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Cite this articleSebii H, Karra S, Bchir B, et al. Physico-chemical, surface and thermal properties of date palm pollen as a novel nutritive ingredient. Adv Food Technol Nutr Sci Open J. 2019; 5(3): 84-91. BackgroundDate palm pollen (DPP) is a natural product well-known in folk medicine in the Arab world. It is used to improve the fertility of human beings and studies have tested this activity on rabbits and rats. In the region of Sfax from Tunisia, a huge quantity of DPP could be discarded. Taking into account of the richness of this typical product of different components and of the trend of producing food supplements that could be sold at medium price comparing with the existing product, DPP was analyzed on the basis of physical and chemical properties in order to promote its use as a techno-functional ingredient in the agri-food and pharmaceutical field. ResultsX-ray diffraction showed that DPP is characterized by an amorphous structure which leads to better techno-functional properties while stored in a water-air-tight container. Findings proved that DPP is capable to reduce the surface tension. Collected data from thermal analysis proved that DPP is thermally stable during storage and in different food systems. ConclusionThe present study demonstrated that DPP could be used in the agri-food and pharmaceutical field. The obtained results help to define the suitable storage conditions of DPP and to predict its behavior when used as an ingredient. DPP can be used as a whole in food formulations or after extracting protein which is the main responsible agent for surfactant property. DPP proteins might be used as a food supplement in commercial sports nutrition products that can be sold at medium prices compared to some existing products.

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This study aims to elucidate the effect of male date palm flower (MDPF) incorporation in the dough properties and biscuit characteristics. Farinograph analysis demonstrated a progressive increase in water absorption (56.85%–61%) and dough stability (1.88–20.25 min) with increasing MDPF quantity due to its wealth in dietary fiber. Biscuit formulations were prepared using 3, 6, and 9% MDPF powder and evaluated for their physico‐chemical, textural, and sensory properties. The results have shown a significant increase (p < .05) in dietary fiber (1.22%–84.81%), protein (7.64%–8.30%), and ash content (1.30%–1.68%) coupled with a darkness increase (77.30–58.52) compared to the control. The textural analysis of doughs and biscuits showed that hardness increased with the increase in MDPF incorporation levels (2.52–5.26 N and 11.32–15.64 N, respectively). The sensory evaluation showed that up to 9% MDPF incorporation, the different sensory attributes were positively correlated, with more appreciation for the 6% fortified‐biscuit. Owing to its nutritional value, the MDPF powder could be used as an ingredient for bakery food products in gastronomy. Practical applications The male date palm flowers (MDPF) are considered as an under‐exploited by‐product as they are discarded or sometimes used in animal feed. However, they present a rich matrix composed mainly of dietary fiber, protein, and minerals. Nowadays, consumers are searching for healthy and novel foods which push the industrials to invent new dietetic formulations using vegetable protein source and dietary fibers. The MDPF incorporation in biscuit formulation might contribute to reducing these vegetable wastes allowing their valorization as a nutritional and functional ingredient at the same time.