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Summary: Baicalein is a functional flavonoid that has been intensively studied for its health benefits. Loading baicalein in oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsions could provide advantages for its application in foods. This work investigated the characteristics of O/W emulsions loaded with baicalein formulated by combination of vegetable oils and homogenisation pressures. Rice bran oil (RBO) and coconut oil (CCO), classified as long‐chain triglycerides and medium‐chain triglyceride, were used in the homogenisation process at 600–1200 bar. The rice bran oil‐in‐water emulsion loaded with baicalein (RBOb/W) produced at 1200 bar provided the emulsion with the smallest particle size of the surface‐weighted mean diameter (d3,2) of 220 nm. The result showed that loading baicalein into RBO could reduce the particle size of O/W emulsion while it increased the particle size of coconut oil‐in‐water emulsion loaded with baicalein (CCOb/W). The RBOb/W and CCOb/W emulsions were physically stable in terms of droplet size during storage at 4 °C for 28 days. The change in viscosity of freshly prepared emulsion loaded with baicalein was dominant compared with the emulsion unloaded baicalein, however, the viscosity profiles of emulsions loaded with baicalein are like emulsions unloaded with baicalein after storage. The influence of baicalein on the viscoelastic properties of emulsion was observed in the storage modulus (G′) at low frequencies. These results suggest that baicalein could potentially interfere with the stabilising effect of Tween 20, contribute to droplet interactions, and migrate from the surface of RBO but not CCO. High baicalein retention of 91–98% was observed in the RBOb/W emulsions. This study recommends that RBO is preferable over CCO to produce O/W emulsion loaded with baicalein in terms of droplet size, stability and retention. It would be useful information to produce functional ingredients for the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incorporation of okara, a by-product of soybean milk production, into gluten-free products such as crispy waffles poses challenges due to the absence of gluten's viscoelastic properties and the high fiber content of okara. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of okara flour on the rheological properties, physical attributes, and sensory qualities of gluten-free waffles. Waffle batters with varying levels of okara flour (10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%) were prepared, and their rheological properties were analyzed using oscillatory shear and creep-recovery tests. Physical properties, proximate composition, cholesterol and glucose adsorption capacities, storage stability, and sensory attributes were also assessed. The results demonstrated that increasing okara flour content improved batter elasticity and viscosity (with complex viscosity reaching up to 10,923 Pa·s for 40% okara flour) but decreased spread ratio by up to 45% and increased moisture content by approximately 2.7%. Higher okara content also led to a 16% decrease in brightness (L*) and increased hardness, reaching 325.26 g/s at 40% substitution. Sensory evaluation revealed that waffles with 30% okara flour were preferred for their texture and overall liking, with a score of 7.43 compared to higher substitution levels. Cholesterol and glucose adsorption capacities were high in okara flour, contributing to potential health benefits. Storage stability tests showed acceptable moisture content, water activity, and microbiological safety over 60 days, though hardness decreased by about 42%. In conclusion, okara flour enhances the nutritional profile of gluten-free waffles, but its impact on texture and flavor requires careful formulation adjustments to optimize consumer acceptance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kefir made of coconut milk (CM) was developed as an alternative healthy beverage for elderly people. Coconut oil (CO; 0-15%) was added to modify the texture and mouthfeel of the final product. This study aimed to determine the viscosity, flow behavior, frictional properties, textural attributes, and oral processing time of the fermented CM beverage. We have defined the optimum level of CO that gives stability to the product and triggers specific sensory perceptions associated with viscosity and body characteristics. The sensation of roughness, a surface-related property, was also observed and dominated the later stage of oral processing. The current study describes the unique sensations that characterize the CO-modified CM kefir that targets elderly consumers. In addition to its nutritional benefits, CO can be added to enhance the perception of texture and mouthfeel when drinking the fermented beverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]