Characterization of the rheological and technological properties of the plant-based ice cream of the açaí and jabuticaba peel flour with faba bean protein.

Abstract

The development of a plant-based ice cream using an alternative protein together with açaí and jabuticaba peel flour is a way of meeting the demands for plant-based products and valuing the Brazilian biodiversity. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the rheological and technological characterization of plant-based ice cream of the açaí and jabuticaba peel flour with faba bean protein. Eight formulations were prepared using different concentrations of açaí and jabuticaba peel flour preparation (25%-40%), faba bean protein concentrate (FBPC) (8.5%-20%) and coconut oil (5%-10%). The study revealed that protein concentration having a significant impact on rheological properties. Formulations with high FBPC presented resistance to melting, less overrun and increased the hardness, while moderate levels, especially below 10%, presented characteristics equivalent to the control ice cream (4% faba bean protein), similar to the conventional commercial dairy ice cream. Based on these results, the ideal formulation would have 40% of açaí preparation, 8.5% of FBPC and 6.35% of coconut oil. These findings contribute to understand the complex interactions between the composition and physical characteristics of ice cream with faba bean protein and tropical fruits, aiming to improve its technological properties.