Addition of value to Prosopis alba fruit

Study of chemical and nutritional properties for its application in sweet healthy snack formulations

Authors

  • Leonardo Sciammaro Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina
  • Cristina Ferrero Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina
  • Cecilia Puppo Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina

Keywords:

prosopis alba fruit, chemical composition, nutritional profile, sweet snack

Abstract

The objective of this work was to study chemical and nutritional aspects of Prosopis alba pods and pulp, and the application of these flours as agglutinant agents in sweet snacks formulated with Andean seeds (quinoa, amaranth, chia). Snacks were formulated with constant proportion of seeds and variable amounts of agglutinants (sugar, honey and carob flour) according to an experimental design for constrained mixtures. Texture profile analysis (chewiness) and sensory analysis by a non-trained panel (preferences test) were conducted on the snacks. In the preference test, with a scale from 1 to 5, the value 1 was assigned to the less liked sample, while the value 5 corresponded to the most liked one. Prosopis alba pod flour was prolamin-free, presented low lipid content and was rich in soluble sugars (mainly sucrose) and insoluble dietary fiber. This flour presented high level of calcium, potassium, magnesium and zinc; and was rich in phenolic antioxidants. This flour with good nutritional properties due to fiber, mineral and phenolic antioxidants is suitable for sweet foods destined to celiac people. In addition, sweet snacks elaborated with Prosopis alba pod flour were well accepted by consumers.

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Published

2015-06-15

How to Cite

Sciammaro, L., Ferrero, C., & Puppo, C. (2015). Addition of value to Prosopis alba fruit: Study of chemical and nutritional properties for its application in sweet healthy snack formulations. Journal of the Agronomy College, 114(1), 115-123. https://revistas.unlp.edu.ar/revagro/article/view/20231