Effect of Fortification with Artemisia absinthium Leaf Powder on Yoghurt Quality during Storage

This study aimed to evaluate the sensorial, physicochemical, rheological, and microbiological properties of yoghurt fortified with Artemisia absinthium leaf powder during refrigerated storage. The valorization of this plant in food industry was realized by the incorporation of its dried leaf powder at various concentrations in order to produce a new functional yoghurt. It is interesting to note that the fortified yoghurt with the lowest Artemisia dose (2%) was the most preferred by the panel. Furthermore, this fortification did not affect the fermentation parameters nor the viability of lactic starter. During storage, the incorporation of Artemisia powder reduced syneresis and improved the microbiological properties of fortified yoghurts. Besides, at the end of storage, it was noted that yoghurt fortified with 2% of Artemisia powder presented the highest consistency (8.98±0.04 Pa sn) and antioxidant activity (60.08±3.61%) when compared to the control yoghurt. Finally, the accelerated shelf-life test showed the efficiency of Artemisia absinthium powder incorporation by increasing the shelf life of yoghurt by about 4 days.

Effect of Fortification with Artemisia absinthium Leaf Powder on Yoghurt Quality during Storage Keywords:

Functional yoghurt , Refrigerated storage , Wormwood , Yoghurt shelf life.