A Survey of Kocho Processing Practice and Challenges to Scientific Developments
Abstract
Melaku Tafese Awulachew
Kocho is a food product made from the decortication and fermentation of enset parts. A quarter of Ethiopia’s population lived in the south and south-western parts of the country, where staples or co-staples were used as a food source. Kocho preparation consists of several steps, all of which are still carried out using indigenous knowledge and traditional practices. Despite its benefits, enset plant processing for food preparation is time consuming, unsanitary, requires a long fermentation period, is low in protein, and has a strong odor. The unusual sensory characteristics are the result of microbial spoilage caused by Kocho’s high moisture content. High moisture content encourages the growth of spoilage microorganisms, which produce unpleasant organic compounds. Kocho’s nutritional and organoleptic properties may thus be process-related. Nutrient loss and time-consuming fermentation processes are common and vary by location. Furthermore, accurate understanding and introduction of these processes in both enset growing and nongrowing regions can help to improve, standardize, and increase the process’s utilization in order to contribute to the country’s food security. However, there has been little research on the preservation of kocho by chemical ingredients and natural species, as well as microbes involved in fermentation and spoilage. Furthermore, very few studies on the effect of biochemical and the role of fermentation on the degradation of anti-nutritional factors have been reported. It can be stored for years and, like other fermented foods, can inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria, extending product shelf-life while ensuring consumer safety. Above all, this review is being conducted with the goal of reviewing the kocho processing practices and challenges to Scientific developments. Similarly, the document attempts to provide a brief description of its common characteristics in terms of microbial, biochemical, and fermentation conditions.