Search results

Meal left after extraction of microalgae functional compounds is not finding its application in food. Hence, present study was aimed for the development of the cookies supplemented with meal of microalgae Chlorella sp. (Abca-17) obtained after solvent extraction of chlorophyll.

Cookies were prepared by substituting refined wheat flour (RWF) with microalgae meal (MM) at incorporation levels of 3, 6, 9 and 12 per cent. The effect of replacement of RWF with MM was analyzed on the pasting properties of the flour blends and physical, chemical, sensory and textural characteristics of the cookies.

MM exhibited high water and oil absorption capacity of 0.8 g/g and 1.2 g/g, respectively. Weight and thickness of the cookies increased, whereas the diameter, spread ratio and spread factor decreased with the increased proportion of meal in flour blends. The moisture and ash content (0.8-2.0 per cent) of the cookies increased, whereas fat content showed no pronounced variation. Sensory evaluation of cookies revealed no significant difference at 6 per cent level of incorporation and further supplementation resulted in dark colour and increased hardness. Texture profile analysis of cookies also revealed that the peak positive force for breaking the cookies increased (3115.6-7372.1 N) with increase in the level of incorporation of meal.

MM can be used in the development of the cookies at level of incorporation of 6 per cent and presents novice approach for utilization of bioprocessing waste.

The present study is a pioneer effort in demonstration of utilization of MM as alternate food ingredient. MM of Chlorella sp. (Abca-17) was characterized as food ingredient using physicochemical analysis and model food system using cookies.

The purpose of this paper is to acquaint the readers with the insights regarding the interventions of microalgal technology for production of metabolites and functional ingredients from microalgae for food and nutraceutical application and exploration of microalgae biomass for food application.

Various information databases such as journals, library catalogues and professional websites were used to collect information pertaining to application of microalgae in food and nutraceutical sector. Systematic review was made with recent studies covering the vital aspects of art of microalgae cultivation for metabolite production, functional ingredients from microalgae, market scenario and utilisation of microalgae biomass for the valorisation of the food products. Key points have been discussed after every section to highlight the practical implications to make this review more insightful for the readers.

Microalgal technology provides sustainable solution for its application in food and nutraceutical sector. The heart of metabolite production lies in the optimisation of cultivation conditions of microalgae. Wide array of functional components are obtained from microalgae. Microalgae offer an alternative source for omega-3 fatty acids. Microalgae is widely exploited for production of pigments, namely, ß-carotene, astaxanthin, lutein, phycocyanin and chlorophyll, that have important implication as natural colourants and nutraceuticals in food. Larger diversity of sterols found in microalgae confers bioactivity. Microalgae is finding its place in market shelves as nutraceuticals where its functional ingredients are in the form of powder, tablets, extract and beverages and in innovative products such as microalgae protein and fat, culinary algae oil and butter. Sprulina and Chlorella are popular choice for the supplementation of food products with microalgae biomass.

This is a comprehensive review that highlights the application of microalgal technology for the development of healthy food products and presents holistic intervention in food and nutraceutical sector.

Noodles are good vehicles for the enrichment and can be enriched with vegetable purees. However, this enrichment can alter quality attributes of noodles with resultant effect on its sensorial attributes. The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of addition of different hydrocolloids on the microstructural and quality characteristics of instant noodles enriched with spinach puree.

Preliminary trials were carried out for the standardization level of addition of spinach puree in noodle formulation. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and guar gum were added in the noodle formulation at 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 per cent level of incorporation. The effect of addition of hydrocolloids was evaluated on the cooking quality, sensory attributes, texture characteristics and microstructure of the noodles.

The most acceptable ratio for the formulation of the noodles was found to be 40 g spinach puree per 100 g refined wheat flour. Addition of hydrocolloids resulted in the increase in the cooking time, cooking weight, water absorption and swelling index. Significant decrease in the cooking loss was observed with the increase in the level of CMC (from 7.4 to 6.1 per cent) and guar gum (from 7.4 to 7 per cent). Addition of CMC and guar gum up to 0.5 per cent and 0.25 per cent, respectively, improved the texture, overall acceptability and mouthfeel attributing to complimentary interaction between starch, fibre and hydrocolloids observed at microstructural level; however, further increase in the level of incorporation resulted in stickiness and sliminess in the noodle strands.

It is found that 0.5 per cent CMC and 0.25 per cent guar gum can be used for the enhancement of quality characteristics of the spinach puree enriched noodles.

Intervention of incorporation of hydrocolloids in spinach puree–enriched instant noodles delivers healthy and nutritious product without compromising on its sensorial and quality attributes.