Evaluation of Different Carrier Agents with Respect to Physico-Chemical, Functional and Morphological Characteristics of Spray Dried Nutritionally Rich Honey Powder

Abstract

The effect of three carriers viz. whey protein concentrate (WPC), gum arabic (GA) and maltodextrin (MD) on physicochemical, functional and morphological characteristics of spray dried honey powder enriched with aonla (Emblica officinalis. Gaertn) and basil (Ocimum sanctum) extract to improve antioxidant activity and vitamin C content was studied. All three carrier agents increased the antioxidant properties and also significantly affected the flow behavior characteristics of honey powder. Highest product recovery of 65.10% was obtained from WPC. Tapped density, hygroscopicity and caking strength of the powders were decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in order of WPC < GA < MD as carrier agents. Higher values of antioxidant activity (82.7%), total phenolic content (63.2 mg GAE/100 g) and vitamin C content (94.9 mg/100 g) were obtained with WPC as compared to the other two carriers. The morphological analysis displayed the formulation of powder particles of various sizes, shapes (spherical, irregular) and harder structure (without cracks or disruptions) with different carrier agents. Practical Applications The results indicate that spray-dried nutritionally rich honey powder can be used bakery and meat industry to enhance oxidative stability. The antioxidant properties were enhanced by addition of aonla (Emblica officinalis. Gaertn) and basil (Ocimum sanctum) extract.