The effect of baking powder micro-encapsulated carnauba wax on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of chicken coated with tempura powder during the storage period

Coated foods are consumed in restaurants and homes immediately or shortly after preparation. This study was conducted with the aim of microencapsulating baking powder with carnauba wax in tempura formulation and investigating the changes of tempura powder during storage. Finally, its effect on the characteristics of coated chicken was investigated.

Baking powder was microencapsulated with carnauba wax at a ratio of 1:1. Tempura powder was prepared in three groups: T1 (control), T2 (tempura + 3% free baking powder), T3 (tempura + 3% encapsulated baking powder) and after comparing the physicochemical characteristics were used in preparation coats and evaluated for chicken fillet.

An increase in fat content, ash, and higher CO2 production, as well as a decrease in aw and protein in T2 and T3 treatments as compared to the control sample (p<0.05). The use of tempura powder with a new formulation significantly prevented the increase of peroxide in the samples during frying (p<0.05). Also, dough absorption and higher porosity were reported in the coated T2 and T3 samples as compared to the control (p<0.05).  A decrease in L* and increase of a* and b*was also reported in these treatments (p<0.05). A decrease in texture stiffness was reported in tempura-coated products (p<0.05). The highest score in the investigated parameters (taste, aroma, color, texture, and overall acceptance) was reported in T2 and T3 treatments (p<0.05).

Microencapsulation of baking powder is a promising method to prepare coated products with quality and texture and more marketability in this growing market.