Physicochemical Properties, Antioxidant Activity, and Flavor Profile of Strawberry Fruit-Based Novel Drinking Jelly Made with <i>Gracilaria fisheri</i> Seaweed as a Gelling Agent at Varying Concentrations

<i>Gracilaria fisheri</i> (GF) is a red seaweed that is widely found in Southeast Asia and has gained attention for its potential bioactive compounds and versatile applications in food products. This study explored the potential of GF as a natural gelling agent in the development of sust...

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Main Authors: Narin Charoenphun, Paramee Noonim, Somwang Lekjing, Chawakwan Nitikornwarakul, Nam Hoang Pham, Karthikeyan Venkatachalam
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Gels
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2310-2861/11/1/54
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author Narin Charoenphun
Paramee Noonim
Somwang Lekjing
Chawakwan Nitikornwarakul
Nam Hoang Pham
Karthikeyan Venkatachalam
author_facet Narin Charoenphun
Paramee Noonim
Somwang Lekjing
Chawakwan Nitikornwarakul
Nam Hoang Pham
Karthikeyan Venkatachalam
author_sort Narin Charoenphun
collection DOAJ
description <i>Gracilaria fisheri</i> (GF) is a red seaweed that is widely found in Southeast Asia and has gained attention for its potential bioactive compounds and versatile applications in food products. This study explored the potential of GF as a natural gelling agent in the development of sustainable strawberry-based drinking jelly. By utilizing GF at varying concentrations (0.2 (S1), 0.4 (S2), 0.6 (S3), 0.8 (S4), and 1.0% (S5)), the impact on the physicochemical, textural, phytochemical, and flavor profiles of the strawberry concentrate-based drinking jelly was examined. The results demonstrated that GF concentration significantly affected the color characteristics, structural development, and flavor profiles of the drinking jelly samples. Increasing GF levels progressively enhanced the lightness (L*) and redness (a*) values while reducing the yellowness (b*), with optimal visual appeal achieved in the S4 samples compared to others. Microscopical observations revealed that gel matrix development improved with GF concentrations up to 0.8% (S4), transitioning from a sparse, liquid-like structure at lower levels to a compact, over-gelated network at 1.0% (S5). Physicochemical parameters, including pH, total soluble solid (TSS), and TSS/titratable acidity (TA) ratios, increased with GF levels, contributing to a sweeter, less acidic product, while water activity (a<sub>w</sub>) decreased, enhancing jelly stability. Viscosity and sulfate content increased significantly with GF concentration, indicating improved gel strength but reduced fluidity. Phytochemical analysis revealed that ascorbic acid (AsA) and total phenolic content (TPC) decreased progressively with higher GF levels, leading to a reduction in antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS). Volatile compound analysis identified alcohols, esters, and aldehydes as dominant contributors to the flavor profile. 1-Octanol (waxy, citrus-like) and methyl anthranilate (grape-like, sweet) increased substantially, while minor groups such as terpenoids and phenolic compounds contributed floral and woody notes. The findings suggest that S4 samples strike the optimal balance between texture, color, flavor, and antioxidant properties, achieving a cohesive, visually appealing, and flavorful drinking jelly suitable for commercial applications.
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series Gels
spelling doaj-art-ebfbb11a54694b869eb406a3cbd646282025-01-24T13:33:56ZengMDPI AGGels2310-28612025-01-011115410.3390/gels11010054Physicochemical Properties, Antioxidant Activity, and Flavor Profile of Strawberry Fruit-Based Novel Drinking Jelly Made with <i>Gracilaria fisheri</i> Seaweed as a Gelling Agent at Varying ConcentrationsNarin Charoenphun0Paramee Noonim1Somwang Lekjing2Chawakwan Nitikornwarakul3Nam Hoang Pham4Karthikeyan Venkatachalam5Faculty of Science and Arts, Burapha University, Chanthaburi Campus, Chanthaburi 22170, ThailandFaculty of Innovative Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Prince of Songkla University, Surat Thani Campus, Makham Tia, Mueang, Surat Thani 84000, ThailandFaculty of Innovative Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Prince of Songkla University, Surat Thani Campus, Makham Tia, Mueang, Surat Thani 84000, ThailandDepartment of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, ThailandDepartment of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of Hanoi, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18-Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi 10072, VietnamFaculty of Innovative Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Prince of Songkla University, Surat Thani Campus, Makham Tia, Mueang, Surat Thani 84000, Thailand<i>Gracilaria fisheri</i> (GF) is a red seaweed that is widely found in Southeast Asia and has gained attention for its potential bioactive compounds and versatile applications in food products. This study explored the potential of GF as a natural gelling agent in the development of sustainable strawberry-based drinking jelly. By utilizing GF at varying concentrations (0.2 (S1), 0.4 (S2), 0.6 (S3), 0.8 (S4), and 1.0% (S5)), the impact on the physicochemical, textural, phytochemical, and flavor profiles of the strawberry concentrate-based drinking jelly was examined. The results demonstrated that GF concentration significantly affected the color characteristics, structural development, and flavor profiles of the drinking jelly samples. Increasing GF levels progressively enhanced the lightness (L*) and redness (a*) values while reducing the yellowness (b*), with optimal visual appeal achieved in the S4 samples compared to others. Microscopical observations revealed that gel matrix development improved with GF concentrations up to 0.8% (S4), transitioning from a sparse, liquid-like structure at lower levels to a compact, over-gelated network at 1.0% (S5). Physicochemical parameters, including pH, total soluble solid (TSS), and TSS/titratable acidity (TA) ratios, increased with GF levels, contributing to a sweeter, less acidic product, while water activity (a<sub>w</sub>) decreased, enhancing jelly stability. Viscosity and sulfate content increased significantly with GF concentration, indicating improved gel strength but reduced fluidity. Phytochemical analysis revealed that ascorbic acid (AsA) and total phenolic content (TPC) decreased progressively with higher GF levels, leading to a reduction in antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS). Volatile compound analysis identified alcohols, esters, and aldehydes as dominant contributors to the flavor profile. 1-Octanol (waxy, citrus-like) and methyl anthranilate (grape-like, sweet) increased substantially, while minor groups such as terpenoids and phenolic compounds contributed floral and woody notes. The findings suggest that S4 samples strike the optimal balance between texture, color, flavor, and antioxidant properties, achieving a cohesive, visually appealing, and flavorful drinking jelly suitable for commercial applications.https://www.mdpi.com/2310-2861/11/1/54<i>Gracilaria fisheri</i>gelling agentdrinking jellystrawberryphysicochemical qualityflavor
spellingShingle Narin Charoenphun
Paramee Noonim
Somwang Lekjing
Chawakwan Nitikornwarakul
Nam Hoang Pham
Karthikeyan Venkatachalam
Physicochemical Properties, Antioxidant Activity, and Flavor Profile of Strawberry Fruit-Based Novel Drinking Jelly Made with <i>Gracilaria fisheri</i> Seaweed as a Gelling Agent at Varying Concentrations
Gels
<i>Gracilaria fisheri</i>
gelling agent
drinking jelly
strawberry
physicochemical quality
flavor
title Physicochemical Properties, Antioxidant Activity, and Flavor Profile of Strawberry Fruit-Based Novel Drinking Jelly Made with <i>Gracilaria fisheri</i> Seaweed as a Gelling Agent at Varying Concentrations
title_full Physicochemical Properties, Antioxidant Activity, and Flavor Profile of Strawberry Fruit-Based Novel Drinking Jelly Made with <i>Gracilaria fisheri</i> Seaweed as a Gelling Agent at Varying Concentrations
title_fullStr Physicochemical Properties, Antioxidant Activity, and Flavor Profile of Strawberry Fruit-Based Novel Drinking Jelly Made with <i>Gracilaria fisheri</i> Seaweed as a Gelling Agent at Varying Concentrations
title_full_unstemmed Physicochemical Properties, Antioxidant Activity, and Flavor Profile of Strawberry Fruit-Based Novel Drinking Jelly Made with <i>Gracilaria fisheri</i> Seaweed as a Gelling Agent at Varying Concentrations
title_short Physicochemical Properties, Antioxidant Activity, and Flavor Profile of Strawberry Fruit-Based Novel Drinking Jelly Made with <i>Gracilaria fisheri</i> Seaweed as a Gelling Agent at Varying Concentrations
title_sort physicochemical properties antioxidant activity and flavor profile of strawberry fruit based novel drinking jelly made with i gracilaria fisheri i seaweed as a gelling agent at varying concentrations
topic <i>Gracilaria fisheri</i>
gelling agent
drinking jelly
strawberry
physicochemical quality
flavor
url https://www.mdpi.com/2310-2861/11/1/54
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