TITLE:
Sensory Analysis of Sugar Reduced Jam Containing Gum Arabic from Acacia senegal var. kerensis
AUTHORS:
Eugenia W. Gakuru, Mary N. Omwamba, Ben N. Chikamai, Symon M. Mahungu
KEYWORDS:
Gum Arabic, Sucrose/Sugar, Reduced Sugar Jam, Sensory Evaluation
JOURNAL NAME:
Food and Nutrition Sciences,
Vol.10 No.11,
November
11,
2019
ABSTRACT: Reducing sugar in jam has an effect on the physico-chemical as well as sensory properties of the jam. To compensate for some of the functional properties lost, other co-solutes may be used. Therefore the objective of this study was to use gum Arabic from Acacia senegal var. kerensis in formulation of a reduced sugar jam from plums and pineapple fruits. The innovatively prepared jam was subjected to sensory evaluation by a semi-trained panel. Twelve formulations were prepared in factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. The products were rated using a seven-point hedonic scale for colour, taste, texture/spreadability, mouth feel and general acceptability. Data were analysed using SAS, 2004 (version 9.1.3) to perform analysis of variance and determine the least squares means for each variable. The main effect of the study was the level of gum Arabic at 15% and 20% w/w, level of sugar content at 30 and 35% w/w, and the type of fruit. A control product was prepared for the two sugar levels but without gum Arabic. Significance was established at p senegal var. kerensis is being reported.