Oxidative stability of direct-expanded chickpea-sorghum snacks

In contrast to other pulses, chickpea has a relatively high fat content (3%-10%). This study was designed to investigate direct-expanded chickpea-sorghum extruded snacks (50:50, 60:40, and 70:30 chickpea:sorghum, w/w) with respect to: their oxidative stability and sensory properties during accelerated (55°C) and room temperature (25°C) storage; correlations between chemical markers (peroxide value and p-anisidine value) and sensory data during accelerated storage; and the shelf-life of snacks extruded at the optimal expansion point as determined by a rotatable central composite design. Peroxide values and p-anisidine values were in the range of 0-2.5 mEq/Kg and 5-30, respectively, for both accelerated and room temperature storage, and increased during storage (p < .05). 70:30 and 60:40 (w/w) chickpea-sorghum snacks had higher peroxide and p-anisidine values compared to the 50:50 snack during storage at either temperature (p < .05). Rancid aroma and off-flavor of 60:40 and 70:30 chickpea-sorghum snacks (slightly intense = 6) also were higher than that of the 50:50 snack (moderately weak = 3) (p < .05). Significant correlations (p < .05) were found between chemical markers and sensory attributes (p < .05). The study illustrated that shelf-life decreased as the percentage of chickpea in the blend increased. Therefore, in terms of shelf-life, a 50:50 chickpea-sorghum blend is preferable.