Effect of malting period on physicochemical properties, minerals, and phytic acid of finger millet (Eleusine coracana) flour varieties

Background Deficiency of essential minerals is a widespread nutritional disorder in the world, particularly in developing economies. Poor mineral accessibility from foods is a major contributing factor to deficiency and associated health problems. This study investigated the effect of malting on minerals, phytic acid, and physicochemical properties of finger millet varieties. Sorghum was used as external reference. Mineral composition was analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP‐AES) and mass spectroscopy (ICP‐MS). Results Data showed that finger millet is rich in macroelements and trace elements. Malting for 24 hr reduced mineral content of the grains except sodium. Increase in the minerals was observed beyond 48 hr of malting particularly at 96 hr. Successive decrease in phytic acid of the grains was not observed with malting time. Malting did not result in any significant change in the physicochemical properties of the grains. Conclusion ICP‐AES/MS showed that finger millet contain a variety of minerals in amounts that were not previously reported, and malting the grain for 72 to 96 hr positively affected the minerals. Changes in phytic acid suggest that phytate undergoes dissociation during malting rather than a degradation of phytic acid. Potential exists for utilization of finger millet as functional ingredient to augment important minerals in weaning, geriatric, and adult foods for health promotion. The finger millet varieties are a concentrated source of macro‐ and microelements, with desired changes in the minerals observed beyond 48 hr of malting for the grain varieties. A malting time‐dependent decrease in phytate content was not observed for the grains. Varietal differences significantly influenced the mineral contents of the finger millet.