The effect of using ginger extract (Zingiber Officinale) on the Antioxidant and Physicochemical properties of low-Fat Yogurt

Abstract

The tasty yogurt is dairy formulation for which fruits and vegetables and various extracts are used in preparation process. In the present study, Ginger extract (Zingiber Officinale) was used in yogurt formulation in different quantities (2, 4, 6 and 8%) and inhibitory function of free radicals, phenol compounds as well as qualitative tests of product (pH, acidity, watering amount and viscosity) were evaluated after storing yogurt for 1, 10 and 20 days. The results illustrated that ginger extract caused water-soluble phenol compounds and their antioxidant function to become more than in simple yogurt during 10 days storage so that after 10 days the highest antioxidant activity belonged to yogurt including 6 and 8% of ginger extract. The lowest watering amount (water formation) was observed in yogurt including 8% ginger extract and it significantly differed from other samples (P>0.05). The pH loss increased further in yogurt with rising percentage of extract and also increasing storage period. Moreover, adding ginger extract to yogurt reduced viscosity, but there was no significant impact on acidity level of product during storage time (P<0.05).