ABSTRACT
Modification of the surface properties of materials is a promising approach to reduce the uptake of oils during frying. In this work, the quality characteristics of plantain chips subjected to a pretreatment consisting of osmotic drying in sugar solutions (29 and 45° Brix; 40 and 80 °C) were evaluated. True density, apparent density, porosity and moisture content were measured in pretreated samples (PS) before frying. Image ESEM was used to evaluate microstructural changes on the surface and in cross-sections at different depths. Global oil absorption (GOA) and fatty acid profile were monitored in surface and deep cross-sections (DCS). The color parameters of chips (L*, a*, b*, ΔE), browning index, crispness, crunchiness and hardness were evaluated during frying. Oil absorption in the crust was lower in samples subjected to pretreatments with a higher temperature. PS showed high gelatinization in both the surface and DCS, thus changing crust physical properties, total oil uptake and fatty acid profile. An exponential correlation between porosity (ε) and GOA was found, while a second order correlation was found between ε and the fatty acid profile. The characteristics of texture and color, as desired by the consumer, were reached more quickly in the PS at 29° Brix and 40 °C.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is known to have beneficial properties to health. Naturally, in foods it is found in very low concentrations, and so these beneficial properties cannot be obtained. This study investigated the enrichment of soybean oil by photoisomerization, as well as assessing its oxidative stability during the frying process using plantain slices as a model system and after a storage period of 20 days at 60 °C. RESULTS: The oxidative stability of soybean oil enriched with CLA by photoirradiation was measured based on the peroxide, p-anisidine, and Totox values, as well as by the polyphenol content, tocopherol content and DPPH· scavenging capacity. The results obtained showed that a substantial amount of CLA was obtained by photoirradiation (31.73%). The oxidative stability values of the oil enriched with CLA showed good stability during a frying cycle; however, this stability decreased when it was stored and during the final frying cycles. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained indicated that photoirradiation is a good technique for obtaining oils enriched with CLA, and in this way CLA can be incorporated into foods; however, it is necessary to add antioxidants to improve their stability. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
