Effect of Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) Seeds Flour Enrichment and Cooking Process on Protein, In Vitro Protein Digestibility and Antinutritional Properties of Maize (Zea mays L.) Flour Fritters (Zitumbuwa)

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is one of the leading causes of death for under-five children in developing countries like Malawi. This is because these children consume more products made from whole maize flour, like fritters ( zitumbuwa) , with poor protein content. Pumpkin seeds are locally available and contain high amounts of protein and amino acids like lysine. This makes pumpkin seed flour a good choice to improve the protein quality of fritters when combined with maize flour. This...