The Effect of Apricot-Based Edible Coating on PhysicoChemical and Reduce Fat Uptake of Zucchini Cuttings during Frying

Due to the consumer demand for use of low-fat products, many efforts have been made to reduce oil absorption in fried products. Gums are a group of hydrocolloids that are used to reduce the absorption of oil in fried foods.

The effect of apricot gum based edible coating at different concentrations ( 0 , 8, 10 and 12%) during deep fat frying of zucchini cuttings were evaluated as a solution to reduce oil absorption and improve the shelf life. Physico-chemical properties of fried zucchini such as moisture and oil contents, frying yield, weight loss, acidity, pH and soluble solid content, shrinkage rate, ripening index, chlorophyll content and firmness were determined.

The results showed that coating with apricot gum had a significant effect on moisture and oil contents and frying yield of zucchini cuttings (P˂0.05). Coating with apricot gum resulted in higher acidity and lower pH and soluble solid content (BX) in coated samples. The lowest ripening and highest firmness was also observed in the coated samples.

This study suggests that by using edible coating based on apricot gum can be achieved in fried zucchini cuttings with less oil absorption and higher frying efficiency, which is more acceptable to the consumer in terms of physicochemical properties. The best results obtained using apricot gum coating at a concentration of 12%.