Journal Of Oleo Science, vol.71, no.2, pp.187-199, 2022 (SCI-Expanded)
This study aimed to prepare and evaluate ground red pepper and turmeric added virgin olive oil
(VOO) oleogels with whale spermaceti wax (WSW) as organogelator. The concentration of WSW was 8
wt%, and each spice was added at 1 overall wt%. Prepared oleogels were analyzed for main physicochemical,
structural, thermal, rheological properties. Further, aromatics volatile compositions, sensory
descriptive analysis and consumer tests were completed. Results indicated that the new oleogels were quite
spreadable preparates with acceptable quality indices. The oleogels included β type polymorphs, and
showed up to 38℃ of peak melting temperatures. Rheological measurements proved true gel structure
stable within applicable frequencies and above 38℃ surrounding temperatures. The oleogels were thermoreversible,
and their gel state was recoverable after high shear. Around 25 different aromatic volatile
compounds were identified in the two oleogels, most shown to be originating from the VOO, and the spices
added. The panel defined and scored the samples with 12 sensory descriptive (hardness, spreadability,
liquefaction, sandiness, olive fruit, grassy, waxy, rancid, bitter, hay, cooling and mouth coating) terms.
Sensory scores were mostly similar to each other and also within the ranges given in the literature for
similar spreadable fat products. Consumer test identified the samples with liked scores (above 4 in 5-max
point scale) for appearance, aroma, flavour and overall acceptability. In conclusion, ground spices enriched
VOO oleogels with WSW were developed successively to offer consumers spreadable olive oil products to
extent consumption patterns with special flavors and health benefits of the spices.