Evaluation of polyphenols enriched dairy products developed by incorporating black carrot ( L.) concentrate.

Background: Dairy products like ice cream, yogurt and buttermilk are consumed widely due to their rich taste but these products lack anthocyanins, which are polyphenol and exhibit great antioxidant activity in both in vivo and in vitro studies. Therefore, adding a natural source of these antioxidants to the commonly consumed dairy product will be beneficial to the masses. Among all the sources, black carrots are the extraordinary and cheapest source of anthocyanins, which are commonly consumed as a natural fermented drink. In this study, an attempt has been made to examine the feasibility of black carrot concentrate as an ingredient into dairy products.

Methodology: Ice cream, yogurt and buttermilk were prepared by incorporating black carrot concentrate at 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10% level and were subjected to sensory analysis. The most acceptable products with 7.5% black carrot concentrate were analyzed for minerals, polyphenols and antioxidant activity. Effects of storage on physicochemical, microbial and sensory attributes of black carrot concentrate incorporated dairy products were further analyzed.

Results: Sensory analysis revealed that black carrot concentrate could be used up to 7.5% as an ingredient into dairy product with high acceptability. Significant improvement in mineral content (Mg and Fe), polyphenols and antioxidant activity were reported in black carrot concentrate added dairy products. Developed dairy products exhibited an excellent amount of 24.52-113.27 mg/100g anthocyanins. Flavonoids increased by 14.52-34.62 times and Folin-Ciocalteu reducing capacity increased by 26.39-35.87 times in experimental dairy products. The storage study revealed that ice cream could be stored for more than 60 days, yogurt up to 5 days and buttermilk up to 10 days with excellent stability attributes.

Conclusion: Incorporation of black carrot concentrate at the level of 7.5% resulted in high acceptability and exceptional nutraceutical property of dairy products. Incorporation of black carrot concentrate into dairy products would enhance the nutraceutical properties and mineral content of food, which could be highly significant in preventing hidden hunger and oxidative stress-induced disorders in developing countries.