Formulation and Evaluation of Nutritional and Sensory Properties of Porridge from Bangladeshi High Yielding Rice Varieties

Rice provides a vast portion of the daily nutrient requirements of Bangladeshi people as their daily rice intake is high. So, Rice is relatively a better source of vitamins, minerals, protein and starch among cereals for them. Porridge is packed with nutrients that the body needs. When eaten as a breakfast meal, it provides sufficient nutrients and energy for morning activities without causing stomach pain, fatigue, or hunger throughout the day.

The present study was undertaken to formulate porridge added with chicken, fish and vegetables from Bangladeshi four high-yielding rice varieties (BRRI dhan29, BRRI dhan34, BRRI dhan50 and BRRI dhan84) and evaluate nutritional (calorie, protein, fat, fiber, calcium, magnesium, iron copper, phosphorus, potassium and sodium) and sensory properties (color and appearance, consistency, taste and flavor and overall acceptability). BRRI dhan34 is aromatic rice and BRRI dhan84 is iron and zinc enriched rice. After the formulation of porridge, nutritional and sensory properties were evaluated. Overall sensory scores were good enough except for fish with rice recipes. The formulated porridge recipes in this study contains more than two folds higher calorie and other nutrients than porridge nutritional facts in USDA food and nutrient database. Calorie, protein, zinc, iron and other nutrients in the formulated porridge can have a significant effect in fulfilling Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of the nation. In Bangladesh, there is lack of significant research on porridge formulations and their nutritional facts, though numerous studies are available internationally. However, most of these studies involve time-intensive recipes that include multigrain or other fermented ingredients, which, while highly nutritious, may not be practical for regular use in Bangladesh. In some cases, recipes are not possible in traditional Bangladeshi houses. In this study, we formulated recipes that can be easily prepared within a short time. It can be the initial step to make rice porridge a popular breakfast as well as other meal items in Bangladesh.