Impact of a novel partial defatting technology on oxidative stability and sensory properties of peanut kernels

Abstract

A novel process, 'mechanical expression preserving shape integrity', was conceived to prepare low-fat peanuts in response to health-conscious consumer demands. The main purpose of this study was to preserve the taste, aroma, and oxidative stability of the defatted product. Results generated from a central composite rotatable design showed that highest consumer sensory scores were reached at low pressures (4-6 MPa). Free fatty acid, peroxide, p-anisidine, and total oxidation values were mostly affected by water content [W] and pressure [P] with high correlation coefficients (82% < R² < 87%). Overall, lipid oxidation and flavor fade were associated with higher defatting ratios and greater physical damage. The latter plays a major role in increasing the surface area and facilitating the access of oxygen to the remaining oil, thus rendering the defatted product more prone to oxidation. However, oxidation was reduced significantly using a Response Surface Methodology to optimize conditions ([W] 12.2 ± 0.6%d.b., [P] 6 ± 0.3 MPa and time [t] 18.2 ± 0.6 min).

Keywords: Defatting; Flavor; Oxidation; Peanuts; Response Surface Methodology; Taste.