Influence of elephant apple powder as an adsorbent in the regeneration of fried soybean oil: Process optimization studies

Abstract

AbstractIn the present work, elephant apple powder (EAP) has been characterized as an adsorbent by analyzing its properties in Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscope, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface analyser. Furthermore, the effect of EAP on the regeneration of fried soybean oil was studied by performing frying experiments with potato chips at 180 ± 5 °C for 5 hr/day in a deep fat fryer for 5 days. Oil samples were drawn periodically for evaluating the quality parameters (free fatty acid, peroxide value, iodine value, p‐anisidine value, and total polar content). The effect of process variables (contact time, heating time, and concentration of adsorbent) on the quality parameters of the fried oil was examined using response surface methodology. Results indicated that the process variables had a significant effect on the final quality of the oil. From the study, it was revealed that the quality of fried soybean oil has improved after treating with EAP.Practical applicationsThe present work provides the useful information regarding the treatment of deep fried oil using a natural adsorbent. The method used in the work is cost‐effective and regenerates oil with good quality. The method of regeneration may be utilized by small and medium scale food processors as the process is simple. The results of this study showed that elephant apple powder can be used as an adsorbent to improve the quality parameters of deep fried soybean oil.