Pre-processed spice mix formulation and changes in its quality during storage

Abstract

Wet and dry spice and condiments of optimized quantities were pre-processed and mixed to prepare a spice mix formulation. The formulation was unit packed in 100 g quantities in glass bottles and held separately at 27±2 or 37±2 °C for 6 months. Freshly prepared spice mix contained (g/100 g) 6.8 moisture, 21.4 fat, 5.1 protein, 7.2 ash and 14.2 NaCl. Gradual decrease in pH from 4.0 to 3.7 and 4.0 to 3.6, increase in a w from 0.52 to 0.54 and 0.52 to 0.57, increase in free fatty acid (FFA) values (as % oleic acid) from 0.14 to 0.56 and 0.14 to 0.58 and increase in thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values (mg malonaldehyde/kg sample) from 2.5 to 2.9 and 2.5 to 2.9 were noticed during storage at 27±2 or 37±2 °C respectively. Similarly decrease in Hunter L * (lightness), a * (redness) and b * (yellowness) values were noted during the same period. Standard plate count (SPC), spore counts and staphylococci counts (log cfu/g) were low, 4.0–4.7, 1.2–2.0 and 1.4–2.0, respectively, and yeast and moulds and coliforms could not be detected in all the samples throughout the storage period of 6 months. Two ready-to-serve products, viz., dhal fry and chicken fry prepared by using spice-mix stored for up to 6 months were judged acceptable as indicated by sensory quality scores of 6.8–7.9 (on a 9-point hedonic scale). The spice mix formulation prepared is useful in the preparation of varieties of vegetarian and non-vegetarian ready-to-serve products such as aloo mattar, gobi masala, mattar mushroom, kheema mattar, Mutton chilly fry, etc.