Quality Characteristics of Tarts Made with Molecular Press Dehydrated Purple Sweet Potatoes during Storage

Abstract

Purpose: Molecular press dehydration is one of the dehydration methods. The purpose of this study was to investigate the quality characteristics of tarts made with dehydrated purple sweet potatoes during the storage period. Methods: Quality characteristics of purple sweet potato tarts were evaluated by analyzing moisture content, water activity, total phenolics, anthocyanins, 2,2-diphenyl-1picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, color, and sensory evaluation for 45 days of storage. Results: Moisture content of tart crust made with molecular press dehydration treated purple sweet potatoes with concentrations of 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% maltodextrin as a dehydrating agent for 45 days was 8.47%, 7.95%, 6.96%, and 6.24% respectively; however, the moisture content of non-treated tart crust was 11.99% (p<0.05). Total phenolics, anthocyanins, and DPPH free radical scavenging activity of dehydrated purple sweet potato tarts were lowered than those of non-treated tart (p<0.05). Conclusion: These results indicated that tarts made with molecular press dehydrated purple sweet potatoes had effectively controlled moisture content and water activity during storage although total phenolics, anthocyanins, DPPH free radical scavenging activity, color, and sensory evaluation were decreased.