Physicochemical, Structural, and Functional Properties of Snake Melon (Cucumis melo subsp. melo Var. flexuosus) Microencapsulated with Pea Protein and Pea Fibre by Freeze-Drying

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to obtain a functional, stable powder product from Cucumis melo subsp. melo Var. flexuosus (L.) to promote its consumption and reduce waste and production losses. The melons were ground and freeze-dried with or without biopolymers (pea protein (PPSM) or pea fibre (PFSM)). The physicochemical, structural, and functional properties of the powder were studied. The water content, water activity, bulk density, porosity, Hausner ratio, Carr index, hygroscopicity, water solubility, water absorption index, particle size, colour, and microstructure of the powder were determined. In addition, vitamin C, folates, chlorophyll a, total phenols and carotenoids, antioxidant capacity, and powder encapsulation efficiency were analysed. Snake melon (SM) powders contained vitamin C, folates, carotenoids, chlorophyll a, and phenols, which contributed to their antioxidant capacity. The incorporation of PP or PF in the formulation before lyophilisation generated stable encapsulates that protected the bioactive compounds. PPSM and PFSM were less hygroscopic and more free-flowing and had lower water content and water activity compared to the SM. PFSM showed higher encapsulation efficiency and smaller particles with a smooth surface and oval shape.

Changes in the Physical Properties and Volatile Odor Characteristics of Shiitake Mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) in Far Infrared Radiation Drying

“…Scanning electron microscopy (SU8010, Hitachi Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) was used to observe the microstructure of shiitake mushroom pilei under various drying conditions [21]. The thin section from each dried sample was fixed onto a carbon adhesive tape and was gold-coated before analysis, and the acceleration voltage was 10.0 KV.…”