Oxidative and Microbial Stability of Pomegranate Peel Extracts and Bagasse Supplemented Cookies

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed at exploring pomegranate peel (PoP) for its potential as an ingredient of choice in baked products primarily to stabilize lipids and inhibit microbiological spoilage. Pomegranate peel extracts (PoPx) and pomegranate peel bagasse (Pbg) were supplemented to wheat flour cookies at 0.25–1.0% and 1.5–7.5%, respectively. Cookies supplemented with 7.5% Pbg reduced caloric contents and significantly ( P < 0.05) enhanced dietary fiber and inorganic residues of the product. Positive correlation was observed for cookies phenolics contents with 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay. Total phenolics recovery from Pbg and PoPx was shown to range from 78.35 to 315.7 mg GAE/100g), respectively. PoPx supplemented cookies, holding significant antioxidant properties, inhibited thiobarbituric acid number by 67% and reduced growth of aerobic counts (2.04–1.30 log 10 cfu/g) and yeasts/molds (1.70–1.05 log 10 cfu/g). Sensory evaluation of Pbg supplemented cookies indicated relatively lower score for texture and crispiness while other treatment combinations were ranked acceptable at 9‐point hedonic scale for all sensory parameters. Practical Applications Synthetic antioxidants and antimicrobials being injudiciously exploited as food preservatives are hampering quality of food and life. Programmed replacement of preservative cum intoxicating agents with relatively least to nontoxic natural phytochemicals is referred to be the sustainable and safe approach in food preservation. On account of its tremendous food quality enhancement features, PoP vide its ethnobotanical extracts deliver significant antioxidant, antimicrobial and nutraceuticals properties. As witnessed in current study, PoPx supplementation in bakery products has a prospective role in inhibiting lipid oxidation and microbiological spoilage and, hence can be considered as viable substitute of synthetic preservatives. Nutritional enhancement features of peel bagasse further endeavors underutilized fruit waste as ingredient of choice in formulating virtually balanced therapeutic formulation against certain critical ailments.