Effects of Edible Hydrocolloids on Quality Characteristics of the Fried Falafels Emphasize on Decreases in Oil Uptakes

Background and Objectives: Falafel is a cheap fast food with increasing consumptions. Since falafel is fried at high temperatures at the presence of oxygen and absorbs a large quantity of oil, its routine consumption is a potential risk to human health. Due to the increasing public demands for low-oil foods, the aim of this study was to investigate effects of Arabic, guar and xanthan gums as edible hydrocolloids on qualitative characteristics of fried falafels.  Materials & Methods: Hydrocolloids were added to the falafel formula at three levels (0.5, 1 and 2%); then, moisture content, oil uptake, texture hardness, color properties (L* a* b* indices), sensory attributes and adsorbed oil fatty acid profile were assessed. Results: Addition of hydrocolloids significantly increased moisture contents of the fried falafels. Quantity of the oil uptake and hardness of the samples significantly decreased by the addition of hydrocolloids since adding 2% of Arabic gum decreased the oil uptake of falafel by about 40%. Furthermore, addition of hydrocolloids decreased brightness (L*) and increased redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) of the samples. Sensory evaluation results showed that addition of hydrocolloids increased the appearance color, crispness and overall acceptability of the falafel samples, while mildly decreased the intensity of taste. Fatty acid profile of the absorbed oil by fried falafels was not significantly affected by the addition of hydrocolloids; however only quantity of unsaturated fatty acids increased. Conclusion: Addition of natural hydrocolloids to falafels can greatly decrease oil uptake with no significant changes in organoleptic properties, which is important for the health of consumers.