Dados do Trabalho

Título

TEXTURE AND COLOR PROFILE ANALYSIS OF VEGAN CAKE WITH ORA-PRO-NÓBIS

Introdução

Ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata) is rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds, and its consumption promotes health benefits. In Brazil, ora-pro-nóbis is most commonly eaten sautéed, but it is a versatile ingredient that can be included in different food preparations, in the form of leaves or flour. The objective of this study was to analyze the texture profile, color and water activity of a vegan cake developed with the addition of ora-pro-nóbis.

Material e Métodos

The product contained water, sugar, wheat flour, ora-pro-nobis, oil, yeast and cocoa. The texture profile analysis (TPA) used a texturometer to obtain the parameters firmness, cohesiveness, gumminess, elasticity, adhesiveness and chewiness. The color assessment, carried out using a Colorquest® XE colorimeter, measured the parameters L*, a* and b*, from which the cylindrical coordinates H* (hue angle) and C* (chroma) were calculated. Water activity was determined at 25 ℃ using a digital meter.

Resultados e Discussão

As for texture, the cake showed the following values: 28.69±9.37 N, 12.93±1.36 mm, 9.24±2.94 N, -0.01±0.01 J, 0.79±0.02 and 184.64±58.78 N, for firmness, elasticity, gumminess, adhesiveness, cohesiveness and chewiness, respectively. The cohesiveness and adhesiveness values were similar to those of a standard chocolate cake formulation, while the firmness, chewiness and elasticity parameters were lower in the standard formulation. The color of the cake was brown (C*=10.85; h=67.57°). The lowest L* value (24.49) indicates a darker color. The low and positive a* parameter (4.14) indicates a slight tendency towards red, while the low and also positive b* parameter (10.03) suggests a slight tendency towards yellow. The cake was darker in color than a standard chocolate cake. The high water activity (0.93) indicates that the product is perishable and requires careful storage to avoid microbiological contamination.

Conclusão

The cake should be stored in a cool, dry place or refrigerated and consumed within 5 days. As it is a plant-based food, it can be consumed by a wider group of individuals including flexitarian, vegetarian and vegan consumers, and those who have an intolerance or allergy to animal products.