Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) flour added-cookies: chemical characterization and sensory acceptability among the patients with diabetes mellitus

Abstract

This study analyzed the sensory acceptability of yacon flour (YF) added-cookies, and determined the chemical composition of the traditional formulation and of those containing the highest contents of YF with the sensory acceptance similar to the standard product. Five formulations of biscuits have been prepared, being: standard (0 %) and four samples containing 5 %, 7.5 %, 10 % and 12.5 % of YF, respectively. For conducting the sensory analysis, 55 untrained tasters participated, who were diabetic patients of both genders, aged from 18 to 70 years. The results of sensory analysis showed that the addition of 7.5 % of YF was the best contents of yacon, and with the acceptance similar to the standard product, and mainly for the attributes appearance, aroma, taste, overall acceptance and purchase intention. The chemical analysis of standard samples and of 7.5 % YF-containing cookies showed higher levels of fiber, protein, ash and moisture in the sample with YF; however lower concentrations of carbohydrates and total calories were found. The development of products has demonstrated that the cookies containing YF up to 7.5 % were well accepted by the tasters and these samples evidenced the sensory acceptance similar to the standard product.