Document Type : Research Article
Authors
1
Department of Food Science and Technology, Qazvin Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, Iran
2
Islamic Azad university of Qazvin
3
Zar Grain Refinery, Farhikhtegan Zarnam Industrial & Research Group, Karaj, Iran
Abstract
Caramel color is among the most widely used additives in the food industry. This study aimed to produce caramel from fructose and evaluate its physicochemical, rheological, and sensory properties. Fructose-based caramel was prepared using four different methods at 100°C (Method 1: 84.06% fructose + 7.10% ammonia + 8.84% sulfuric acid, 90 min, Method 2: 79.01% fructose + 9.35% ammonia + 11.63% sulfuric acid, 90 min, Method 3: 91.85% fructose + 3.34% ammonia + 4.83% sulfuric acid, 4 h and Method 4: 88.93% fructose + 4.53% ammonia + 6.54% sulfuric acid, 4 h). The samples were analyzed for browning index, reducing power, hydroxymethylfurfural content, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, color, viscosity, and sensory characteristics. The results indicated that Method 1 produced superior aroma, color, and chewiness, while Method 2 showed better viscosity, hue angle, and sweetness intensity. The highest antioxidant activity was observed in the control sample (70.48%), and the lowest in the sample from Method 4 (29.04%). The highest total phenolic content was also found in the control (1276.7 mg gallic acid/g), followed by the caramel from Method 1 (1151.9 mg gallic acid/g). The lowest phenolic content was recorded in the sample from Method 2. In addition, HPLC analysis identified sinapic acid (1262.9 mg/mL), protocatechuic acid (926.1 mg/mL), catechin (501.6 mg/mL), and ellagic acid (220.09 mg/mL) as the main phenolic compounds in the caramel samples.
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