Chemical, textural, antioxidant potential and sensory characterization of Foxnut powder (Euryale ferox) added bakery products

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to assess the impact of incorporating foxnut powder (FP) into bakery products to evaluate their effect on product quality and nutritional characteristics. Design/methodology/approach Samples of refined flour (control) and refined wheat flour with varying levels of FP were prepared for each bakery item. Sensory evaluations using a nine-point hedonic scale were conducted. Different concentrations of FP (20% for cakes, 12.5% for bread and 12.5% for doughnuts) were tested to achieve sensory acceptability. Findings The addition of FP at specified concentrations achieved sensory acceptability in the tested bakery items, significantly impacting overall acceptability. Incorporating FP led to textural attribute alterations, including increased hardness, gumminess and chewiness, alongside reduced cohesiveness and elasticity. Color properties were influenced, affecting lightness, redness and yellowness of the bakery items. Proximate composition analysis highlighted shifts in moisture, protein, fiber, fat and ash content between control and accepted samples. Mineral content analysis revealed notable differences in calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium and sodium between control and accepted samples. Originality/value These findings demonstrate the potential of FP to enhance bakery products, offering promising industrial applications in producing nutritionally enriched and visually appealing baked products.