Effect of extrusion on physicochemical and functional properties of cladode flour from Opuntia cochenillifera and Opuntia ficus-indica
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: The nopal (Opuntia spp.) is a plant known for its high content of bioactive compounds and dietary fiber, making it a valuable plant for the food industry. In this study, the physicochemical and functional properties of flours obtained from mature cladodes of two nopal species, Opuntia cochenillifera (OC) and Opuntia ficus indica (OF), subjected to different extrusion conditions were evaluated. The results showed significant differences in chemical composition, physical and functional properties between the two species. OC had a higher ash and ether extract content (29.27% and 1.28% respectively), while OF had more protein and carbohydrates (7.83 and 55.31% respectively). The expansion index was higher (1.06 – 1.27) in OF, especially under high temperature extrusion and low moisture conditions. Bulk density decreased with increasing extrusion temperature, and color was significantly altered by temperature and moisture, with greater changes observed in OF. Functional properties such as oil absorption capacity, water absorption capacity, and water solubility index, exhibited notable differences among the species. Additionally, the extrusion process was observed to have a significant impact on these same properties. In terms of dietary fiber, extrusion increased (4.99 to 10.38%) the soluble fiber content and decreased (36.91 to 32.30%) the insoluble fiber content in both species. However, OC had a higher percentage of soluble and total dietary fiber. These results highlight the influence of species and extrusion conditions on the properties of nopal flours, providing valuable information for the development of nopal-enriched food products, thereby optimizing their nutritional and technological properties.
Source: Applied Food Research
Institution: Universidad Politécnica de Francisco I. Madero
Language: English
Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,530
OpenAlex ID: W4403563794