Improving the oxidative stability of sunflower seed kernels by edible biopolymeric coatings loaded with rosemary extract

Abstract

An optimized combination of whey protein concentrate (WPC), glycerol and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was determined by evaluating the mechanical properties of edible films and coating percentage on sunflower seed kernels (SUKs). The optimal coating solutions with/without rosemary extract (RAE) were used to improve oxidative stability of SUKs. Moreover, the efficiency of the coated SUKs was assessed in a sesame-based product, as a food system. The optimized composite coating (CMC 0.6% and WPC 8% by total solution weight, and glycerol 51% by WPC weight) provided the better color features for SUKs stored at elevated temperature compared to WPC coatings (10 and 11%, w/w) with a Maillard-induced red color, and it was more effective than CMC (4%, w/w) coating to improve the oxidative stability of the nuts. The RAE had a positive effect on the color characteristics of the composite and CMC coatings; however, it enhanced the oxidation of SUKs, which could be due to disruption of coating polymer network, and thus increasing the oxygen diffusion into the product. The food system containing the coated nuts exhibited a lower oxidation extent in comparison to the control formulation prepared by uncoated ones. Therefore, using an optimal composite coating, reddening of WPC at high temperatures and less oxidation protection efficiency of CMC were resolved as the kernels with desirable color and oxidative stability properties were produced, applicable in the formulation of products needing thermal processing.