Innovative Application of Phytochemicals from Fermented Legumes and Spices/Herbs Added in Extruded Snacks

A trend related to adding legume seeds to various products has been observed. This work aimed to use fermented red bean/broad bean seeds and their hulls to produce extruded snacks with more beneficial nutritional properties and good sensory quality. Extruded snacks containing fermented ground seeds (50%) or hull (10%) of red bean/broad bean and corn grits with the addition of selected herbs/spices (0.5%) were prepared. The chemical composition, phenolic profile, antioxidant activity, and sensory quality were analysed. The results showed that the protein content ranged from 9 to 22.9 g 100 g(-1), phenolic compounds ranged from 3.97 to 12.80 mg 100 g(-1) (with the addition of herbs/spices, even up to 62.88 mg 100 g(-1)), and antioxidant activities ranged from 4.32 to 10.23 Trolox g(-1) (ABTS assay), depending on the type of fermented materials. The addition of ground seeds/hull did not influence the consumer desirability, whereas the addition of selected herbs/spices, particularly lovage, increased it. The application of fermented red bean and broad bean seeds and their hulls, as part of the assumptions of the planetary diet, enabled enrichment of extruded corn products, which are often consumed by vegans and vegetarians, with nutritionally valuable ingredients.

Automated summary

The study observed a trend of adding legume seeds to various products for improved nutritional properties and sensory quality. Results showed that the addition of selected herbs/spices increased phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities in extruded snacks. The use of fermented bean seeds and hulls enriched the nutritional value of extruded corn products, often consumed by vegans and vegetarians.