Oxidative stability, structural and textural properties of margarine
enriched with Moringa oleifera leaves extract
Abstract
Consumer’s demand for more natural food formulations has driven the
development of alternative food additives. This study falls within this
challenge through valorisation of Moringa oleifera leaves grown in
Algeria as a possible natural food additive. The application of Algerian
Moringa oleifera leaves extract (MOLE) was evaluated as a substitute of
vitamin E in margarine at various addition levels (400 ppm, 600 ppm and
800 ppm). The impact on margarine quality attributes was studied, namely
oxidative stability, structural and textural structural properties. It
was shown that addition of MOLE to margarine increased resistance
towards oxidation, showing a higher antioxidant capacity as compared to
vitamin E. Moreover, MOLE formulated in margarine served as an
emulsifier decreasing water droplet size, which is desirable from a
microbiological viewpoint. These observed effects can have a positive
impact on margarine’s shelf life. Furthermore, addition of MOLE leads to
the formation of smaller fat crystals, resulting in a different
microstructure. MOLE also increased the hardness of margarine by
altering the crystallization process. Practical applications: MOLE
represents a natural, food-grade additive that prevents lipid oxidation.
It is a food ingredient that can contribute positively to margarine
quality and to the development of clean-label food products.