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Over 70% of plantain produced in Ghana is traded along the fresh market which is a hotspot for postharvest loss. This study sought to assess the economic impact of plantain ripening among traders in three satellite markets of Accra. Using the interview technique, primary data was obtained from 320 respondents within 3 satellite markets. Ripening was found to increase the market value of plantain whereas over-ripening reduced the market value of plantain. Money to the tune of over two million cedis (one hundred and seventy-four thousand dollars) was lost by weekly plantain retailers and suppliers in the three satellite markets. Poor road network and market environment were the key causes of postharvest of plantain amongst traders in the 3 satellite markets. Two identified solution gaps that can curb the accrued loss along the plantain supply chain include the provision of tailored business development services to plantain traders and the development of marketable food applications of over-ripe plantain that advances the circular economy agenda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A culturally acceptable standard recipe was developed for two types of breads using cassava-wheat composite flour. Twenty-nine commercial recipes for tea and sugar breads were collected, average weight of basic ingredients determined and used as test recipe. Wheat flour of test recipe was substituted with high-quality cassava flour (HQCF) at 10 and 20% levels with 0% HQCF as control. Comments from stakeholders, including commercial bakers, were factored into the modification of the test recipe to produce the standardized recipes used in this study. Physical characteristics of bread from the standard recipe were determined by standard methods and sensory evaluation by 105 consumers. Increasing HQCF resulted in decrease in specific volume, crumb color intensity and increase in crust color intensity, browning index, hardness, chewiness, and gumminess. Substitution levels up to 20% HQCF for sugar bread and 10% HQCF for tea bread were established to be culturally acceptable; hence can be commercialized. Practical Application Cassava is produced in Ghana, therefore its use in the production of bread which is commonly consumed in the country will increase the consumption of cassava; hence larger production and increased income for farmers. Jobs will be created for processors who will produce cassava roots into high-quality cassava flour (HQCF). HQCF is also cheaper, therefore production of bread from this standard recipe will be relatively cheaper than using only wheat flour. Since the standard recipe was developed based on a large number of recipes already used and bread produced from it largely accepted, its market potential will be high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]