: In vivo investigations were made of the effect of defatted dried roselle seed powder (DRS) on the lipid profiles of rats with induced hypercholesterolemia. The two‐batch sample consisted of 23 and 20 Sprague‐Dawley male rats randomly divided into four groups and fed with four different diets. The first batch of rats was fed with normal, hypercholesterol, hypercholesterol + 10 g kg^?1 (w/w) DRS and hypercholesterol + 20 g kg^?1 (w/w) DRS diets. The second batch of rats was fed with normal, hypercholesterol, hypercholesterol + 50 g kg^?1 (w/w) DRS and hypercholesterol + 150 g kg^?1 (w/w) DRS diets. Treatments were given for a total of 5 weeks. RESULTS: Results indicated that the addition of 10 g kg^?1 and 20 g kg^?1 of DRS did not significantly lower the plasma total cholesterol (TC) levels. In contrast, 50 g kg^?1 and 150g kg^?1 DRS significantly lowered (P < 0.05) the TC and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) levels. CONCLUSION: The addition of 50 g kg^?1 and 150 g kg^?1 DRS showed potential hypocholesterolemic effects. Furthermore, these findings indicated that protein, lipid and dietary fibre were high in the seed powder. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Nutritional contents of three edible oyster mushrooms grown on two substrates at Haramaya,Ethiopia, and sensory properties of boiled mushroom and mushroom sauce

The effects of wheat and bean straw growing substrates on nutrient contents of three edible oyster mushrooms and sensory properties of two mushroom foods were investigated. Moisture (fresh weight basis), crude protein, fat, fibre, ash, total carbohydrate, Fe, P and Zn (db) were ranged: 85.18–88.86%, 30.04–37.63%, 1.61–2.55%, 9.33–13.29%, 6.83–9.38%, 29.68–32.53%, 4.86–5.66 mg per 100 g, 12.39–15.36 g kg^?1 and 54.61–65.98 mg kg^?1, respectively. Moisture, fat and fibre were significantly (P < 0.01) affected by substrates, species and their interactions. Substrates showed no differences on ash, Fe and P (P > 0.05). Protein content was high for mushrooms grown on bean straw. Pleurotus sajor‐caju grown on bean straw had high protein, ash, Fe and P contents. No significant (P > 0.05) sensory acceptability differences were observed for boiled mushroom and mushroom sauce except colour of boiled mushrooms. In Ethiopia, if mushroom consumption is popularised, the support for food nutrition security is substantial.