Lebanese Consumer Perception towards Moringa Oleifera : Sensory Evaluation of Moringa Oleifera Fortified Labneh

Abstract

Labneh is one of the most consumed dairy products in the Lebanese community, on breakfast, as a snack or on dinner, plane or mixed with herbs. Its various health benefits plus its acceptability among people makes it an important part of the Lebanese diet. In both its synthetic and homemade forms, several additives are usually incorporated to enhance its flavor and offer a variety of tastes. The problem with Labneh is its short shelf life, as well as its sensitive sensory profile. That is why most industries mix chemical additives with Labneh to prolong its shelf life and conserve its taste. The aim of this research is to preserve Labneh naturally by adding Moringa Oleifera dried leaves to extend its shelf life and inhibit rapid spoilage. Working on a natural preservation of Labneh instead of chemical preservation will be assessed by the survey’s results and prepare for studying the overall acceptability of the product by making a sensory analysis. The results of the questionnaire showed that the Lebanese community which is not totally aware of Moringa Oleifera benefits and availability, is willing to try fortified Labneh with Moringa as a new product with extended shelf life and more health benefits. The results of the sensory analysis showed that the sensory attributes of the samples with Moringa after 21 days of storage, where not significantly different than normal plane Labneh, which indicate that adding Moringa did not affect the sensory attributes of Labneh giving it more acceptability to consumers.